Cutting a fine line

These high-end fishing pliers, of titanium and stainless steel, never met a monofilament line they didn’t want to take a stab at.

BROWNING

These 7-inch titanium-coated 17/4 stainless steel pliers were quickest to rust and heaviest at 10.5 ounces, but they performed well, thanks to contoured rubber grips and Tungsten blades. $50. (800) 227-7776, www.basspro.com

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VAN STAAL TITANIUM

All but small hands overwhelm these 6-inch, 5.5-ounce solid titanium pliers. The Tungsten blade had trouble cutting Spectra line cleanly, and the coarse jaw scuffed monofilament line. $279. (800) 718-7335, www.vanstaal.com

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ABEL NO. 2

The cutters on all of the pliers are replaceable, but a new blade on these 5 1/2 -inch, 2.8-ounce pliers requires replacing the jaw ($20!). Sections of the blade cut better than others and the grips were uncomfortable. $125. (800) 848-7335, www.abelreels.com

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DONNMAR CP880

The nonslip rubber grips on these 7 1/4 -inch, 8.2-ounce stainless steel pliers were comfortable to use. The coarse jaws, while providing a secure hold, scuffed mono line. $130 (optional leather holster for $40). www.basspro.com

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VAN STAAL STAINLESS

The exceptionally wide spread of the grips when fully squeezed provided superior holding power, and the 6 1/2 -inch, 6.4-ounce steel pliers cut Spectra line the cleanest. $219. (800) 718-7335, www.vanstaal.com

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Note: Prices are as shown. Thanks to the crew of the Gallilean out of San Diego and Dick Giuliani of Turner’s Outdoorsman for their input.