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Getting the hook off the fish’s mouth is something that you should not take lightly. It is very dangerous, not only for the fish but for you as well. So, it makes sense to take every precaution you can to avoid that.
Buying a good hook remover is one such precaution. There are many different options available ranging from pistol-like to T-style which one is the most suitable for you depending on your particular needs.
Here we give you 10 of the best hook extractors you can find on the market today.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks:
10 Best Fish Hook Removers Reviewed
RUNCL Fishing Hook Remover
- 【13.6" Aluminum Alloy Long Nose Fish Hook...
- 【Squeeze Out Fish Hook Extractor】: The fishing...
- 【Stainless Steel Rounded Hook】: The removal...
Features
- Pistol design
- Plastic handles
- Corrosion-resistant
The pistol-like RUNCL hook remover is among the best options you can find. Particularly for situations where the hook is deep inside the fish’s mouth.
The hook remover has plastic handles with a rubberized coating for a better grip. The body consists of a 13.6 or 10.6 inches long aluminum alloy tube. There is a spring inside it, which connects with the trigger and the stainless steel hook. Therefore, you can easily operate the hook extractor with one hand.
The rounded stainless steel hook does no damage to the line or the fish. Plus, you can use it on saltwater as well, thanks to its corrosion-resistant construction.
Pros:
- Easy to use with one hand
- You can reach deeper with it
- Secure grip regardless of the situation
Cons:
- You need to apply good pressure to activate the mechanism
- It doesn’t come with a wrist strap
- Rubber coating degrades with time
BUBBA Hook Extractor With Non-Slip Grip
- DIMENSIONS: 10.5" Overall Length; 4. 5" Handle &...
- DURABLE: Constructed of Anodized Aluminum with...
- RELIABLE: Can cut through mono, braid or...
Features
- T-style design
- Textured plastic handles
- Corrosion-resistant aluminum frame with titanium-nitride coating
- 12 and 6 inches versions
The BUBBA hook extractor is an ideal option for those anglers who are after trophy-sized fish. It features a heavy-duty anodized aluminum frame. Plus, the titanium-nitride coating gives superb protection against corrosion.
The ergonomic non-slip handles are comfortable and yield great grip even when wet. There is no need for a wristband with these grips. They are also very smooth. Hence, you don’t need to apply too much pressure to get the hook of the fish’s mouth.
The stainless steel hook has a wide mouth, perfect for hooks of all sizes. BUBBA offers this extractor in two lengths: 6 and 12. Choose one according to your needs.
Pros:
- The grip is firm even when wet
- Superb reach
- Durable construction
- Comfortable handles
Cons:
- Very expensive compared with other options
Booms Fishing R1 Stainless Steel Fish Hook Remover
- Keep fingers away from the toothy fish and removes...
- Extracts hook with minimal harm to your catch
- Built in 11" size, long and sturdy enough for...
Features
- Pistol design
- Stainless steel handles
- Corrosion-resistant built
Although odd-looking, the R1 by Booms Fishing is among the best hook removers you can find. It has a durable and corrosion-resistant stainless steel build.
The R1 is 11.1 inches long and has a pistol-like construction. This time, however, the hook remover features a serrated head, just like the ones you find on most pliers. It works great with most hooks, regardless of how thick they are. Things are different when it comes to treble hooks. You might need to shake the tool vigorously to remove such hooks.
The R1 is an ideal tool for fresh and saltwater anglers alike. The lack of grip is our main concern. Plus, the hook remover will sink rapidly if dropped in the water.
Pros:
- Works great with hooks of all thickness
- The serrated head gives a great grip
- Long body
Cons:
- Sometimes you might need to shake the remover to get the hook off
- No wrist strap and nowhere to tie one
DICERO 10 Inches Fishing Hook Remover
Features
- T-style design
- Plastic handles
- Corrosion-resistant aluminum frame
- Plastic lip gripper
- It comes with a handle cord
The DICERO hook extractor is, arguably, the best hook remover for beginners. It has an extremely affordable price. Plus, it comes with a plastic lip gripper. It might not be the best lip holder in terms of quality. But it will be enough for small to medium-sized fish.
The T-style hooker remover features an aircraft-grade aluminum frame. At one end, you have a set of plastic handles. On the other, the stainless steel hook. The entire construction is resistant to corrosion.
So far, this is the only hook remover with a strap at the handle. Hook it to your belt to secure the remover.
Pros:
- It comes with a cord and lip gripper out of the box
- Great value for your money
- Work with all hooks and lures
Cons:
- It is hard to pull the level
- The lip gripper is not suitable for large fish
- The hook is a little rough, be careful not to cut the line
PureZoneA Squeeze-Out Fish Hook Remover
- Material: Made of Anodized Aluminum and ABS handle...
- Product features: not easy to embroider, quick...
- Reduced damage: our hook-and-eye remover removes...
Features
- T-style design
- Plastic handles
- Corrosion-resistant aluminum body
Changing styles, we bring this T-handle hook remover by PureZoneA. The construction is quite similar to the previous remover, as you will see in just a moment.
