4 Types of Fly Fishing Forceps and How to Use Them

Fly fishing calls for various equipment from waders to flies to retractors. Some fly fishing gear is considered optional to enjoy the leisure activity, while others are deemed critical to the process.

Every angler has their toolkit, and the essentials they believe are non-negotiable. One helpful way of knowing if a tool is vital to fly fishing is understanding the function of the instrument; then, you can determine if it is needed or if you can get along without it.

Forceps are primarily used to remove flies from the fish safely and conveniently, and they can also be used to pick up flies from their storage and hold them firmly while the angler is attaching them to the tippet or leader. In essence, it is a safety tool for the angler to prevent injury from flies.

When dealing with an instrument that is designed to assist you with equipment that has the potential to harm, it is crucial that you know what the correct instrument is and how to use it properly.

Learning the ins and outs of fly fishing forceps will ensure that you stay safe. Additionally, you can learn how forceps can assist you with unexpected preparation and steps in fly fishing.

Different Kinds of Fly Fishing Forceps

Not all forceps are created equally. Medical forceps, for example, are not as durable or long-lasting as the forceps used for fly fishing— primarily due to the fact that medical forceps are one-use tools, so rusting or bending isn't an issue.

Just as medical forceps vary from fly fishing forceps, so do the forceps used for different fish.

There are various species in game fishing, and the most popular kind have their lane within the sport and their equipment.

While most fly fishing equipment is universal, some tools are specific to the fish you are catching, which is the case with fly fishing forceps. Let's look at some of the different forceps you will find for purchase.

• US Trout Forceps
• US Steelhead Forceps
• US Carp Forceps
• US Bass Forceps

While some of these tools may crossover and work for a variety of species of fish, others will cater more specifically to a single species in favor of the angler of that fish.

US Trout Forceps

Trout is among one of the most popular species of fish, and their abundant supply means they can be found in just about any state in almost any body of fresh water, including lakes, streams, rivers, ponds, etc.

Due to their stock and minimal needed equipment, trout is an excellent species for beginner anglers.

There are fly fishing forceps that cater specifically to trout. The trout forceps were made with unique characteristics of the species in mind, like the fine tip for the usage of smaller flies.

The foam material of the handle helps the angler keep grip in the event the forceps get wet. It also features an integrated needle specifically added for cleaning the hook eye.

Some standard features are similar to other fly fishing forceps on the market.

• Stainless steel
• Locking handles
• Serrated jaw
• Integrated needle

US Steelhead Forceps

A Steelhead fish is a type of rainbow trout that evolved into anadromous. It can be found in freshwater (during spawning) and saltwater (adult, non-spawning).

They are vital to the commercial fishing industry and the indigenous peoples of North America. They are one of the top five sport fish in the United States.

While there are no forceps that specifically target steelhead trout, there are forceps that can be used for freshwater and saltwater, which would suit the anadromous nature of this species.

These forceps are a little longer in length (7 in.) to accommodate the 24-45 inch lengths a steelhead trout could reach.

Some standard features are similar to other fly fishing forceps on the market.

• Stainless steel
• Locking grip (3-stage self-locking ratchet)
• Half serrated jaw
• Fine precision tip

US Carp Forceps

The carp fish is a large scaly omnivorous fish with two barbels on each side of its upper jaw. Typically found in rivers, ponds, or lakes, it is a nuisance fish that disturbs other fish and plants on its hunt for food.

In other parts of the world, carp are raised for food because of the large amounts that can be produced per acreage.

The forceps specific for carp fish are slightly different from your typical straight tipped forceps. They look closer to a hemostat with a curved tip to better unhook the fly from the fish.

There are two rows of tiny teeth allow for ratchet clamping. Eight inches to accommodate the size of carps, which can grow up to 39 inches.

Some standard features are similar to other fly fishing forceps on the market.

• Stainless steel
• Satin finish
• Ultrasonic cleaned
• Locking grip (3-stage self-locking ratchet)

US Bass Forceps

A number of species fall under the umbrella of bass, with the most popular among them being the large-mouthed bass. The popularity of the green fish is due to its size and the challenge it presents to anglers trying to reel them in.

They can be found primarily in southern saltwater, like Texas or Florida.

There aren't any forceps specific to bass fishing, but a variety of forceps would be appropriate for species like the large-mouthed bass. Like the steelhead forceps, something that works in saltwater would be suitable.

Bass grow to an average size of 13-15 inches, so long forceps are not necessary to accommodate the scope of this fish.

Some standard features are similar to other fly fishing forceps on the market.

• Stainless steel
• Locking grip (3-stage self-locking ratchet)
• Fine precision tip
• Serrated jaw

How Do You Attach Forceps to a Fishing Vest?

