For me, a good pair of forceps has become a requirement on the water, particularly during summer when I’m fishing more frequently and, subsequently, catching more fish (hopefully!).
Forceps or hemostats are great multi-purpose tools — they help with hook removal, they mash barbs down and they can even be helpful when untying knots. But, if they’re going to find their way onto my fishing vest, they better be durable and dependable. I can’t count how many less-than-stellar pairs of hemos I’ve worn out over the years.
This is where Loon Outdoor comes in. It’s no secret that I really like Loon fly-tying tools, and the company’s on-the-water tools are slowly earning their way into the pockets and on to the zingers attached to my vest. I’m a big fan of Loon’s Quickdraw mitten clamps (and I don’t just use them when I wear mittens — for bigger guys with bigger hands, these suckers are money), and I’ve since converted to Loon’s nippers, its fly dryer pads and, of course, I have a full suite of Loon floatants and desiccants on hand, too.
And that’s just for fishing. Loon’s fly-tying tools, resins and other sundry items get more use from me than they should — without them, I’d likely have a clean house and my lawn would be mowed on a schedule.
Loon just sent me a handful of its 2021 offerings, and I’m already excited about the company’s new Rogue hook-removal forceps. This great tool comes with a hooked jaw that should making barb-mashing a breeze. It also comes complete with the hook remover that could be a game-changer when it comes to releasing trout that are hooked exactly where they’re supposed to be hooked — in the mouth.
The business end of these forceps is long and slender which makes it possible to use on just about any trout, big or small. The coated handles make for a comfortable grip and, well … they’re solid. I wouldn’t expect these forceps to join the junk pile anytime soon.
And the final bonus? When they do arrive in stock, they’ll only set you back $18. I’m looking forward to fishing with them very soon, and they’ll likely be available to the angling public by September.