Using Fly Fishing Nippers

Fly Fishing Nippers Buyer’s Guide

Have you ever bitten through a leader? If yes, you’re not alone; most anglers have a habit of cutting their fly fishing lines using their teeth. I have too, and there is nothing more disappointing and painful than damaging your teeth while fly fishing in the cold. Fortunately, there is a perfect solution for this problem, and that is the nippers. Nippers come in a wide range of materials, shapes, and sizes, and the fact that most top fly fishing product manufacturers produce them means they’re essential.

Nippers can cut the line and, in some cases, trim the tag ends of the monofilament line immediately after tying your line and cutting a new tippet from your spool. In fact, with the best overall nipper like Dr. Slick Knot Tying-Nippers, you can tackle a wide range of knots.

The Best Fly Fishing Nippers Reviewed

1.   Dr. Slick Knot Tying-Nippers – Best Overall

If you fly fish regularly, you know that your new nippers will get a lot of action. I use my nippers over 20 times when fly fishing in the Great Lakes; therefore, I have gone through several nippers over the last couple of years. I had more than one pair of nippers every time I went for my fly fishing weekend getaways.

But everything changed when my fishing buddy introduced me to Dr. Slick Knot Tying Nippers. Don’t get me wrong, any nipper can do the job, but they get wet and are prone to rust. So if this is your main worry, you should go for the Dr. Slick Knot Tying Nippers. After all, it is stainless steel.

Another exceptional feature that helps it stand out is that it comes with a perfectly flushed set of jaws. As an exceptionally designed unit, it is guaranteed to make the work of tying knots easier, and you can work with a wide range of lines up to 50lbs.

And to make your work easier, it comes with a recessed pin that helps clear gunk from the hook’s eye while picking apart a wide range of knots. This nipper is a tad extra. It comes with a unique tube for tying nail knots for hook length. Its satin or black finish makes it stand out among its competitors. (source)

Guide Tip: Read what others are saying about the Dr. Slick Nippers with this shortcut link to Amazon 👉 Dr. Slick Knot Tying Nippers

Specs

  • Brand: Dr. Slick
  • Material: Japanese stainless steel
  • Length: 2 inches
  • Color: satin or black finish

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Rust resistant
  • High-quality
  • It can help you with a wide range of knots

Cons

  • Nail knot tyer not ideal for small patterns

Overall rating: 4.4 out of 5

Knots for fly fishing
Knots for fly fishing

2.   Orvis Comfy Grip Nippers – Easy To Use

Every time you buy Orvis, you know you’re getting a high-quality and reliable product; plus, it’s not easy to find something from Orvis at this price range. But despite its price, this nipper is both simple and very effective. Thanks to its unique design, this nipper guarantees your specific benefits with a user-friendly style.

The Orvis Comfy Grip Nipper has numerous distinctive features that put it at the top of our list. The first thing that stands out is its comfy grip that fits perfectly in your hand while reducing strain and tension. Its comfortable grip will make it easy for you to control this nipper in various weather conditions. Thanks to its sharpened edges and great padding, you can use it in cold weather.

Another crucial advantage of the nippers is their unique build quality. Orvis machined this nipper from surgical stainless steel, known for its exceptional resilience and strength. Plus, the metal can withstand corrosion; therefore, it will serve you for a very long time.

Another essential thing that sets this low-profile nipper from the others is the cutting edges. This nipper comes with a straight-edge cutting surface that makes it very easy to manage, especially on different fishing lines. Plus, it comes with a cleaning needle, so you can easily manage your hook’s eye. (source)

Guide Tip: Check out the current prices and reviews at Amazon with this shortcut link 👉 Orvis Comfy Grip Nippers

Specs

  • Brand: Orvis
  • Materials: stainless steel
  • Color: citron

Pros

  • Sharpened edge
  • Reliable design
  • Comfortable padding
  • Ideal for cutting a wide range of fishing lines

Cons

  • The foam tends to perish with time.

Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5

3.   Loon Rogue Classic Nippers – Best Budget Nipper

Another exceptional nipper that can serve you for a very long time without making you break the bank is the Loon Fly classic nippers. This nipper is a no-nonsense fly fishing tool that can help improve your future fishing excursions. Its low-profile and straightforward design makes it the best option for handling different tasks.

Despite being a budget nipper, it is crafted from surgical quality steel, so you will never have to worry about tarnishing or rusting. Its surgical quality steel guarantees you high-performance nipping with little to no effort.

Its straight, cutting edge will help you trim the lines with ease. Like most nippers, it has an eye-clearing needle that can help you clear the hook eye effortlessly.

The most crucial feature of this brand is its comfortable handles; in fact, the extra grip offers you the best position when tying knots and managing lines. Therefore, even with soaked hands, you can hold this nipper without worrying about slippage.

Instead of a retractable leader or a D-ring, this nipper has an attachment ring. You can even unscrew the lanyard and attach it to your belt or fishing vest. (source)

Guide Tip: I’m always loosing nippers. Getting some that are a little less expensive will allow you to get extras. Amazon carries the Loon Classic Nippers. Check out the current prices with this shortcut link 👉 Loon Rogue Classic Nippers

Specs

Pros

  • Sharp cutting edge
  • Comfortable grip
  • Reliable wire connector

Cons

  • Smaller than expected

Overall rating: 4.7 out of 5

4.   Umpqua River Grip Big Nipper – Best Big Grip Nipper

Umpqua is a renowned fly fishing brand that has produced some of the best dry flies in the market, and this nipper is no exception. This nipper is for folks who love huge things that are easy to see. And if you tend to misplace stuff on your vessel, this may be the best option.

Unlike the other nippers on our list, this big nipper provides you better grip and is easier to use even with tiny flies. I love its rubberized handles and bright colors, making them easy to spot and hold even with sausage fingers.

Umpqua Big Nip Nippers
Umpqua Big Nip Nippers – photo credit Umpqua

Another unique feature that makes it stand out is the jaws’ cutting action, which makes it easier to use. Plus, the fact that it’s available in several colors is a bonus. Its substantial securing works perfectly, and most anglers love that once attached to the zinger, you will never have to worry about losing it.

Since this nipper’s jaws are massive enough, you can easily tie your knot and snip it to perfection. Even in poor lighting, you can efficiently work with this nipper without injuring yourself. (source)

Guide Tip: These nippers are excellent on cold days. Don’t let numb fingers stop you from tying and clipping Knots. Read what others are saying about the Umpqua Big Grip Nips with this shortcut link to Amazon 👉 Umpqua River Grip Big Nipper

Specs

  • Brand: Umpqua
  • Color: blue
  • Handle material: rubber

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Ideal for folks with huge hands
  • Oversized jaw
  • Easier to use
  • Non-slip finish

Cons

  • Bigger than average

Overall rating: 4.2 out of 5

5.   Facikono Fishing Quick Knot Fishing Nipper – Best Design

Whether you love kayak fishing, ice fishing, or fly fishing, the Facikono fishing nipper has everything you will need to tie your fishing knots. Its exceptional 4-in-1 design makes it the best single tool for handling many tasks. It can assist with cleaning the needle’s hook eye and dealing with the end of the line.

This quick knot tool can easily tie combo knits with hook sharpeners to make your work easier. Another thing that I love about this product is that you got two individual tools when you purchased it. Therefore, you can keep one home and carry the other for your next fishing trip.

Another feature that stands out is that it comes with a retractable buckle. Generally, nippers are small and quite hard to keep on when fishing. Therefore, to make it easy for you to carry, this nipper comes with a retractable buckle that you can easily attach to your belt or fishing belt. The 24-inch string makes it easy to access your nippers without worrying about losing them.

