Fishing line cutters and scissors

Braid cut with ordinary line cutters frays, leaving strands that catch in the rod rings and eventually weaken the next knot. Conversely, scissors that are too thick cannot cut fine nylon close to a hook knot. Line cutters or fishing scissors suited to the line you use save time by the water and make for neater rigs.

Scissors for fishing braid

PE braid is made from fibres that are very resistant to cutting and slip between two smooth blades instead of being cut through. Braid scissors have serrated or micro-serrated blades that grip the fibres as they cut: the braid is cut cleanly, without fraying or stray strands. They also cut thick-diameter fluorocarbon, often used for predator or sea-fishing leaders, where small line cutters take more effort and quickly become blunt.

Line cutters for nylon and fine fluorocarbon

For nylon and fine fluorocarbon, nail-clipper-style line cutters are the most practical option: they can be operated with one hand and cut close to the knot, leaving just two or three millimetres of tag end, enough to stop the knot slipping. They are an essential tool for fly anglers, coarse anglers and trout anglers. Many models include a small needle for clearing varnish or glue from the eye of a fly or hook.

Choosing and carrying your line cutters

For sea fishing, choose stainless steel blades and rinse the tool in fresh water after every trip, as salt attacks the cutting edge and hinge. To keep your line cutters close to hand, attach them to a retractor clipped to your vest or belt: they retract automatically, so you won't lose them at the bottom of a boat or in the grass. Multi-tools with cutting blades round out the kit for predator anglers, who also need to unhook fish, open a split ring or crimp.