Forceps
Also called hemostats, locking forceps
A small locking clamp used to unhook fish, pinch barbs, and handle small rigging tasks without using fingers.
- Group
- Tools & accessories
- Category
- Gear & tackle
- Level
- Beginner
- Water
- Fresh & salt
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What Forceps means
Most forceps are stainless, scissor-handled clamps with a locking jaw. They come straight or curved, and many have a built-in cutter or a textured jaw for grip.
They live on a zinger, pack strap, or wader strap so they’re reachable with one hand. Typical jobs include backing a hook out cleanly, flattening a barb, holding a tiny hook while tying on, and pulling a knot tight without slipping.
Why it matters on the water
Forceps speed up releases and reduce handling. A quick, controlled unhooking keeps the fish in the net longer and out of hands, which is especially useful with small trout hooks and barbed patterns.
They keep fingers away from points. That’s practical around treble-style streamer hooks, small dry-fly hooks, and cold hands where grip and feel are limited.
Shop Forceps
Read next
- Landing netA landing net is a handled hoop with mesh used to control and lift a fish at the end of the fight. In fly fishing it’s mainly about safer releases and fewer lost fish at close range.
- NippersNippers are small line cutters used to trim tag ends and cut tippet or leader on the water. Most are spring-loaded and clip to a zinger, pack, or vest.
- Wading staffA wading staff is a collapsible or fixed pole used for balance and footing while wading. It gives a third point of contact in current, slick rocks, mud, or uneven bottoms.
- ZingerA zinger is a retractable lanyard that keeps a tool clipped to gear but ready to pull out and use. It’s used for nippers, forceps, and other small accessories.
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