Fly fishing involves a lot of equipment to operate smoothly when you're out in the water. The majority of your tools and equipment are small enough to easily misplace, which is why a lot of anglers wear a utility vest that they can pack full of essentials.

Typically your forceps will be right at the front, over the breast of the vest, or close to the center, on either side. The point is to make them easily accessible.

The way to attach forceps to a fishing vest is to clamp the tip of the forceps onto a piece of fabric or the flap of the front pocket of your vest and lock it in place. Some vests come with a special Velcro compartment on either side, with a clip the forceps can clamp down on to stay in place—either way, they are in reach.

There are also clips you can attach to your vest that can hold your forceps and allow you to use them without taking them off your person.

The clips have a lanyard of some kind attached to them that either has a stretchable coil or a retractable line that extends from the base of the lanyard. Some forceps come with the lanyard as part of the purchase.

How Do You Open Forceps?

Fly fishing forceps can be a handy tool when you've got a fly embedded deep in a fish, and you can't remove it with your hand without harming the fish. They also come in handy when you need to clean any threads from the eye of the hook.

It's most definitely a piece of equipment you want to keep close by and know how to use.

To open your forceps, you need to slide your thumb and index finger into the holes on the handle and gently push one side apart from the other. If your forceps have a lock, use your thumb to push down lightly while pushing up with your finger, and they should unlock.

Most fly fishing forceps are made from high-grade stainless steel, so you don't have to worry about them rusting.

Regardless, it's essential to keep your forceps clean and free of debris so that they can open without any obstruction.

How Do Forcep Locks Work?

Most anglers will have their fly fishing forceps dangling from their vest, so they can easily access them.

To do this without them falling off, the forceps have to clamp down on a piece of the vest or shirt fabric and lock into place, so when you're moving about, they don't unclamp.

There are other uses for the lock on the forceps, like pulling flies from fish.

The way to use the lock on a forceps is to close the forceps till the two strips of serrated teeth on the end slide across each other, holding in a closed position. Some forceps have a locking mechanism at the top of the forceps, just below the handle. When you close the forceps, the mechanism ridges overlap, locking into place.

If your forceps are not locking into place, look for debris that could be preventing the mechanism from setting into place. Keeping your forceps clean after every use will ensure that they continue to work correctly.

What is a Hemostat Used for in Fishing?

The fly fishing hemostat, also known as the fly fishing plier or fly fishing clamp, is seen as an essential piece of equipment.

Some anglers use the term hemostat interchangeably with fly fishing forceps, and like forceps, they serve a similar function.

The fly fishing hemostat is used for several things, including fly extraction, hook straightening, catch and release, barb pinching, knot tying, and fly organizing. It is a versatile tool that is kept handy and used many times throughout the fishing process.

No matter how good the angler is, hooking yourself is almost inevitable. It could be a bad cast or the wind, perhaps a fish jumping out of the water that tosses the fly.

Regardless of the cause, rather than having to take a trip to the hospital, you can use your hemostat to remove the hook from yourself.

What are the Knots You Can Tie with Forceps?

Fly fishing forceps have many uses, though the primary benefit is safely removing a fly from a fish without further harming the fish.

To attach a fly to the fishing line, you utilize one of several different knot techniques, some of which can be done with the assistance of your forceps.

The most common knots you can tie with fly fishing forceps are clinch fishing knots, surgeon's fishing knots, loop-knot fishing knots, etc. There are nine basic knots that every angler should know how to tie, and all are made easier with fine tip forceps instead of stubby fingers that may get in the way of working tiny knots into a fine fishing line.

The most commonly used knot is the clinch knot. To tie this knot, you simply follow that four easy steps:

• Take the eye of your hook or swivel and pass the end of your fishing line through it.
• Double back the 6 inches of line you passed through the hook, then twist between five to seven times.
• The end of the line must go through the small loop you created above the eye, then the big loop you just made. Make sure that the coils don't overlap.
• Tighten the coil line against the end by wetting and pulling the tag end and mainline. Trim any excess.

What is a Clamp Used for in Fly Fishing?

With a variety of small tools used in fly fishing, it might be challenging to know which works for what purpose, especially if their functions are similar or can cross over. For a beginning angler, hearing the terminology thrown around can be confusing.

Fly fishing clamps are used for removing hooks from fish, pinching barbs on flies, removing split shot or adding split shots, and cutting monofilament tippets and leaders. It's evident in the descriptions of the uses of forceps and hemostat that much of them crossover.

Conclusion

Fly fishing forceps are a tool that should be in her kit if you are an angler who values safety and convenience in their activity. It's a small piece of equipment that is easy to use, convenient to store, multi-useful, long-lasting, and affordable.

Whether you're removing flies, cleaning hook eyes, or tying fishing knots, forceps will always come in handy. At the very least, they can save you possibly thousands of dollars on an emergency room bill for removing a hook from your flesh.