Northwest Fishing Reports

Hey everybody. I have a question that'll probably seem like a no-brainer to anyone that knows their hardware or tosses lures. I'm wondering what's a good tool to cut tri-hooks (aka triple barbs) off of lures, so I can replace them with barbless single hooks (to meet regulations in some areas and to be more catch-and-release friendly when I'm c'n'r-ing). What I've always used appears to be a pair of wire cutters about twice as old as me. However, they're so dull and battle-warn they're way more trouble than they're worth at this point. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

All I use is a pair of needle nose pliers. At the back of the nose of the pliers is a sharp part and thats all I use

Oh boy, I'll never live this one down. I've been in the garage cutting off triple-barbs like a hot knife through butter with the same pair of needlenose pliers I take with me every time I go fishing. Thanks for pointing that one out to me GPC; I'm sooo glad I didn't ask someone that in real life.

Thats too funny. But no problem I am more than happy to help

I use the needle nose pliers as well. I made sure and bought a good pair as cheap is cheap and get hard to close.

I always have a few things in my tackle box. Needlenose pliers, a swiss army knife, nail clippers, and wire cutters. The ones that are the same size as your standard needlenose pliers...They will cut through wire a bit better and you don't have to stick the hook all the way to the back of the pliers...

If you have a Dremel, put on a small cutting disc. It works great for me because age is creeping up in my hands and my strength is diminishing
BTW, I use my Dremel with the disc to grind down the barbs on all my hooks. After grinding it down, you can pull it into a wool shirt and it slides right back out.