The easy fish hook remover features a T-style ABS plastic handle. It looks durable but uncomfortable, and it has a hole to attach a wrist wrap.
The body is anodized aluminum with stainless steel rounded hook at the end. The hook retracts as you pull the handle; thereby, removing the hook from the fish’s mouth.
The fact that you get two hook removers is something worth mentioning. Plus, the price is notably low! Making this one of the most affordable hook removers on this list.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Suitable for saltwater use
Cons:
- Uncomfortable handle
- It doesn’t work too well with treble hooks
SAMSFK Fishing Hook Disgorger
- Plastic construction, lightweight and practical,...
- Perfect for removing treble hooks from fish with...
- Decrease the rate of hurting fish, ensures maximum...
Features
- Disgorger
- Plastic construction
- 2 pieces
This hook remover doesn’t look like any of the others we’ve reviewed thus far. But it still works fine once you get used to it.
The SAMSFX hook remover looks like a toothpick. You will find a different head at each end. Use one or the other according to the hook you are trying to remove.
You will get two hook removers, each one with two unique ends. Plus, you can choose between three colors. The plastic construction is light. But we feel that it might not be strong enough for large hooks, especially if the fish doesn’t stay still while you use it.
Pros:
- Bang for the buck
- It fits inside any tackle box or bag
- Secure grip
Cons:
- Not compatible with treble hooks
- Not suitable for aggressive fishes
- It takes some time to get used to it
Crazy Shark Aluminum Hook Remover
- √ Light weight &Strong: Selected aviation class...
- √ Comfortable handling: Ergonomic Carbine design
- √ Fashion colors: Corrosion resistant fashion...
Features
- Pistol design
- Textured plastic handles
- Corrosion-resistant aluminum frame
- Hook/knife sharpening tool
The Crazy Shark hook remover is one of the most comfortable removers you can find. The pistol-like design is smooth and easy to use. You can easily operate it with a single hand.
With 13.5 inches long, the Crazy Shark is one of the largest hook removers on this list. It has a durable textured plastic handle, an anodized aluminum frame, and a stainless steel hook. So, you can use this hook remover for both fresh and saltwater angling.
Retailing at 16 dollars, it is slightly more expensive than the average. However, you will be getting a long-lasting tool. And if you add a couple of extra bucks, you get a hook/knife sharpening tool!
Pros:
- Anti-split handle
- Long, it reaches even the deepest hook
- Easy to operate
Cons:
- Dirt or sand can damage the internals
- More expensive than other models
Cuda Titanium Bonded Dehooker
- Fishing Hook Remover: The ultimate fishing tool,...
- Durable Construction: Constructed from...
- Non-Slip Grip: Great for freshwater or small salt...
Features
- T-style design
- Plastic handles with textured rubber coating
- Corrosion-resistant aluminum frame
- Titanium de-hooking mechanism
- 8.5 and 18 inches available
The Cuda Titanium is another premium hook remover. It is an ideal companion for those anglers that expect to get the most out of their gear.
Like most T-style hook removers, the Cuda Titanium has an anodized aluminum body. This time, however, it features a titanium de-hooking mechanism. Although the construction is resistant to corrosion, we don’t recommend using this hook remover for saltwater angling. Its 8.5 inches aren’t enough for the large fishes that lurk beneath such waters. Use the 18 inches version for this purpose.
The plastic handle has a rubberized coating to increase the grip. Both models have the exact same construction.
Pros:
- Durable
- The 8.5 inches version is ideal for kayak fishing
- Smooth operation
- The large, 18 inches version, is perfect for thick hooks and extreme fishing conditions
Cons:
- More expensive than other models
- It is difficult to set the hook
- The smaller the hook, the harder it is to get it off
Booms Fishing R05 Hook Remover
- [Simpler and More Efficient] 7 inch dehooker is...
- [Hook-out Simply]have the line wrapped around hand...
- [Release on Time]what a important thing to fish is...
Features
- Plastic handles
- Stainless steel construction
- 2x removers
Are you looking for a simple hook remover? Well, it doesn’t get simpler than with the Booms Fishing R05 Dehooker. But beware, simplicity comes at a price.
The R05 hooker remover features a 6.9 inches stainless steel Dehooker. It comes with a rounded head, which will hurt neither fish nor fishing line. The handles are light ABS plastic.
According to the supplier, this hook extractor works best for fish under 20 pounds. Therefore, it is not suitable for any trophy fish. Plus, It is not the best option when the hook is deep inside the fish’s mouth.
Pros:
- Ideal for beginners
- Affordable
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Not suitable for large fishes
- It is hard to take the hook off if it is deep inside the fish
GRANDBUY Hook Remover, Scale, and Lip Gripper Combo
No products found.
Features
- Plastic handles
- Aluminum construction
- Lip gripper and digital scale included
- Comes with strap
This is the best bundle for those looking to start their fishing career. It comes with a T-Style hook remover, lip gripper, and digital scale with measuring tape. So, yes, it has all you need.