The fact that it’s made from stainless steel, so it can easily handle high-tension tasks without getting damaged. It is the best option for saltwater and freshwater anglers. (source)

Guide Tip: Check out the current prices and reviews at Amazon with this shortcut link 👉 Facikono Fishing Quick Knot Fishing Nipper

Specs

  • Brand: Facikono
  • Material: stainless steel, non-slip rubber
  • Weight: 0.08kg

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Compact and small design
  • It comes with helpful tying knots
  • High-quality material

Cons

  • None

Overall rating: 4.3 out of 5

Factors To Consider When Picking The Right Fly Fishing Nippers

Despite its size, a nipper is a must-have tool that can make your next fishing trip fun and easier. It can help with different types of knots and also help trim the excess lines. But with the numerous options available, picking the right one can be pretty challenging, so here are a few key factors to consider when buying your next fly fishing nippers:

Are Nippers Prone To Rusting?

Since you will be fishing in a wide range of water bodies and weather conditions, you need nippers that are not prone to rust. Therefore, other than the durability of the materials used to make the nipper, you should look for a tool made from rust-resistant materials like stainless steel. Remember, tarnishing or corrosion can reduce its cutting power.

Another reliable material that can withstand fresh and saltwater without rusting is aluminum. It is also a very lightweight material, making it the best option for long fly fishing weekends.

If you’re going for strength and power, you should try tungsten carbide, but you may have to spend a lot of cash on these tools.

Blade Type

The blade type on these nippers is the second most crucial factor you must consider. Remember, they come with either fixed or removable blades. The best option should be the ones with removable blades that you can easily replace when they lose their sharpness. But with a fixed blade, you may have to purchase a new tool when the blade gets damaged.

Therefore, depending on your budget, you can get a nipper with a fixed or removable blade.

nippers for fly fishing
Nippers for Fly Fishing Make a Great Gift – Check out my list of 👉 Fly Fishing Gifts under $20

Handle Design

Another unique feature that can play a crucial role in the ease of use is the grip design. Remember, you will be working even when it’s raining, which means working with slimy and wet hands; therefore, the handle design matters a lot.

Generally, they come with comfort padding, but you should ensure that you can easily use them. After all, an excellent grip will make it possible for you to apply more pressure.

One More Cast

The best nippers should allow you to clip your fishing lines with ease. And provided they are made using high-quality materials, they will serve you for a very long time. But most importantly, make sure it feels comfortable in your hands and has a reliable attachment system for keeping it safe while fishing; after all, it is a tiny device that can be easily misplaced.

Our research has helped us conclude that Dr. Slick Knot Tying-Nippers is the best nipper in the market. It can handle a wide range of knots while feeling comfortable in your hands. Plus, the fact that it’s affordable is a bonus. The second best nippers are the Loon fly fishing classic nippers, which can give you value for your money.


Are you looking for some great How To Fly Fish Articles? Checkout this list:


Hi David Humphries Owner of Guide Recommended. I love everything to do with fly fishing. Casting, Tying, YouTube, writing about it and even teaching. I’ve got a FREE video workshop teaching how to dry fly fish at this link How to Fly Fish

Sources

  1. A Big thanks to my friends at Umpqua for picture use. Trust Umpqua the Worlds Best Flies
  2. Amazon contributor, Dr. Slick Knot Tying-Nippers, https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Slick-Knot-Tying-Nippers/dp/B08D9MW5X8/ Accessed June 19, 2022
  3. Amazon contributor, Orvis Comfy Grip Nippers, https://www.amazon.com/Orvis-Comfy-Grip-Nippers/dp/B07K8VPNGZ/ Accessed June 19, 2022
  4. Amazon contributor, Loon Fly Fishing Classic Nippers, https://www.amazon.com/Loon-Fishing-Classic-Nipper-Comfy/dp/B082YH7QS2/ Accessed June 19, 2022
  5. Amazon contributor, Umpqua River Grip Big Nipper, https://www.amazon.com/Umpqua-River-Grip-Big-Nipper/dp/B0896V45WC/ Accessed June 19, 2022
  6. Amazon contributor, Facikono Fishing Quick Knot Fishing Nipper, https://www.amazon.com/Facikono-Fishing-Nippers-Retractor-Buckles/dp/B0B1T5KNTS/ Accessed June 19, 2022
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