No one ever wants their fish to swallow a fishhook or have it get stuck, but it’s almost a right of passage for every angler.

Sooner or later, you’ll need to remove one.

This can be particularly difficult if your fish has teeth that could cut up your hand.

Fortunately, there are several quality fish hook removers available from reputable brands.

Along with giving you short reviews of each of them, we’ll outline buying considerations and answer some of your frequently asked questions.

By the end, you’ll know everything you need to about this specialized tool.

You may even add one or two to your gear.

Here Are The Best Fish Hook Removers

Greggur Easy Fishing Hook Remover

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This hook remover has an ergonomic handle that fits in the palm of your hand for easy operation. The aluminum design is lightweight but durable, and it is very resistant to rust, corrosion, and general wear and tear. You can operate it with one hand, and it’ll safely remove the hooks.

Pros

• Has a durable aluminum body
• Plastic handle gives you a comfortable grip
• Very lightweight design

Cons

• Can be hard to press the handle down
• Doesn’t grab the hook

SAMSFX Plastic Hook Disgorger Remover

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You get two plastic removers when you order this product. This allows you to fish for large and small fish without a problem. The slender and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around and store between uses. It grips onto the hooks to prevent them from slipping or falling off.

Pros

• Easy to carry and store
• Get two hook removers in one order
• Has two sizes

Cons

• Plastic is prone to breaking
• Difficult to use with one hand

Eagle Claw Lazer Easy Reach Hook Remover

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This tool has a thick plastic handle that makes it easy to get a firm grip when you use it. It has a largely metal design that is durable enough to withstand freshwater and saltwater fishing. The long but thin body can read hooks that are deeper in the fish, and it fits into smaller fish as well.

Pros

• Hole to loop a cord through for storage
• Has a durable design
• Thin enough to use on several different fish

Cons

• Handle is plastic
• Might not grip the hook good enough

SAMSFX Fishing Loop Tyer Hook Remover 2in1

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This hook remover comes in several different bright colors to make it easy to see. It’s a triple action tool that you can use to remove hooks, tie knots, and create loops. The stainless steel hook remover is very durable, and it comes with a clip for easy storage.

Pros

• Carabiner clip attaches to your vest
• Available in several bright colors
• Works three ways

Cons

• Doesn’t work well in cold environments
• Knot loop is very little

Stainless Steel Fish Hook Remover

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This spring-loaded hook remover is easy to use with one hand, and it has a very slim design that allows you to use it on different sized fish. The stainless steel body works well in freshwater and saltwater, and you’ll get a firm grip on the hook each time you use it.

Pros

• Spring-loaded design
• Has a durable stainless steel body
• Easy to use with a single hand

Cons

• Can be difficult to squeeze the handle
• Will corrode over time

2 Pack – Aluminum Blue Fish Hook Remover

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This aluminum hook extractor has an ABS handle that is very durable, and the handle has a thicker design that makes it comfortable. The pointed head is easy to get around the hook, and it’s long enough to keep your fingers away from any teeth. It has non-slip jaws that are spring-loaded as well.

Pros

• Aluminum body is durable
• Handle has a thicker design
• Lightweight design

Cons

• Better in freshwater
• May be too thick for some fish

Crazy Shark Hook Remover (13.6in)

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This hook remover comes in five colors and patterns. It has aviation-class aluminum with a stainless steel hook for maximum durability. It offers a single handed operation, and the handles are ABS plastic. It’s long and thin enough to use on several fish species without doing further damage.

Pros

• Corrosion-resistant design
• Easy to use
• Lightweight and portable

Cons

• Has a learning curve
• Handle is plastic

Berkley Stainless Steel Hook Remover

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You get a sure grip jaw action that firmly holds onto the hook when you use it. The all-metal construction helps to prevent rust or corrosion due to water or humidity. The spring-loaded trigger handle allows for one-handed operation, and it has a narrow design that works for small and large fish.

Pros

• Attached strap makes carrying it easy
• Full metal body
• Sure-grip head

Cons

• Has a bulky design
• Spring isn’t durable

Things to Know Before Buying a Fishhook Remover

Not all removers are the same, and you have to know what to look for when you start to compare products. We’ve picked out the most common ones you want to keep in mind below.

Material
The material you choose is really important because it’ll dictate how well it holds up against corrosion, wear, rust, and tear. Since this fishhook remover is going to be in a lot of different environments, it has to be durable. Look for removers with a stainless steel or aluminum body. Double-check the handle and see what material it is. Also, make sure it can stand up to cold as well as heat.