But let’s talk about what matters, the hook remover. It has an air-craft-grade body with a stainless steel hook extractor. The handles are black plastic, and the entire construction measures 6.7 inches. Nothing impressive, but it will hold small to medium-sized fish.
The lip gripper and scale are only suitable for medium or smaller fishes. Although neither is of top quality, getting this bundle for less than 25 bucks is something amazing.
Pros:
- Comes with a scale and lip gripper
- Corrosion-resistant
- Comes with strap
- Soft operation
Cons:
- Not for large fishes
- Not compatible with large hooks
Our Top Pick: BUBBA Hook Extractor
True, this isn’t the most affordable hook remover on this list. But in our opinion, this is the best of all extractors. First, the 12 inches version is suitable for a wide range of fish. So, no need to purchase another one for large or small species.
On the other hand, the non-slip grips are comfortable. We miss the wrist strap, of course.
The aluminum frame and stainless steel hook are corrosion-resistant. Plus, the entire construction is strong enough to cope with saltwater fish. Don’t worry about corrosion, as the entire extractor is marine-rated. Plus, the spring is so smooth that you can use a single hand to operate the BUBBA hook remover.
Guide To Buying The Best Fish Hook Removers
Now that you know some of the best hook extractors available on the market. It is time to learn to choose which is the best model that best suits your needs.
Length
Hook removers come in a wide variety of lengths, ranging from 6 to 18 inches. That is a huge gap, indeed. But like everything, each size has its usage.
Typically in fishing, the larger a piece of gear is, the more suitable it is for big fish. Thus, choose one according to the fish you are likely to encounter.
Let us tell you that it is quite hard to get the hook off a small fish with an 18 inches extractor. Conversely, it would be also a challenge to remove it from a pike using a 6 inches hook remover.
Naturally, this doesn’t mean that you need to purchase several hook removers. Just get something in between if you want a versatile hook extractor.
Handle
Many anglers think that handles are not as important as other features. But it is. Why? First, your hand will get wet during fishing. Plus, the fish could violently shake without any warning. Hence, a good and firm handle is crucial for a successful release.
Get something with a textured grip. If possible, with a wrist or belt strap for more security.
Hook Remover Style
Most hook extractors are either pistol-like or T-style. Both styles have their pros and cons. For instance, pistol hook removers are easier to operate and control. Additionally, they are a little bit more comfortable.
On the contrary, T-style hook removers offer a better grip. Plus, you need to apply less pressure to activate it.
Some hook removers don’t belong to either family. For example, some look like a toothpick, and others like a larger hook. So, it all comes down to a question of preference. We believe that T or pistol-like hook extractors are the best.
Materials of Construction
Plastic, aluminum, and stainless steel are the most common materials. While plastic doesn’t rust, it is not as strong as aluminum or stainless steel. Hence, this kind of hook remover is not suitable for massive fish.
On the other hand, both stainless steel and anodized aluminum are corrosion-resistant. Plus, both are stronger than plastic. Hence, most hook removers for medium to large fishes have such construction.
Head Size
We refer to the head as the part of the extractor with which you pull the hook. Most of these tools have a plier or hook-like head. Its size determines the size of the hook that you can remove.
Bear in mind that almost all hook removers only work with number 6 hooks and larger ones. A set of pliers is the best bet if you are using something smaller.
FAQs
How Do You Use a Fish Hook Removal Tool?
Regardless of the model you end up buying, all hook removers work somewhat the same. First, secure the fish by the lip. Keep it inside the water if possible. If the fish is hooked by the lip, use the remover tool to secure the hook as close to the fish to the body as possible. Now, it is time to pull the hook in the same way it came. Try to do it in a single, fast movement.
Now, if the hook is buried inside the fish gut, it might be a better choice to cut it. As time passes, the fish might spit it out.
To minimize the pain and increase the survival rate of fish, we recommend using barbless hooks. Plus, they are a lot much easier to remove than barbed ones, a win-win scenario.
Do Fish Feel Pain?
It might not be the same exact feeling of pain humans experience. Although, we might never know for sure. But what we do know, is that fish have nociceptors, which are commonly known as pain receptors.
Through these receptors, the fish receives information and reacts to a potentially dangerous situation. Being hooked by an angler is one such scenario. Naturally, the fish doesn’t scream as humans do. But it can move and try to get away from danger.
In short, fish do feel pain. Hence, try your best to handle them with care, especially if you practice catch and release.
What’s a Hook Remover?
Also known as a hook extractor or a disgorger, it is a tool that helps you remove the hook from the fish’s mouth. By using it, you won’t risk getting bitten by the fish or getting hooked in the process. Therefore, if you ask us, you should totally use one.
How Do You Remove a Barbed Hook?
As we said before, we suggest using barbless hooks if you are going to practice catch-and-release fishing. But if you happen to neglect our advice, we recommend dulling the barb a little before using the hook. You can use a set of pliers for that.
Can I Use the Same Hook Extractor in Saltwater?
It depends on two factors: Construction and size. First, the hook remover has to be resistant to corrosion. In addition, it has to be big enough to handle the bigger fishes that inhabit such waters.
