Choosing the best tool for cutting braided fishing line might not seem like a huge deal, but it certainly makes a difference in your overall fishing experience.Â
While various options exist, one stands out as the superior choice: braid cutters.Â
I will discuss a couple other viable options, but first, I’ll cover the best option. Without a doubt, braid cutters are the best braid cutting tool.
There’s really only one answer to this. I mean, the name literally says exactly what they are good for.Â
Braid cutters are certainly the best tool for cutting braid.Â
They are compact, sharp, easy to use, and have the scissoring motion that works much better with braid.Â
Back when I was a kid, I never had a pair of braid cutters and had to use pocket knives, pliers, and even nail clippers to trim the braided knots.Â
This was incredibly painstaking, but I didn’t have the freedom to just go and buy a pair of braided line cutters.Â
But now a days, I never get on the water without them. Braid cutters save so much time and effort and are one of my favorite fishing accessories.Â
Check Out the Best Braid Cutters
The first two options here will serve you well if you don’t want to go out and get a pair of braid cutters. They aren’t perfect, but they get the job done.
Even though I don’t use a pocket knife for this purpose currently, it is still a fairly good option.Â
You aren’t going to get a smooth and precise cut, but a good pocket knife will get the job done.Â
They are also convenient because pretty much every fisherman already has one or two of them.Â
I do prefer a pocket knife over a fixed blade knife for fishing simply because pocket knives are much smaller and compact.Â
With all the other tackle that I stuff into my backpack, it is nice to save space where ever I can.
Scissors are actually very nice for cutting braid. The problem is that standard scissors are very big, bulky, and aren’t spring loaded which makes them a bit harder to use for fishing applications.Â
And if you are willing to buy a pair of fishing scissors, you may as well just get some braid cutters since they are better in just about every way.Â
I do have an old pair of fishing scissors that I believe I was gifted a long time ago, but I don’t really use them much since I have actual braid cutters.
If you have ever tried to cut braided line with nail clippers, you know just how annoying it is.Â
Nail clippers don’t really cut the braid at all, they just pinch and mash it flat.Â
In order to actually slice through the line, you need to keep pinching it and sliding the clippers around until the braid gives.Â
And once you finally cut the line, there are split ends and lose pieces braking off making your tag line flared out and ugly.Â
Simply put, don’t use nail clipper to cut braid.
Braid Cutters are Superior: Braid cutters excel in cutting braided fishing line with their sharp blades and scissoring motion, offering unparalleled efficiency and ease of use.
Compact and Portable: Their small size makes them easy to carry, unlike bulkier alternatives like scissors or fixed blade knives.
Other Options: While braid cutters reign supreme, pocket knives can serve as a decent alternative due to their widespread availability and compact size.
Avoid Nail Clippers: Nail clippers are not recommended for cutting braided line as they tend to mash the line, resulting in messy cuts and frayed ends.
Portable Fish Finder: Use sonar technology to locate fish underwater, increasing your chances of success.
Polarized Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from UV rays and glare while improving visibility on the water.
Waterproof Phone Case: Keep your phone dry while fishing, ensuring it stays safe from water damage.
Fishing Backpack: Stay organized on the water with a backpack designed to hold all your gear.
Multi-Tool: Handle various tasks with ease, from cutting line to fixing equipment, with a versatile multi-tool.
Portable Fish Cleaning Station: Make cleaning your catch easier with a compact cleaning station.
Fishing Gloves: Protect your hands while handling fish and tackle with durable fishing gloves.