Length
What size fish do you usually go after? Larger fish can require you to have a longer hook remover because the hook can get stuck down lower in their bodies. If you usually fish for panfish, you can get away with having a smaller hook remover. Maybe you’ll have to buy one of each if you try to catch a variety of fish. Whatever you choose, keep the length in mind.

Weight
Bigger fishhook removers will weigh more, and this can make them difficult to manage. They may be too heavy for use with smaller fish. When you shop, you can see on Amazon where they list the fishhook remover weight. You can compare the various tools until you find one that matches your fishing style. Again, if you fish for different sizes of fish, it could be a good idea to have more than one weight available.

Hook Size
Each fish hook remover comes designed to pull out a certain sized hook. Some are too small to get a good grip on a large hook while others are too large to get in and grab a large hook. This can be tricky because there are removers that can handle a few different sized hooks. When you shop, consider which hooks or lures you like to fish with and keep the hook size in mind.

Grip
Since you’re dealing with a hook, the grip will be very important. You want to get a firm grip on your fishhook remover to minimize the trauma to the fish when you remove it. You also don’t want to slip and have the hook accidentally go into your hand. The grip should give you enough room to comfortably hold the tool, and it should have an anti-slip coating or properties attached to it.

Color
The color of your fishhook remover is more for aesthetics, but it can be important too. For example, if you get a fishhook remover with bright coloring, it’ll be easier to spot in your gear. It’s also easier to see if you take it outside or work in dim lighting conditions. This isn’t as important as other things on the list, but it’s something to think about.

Cost
As with any piece of gear you buy, the cost will factor into your final selection. Luckily, there is a huge range of prices available that can fit into any budget. You do want to make sure that it uses durable materials that will last through years of use. This is why many people prepare to spend a little more on their hook remover than spend less and have to replace it a few years down the line.

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Different Types of Hook Removers

Generally, removers fall into two broad categories. Anglers on both sides swear their choice is the best, but it all comes down to personal preference. You should try both of them to see which one you like the feel of better before you settle on one type.

Spring-Loaded
First up is the spring-loaded hook remover. This tool has a handle with a spring that holds the jaws of the tool together. When you press down, the jaws open and clamp around the fishhook. They’re popular with anglers of all skill levels because you get a really firm grip that usually doesn’t slip back out of the fish. They have a slightly more narrow design associated with them.

Solid-Piece
The other category is the solid piece hook remover. These are the more traditional and older removers. You’ll get a metal rod with a curved piece at the end that you catch around your hook. They make you manually pry the hook out of the fish, and it usually takes more than one hand to do it. You may even need two people to operate this type of hook remover.

Hook Remover Versus Long-Nosed Pliers

Some anglers think that using long-nosed pliers work just as well as traditional removers. However, pliers have a wider design that makes it difficult to reach far into the fish to get the hook out. You could even accidentally cause more damage to the fish because you have to dig around a little with them. Pliers may also take two hands to operate.

A hook remover comes specially designed to remove the hooks from deep in the fish. They also have a firm gripping end that won’t slip or let go once you get it around your hook. If you need to operate them one-handed, a spring-loaded hook remover gives you the flexibility to do so. They also come in different sizes that make them easy to use with varying species of fish.

Best Fish Hook Removers

We’ve picked out the top eight best fish hook removers that fit into any budget. Our short reviews will help you compare the various products and pick out the one that suits your needs the best.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does the hook remover work?
The hook remover will help you get deep into the fish’s belly without injuring it. Once you get it, you use it to carefully extract the stuck hook and pull it back out of the fish. Ideally, you’ll do this with as little damage as possible to give the fish the best chance for survival.

2. What is a hook Disgorger?
This is the exact same tool as a hook remover. It’s just another name people call this vital tool. It removes the hooks that are stuck deep in your fish’s body. In turn, you’ll be able to let them go, and they can return to the water and survive.

3. How do you use a fish hook remover tool?
These tools are relatively straightforward. First, you have to grip the fish by their lip, so their mouth is open. Look to see if you can see where the hook got caught in your fish. Once you see it, you can get your hook remover ready. You want to guide the hook remover into the fish to the lure. Carefully grasp onto the hook and back it out of the fish. When you have it out, you can gently remove it from the fish before releasing the fish back into the water.

4. How do you remove a barbed hook?
If you plan to release the fish, you’ll have to be very careful when you remove a barbed hook. With a J hook, all you have to do is rotate the hook out the way it came in. With a barbed hook, you will want to dull the barb before you pull it out. You can do this by pinching the hook before taking it out.

5. What type of fish would I use a hook remover on?
You can use a hook remover on any type of fish. However, it’s really good for fish that accidentally swallow the hook. Pike, Northern, and other fish with teeth are good ones to use it on because you don’t want to accidentally cut yourself.