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Rapala RPLR-8
8½" stainless steel pliers
I wasn't particularly interested when I heard that Rapala had introduced a pair of fishing pliers, I thought "why pay all that for pliers?" But when I actually tried some,
I was immediately impressed. Firstly the quality is superb, giving a strong, even grip comparable with the very best tool-shop pliers, but then there are the little extras. They're spring-loaded to stay slightly open (- so useful when working deep inside a pike's mouth), there is a very usable split ring tool (which interferes not one jot with unhooking), a choice of crimping postions and a little notch for straightening the attachment eyes on smaller lures. The cutting edges are also sharp and tight-fitting
enough to cut braid.
Acessories are a belt holster and a wrist lanyard, both are useful but I prefer mine on the end of a long lanyard secured to a pocket, there is a hole in the end of the one handle to clip to.
I lost my first pair, and immediately bought another one, and if these disappear I'll be on the 'phone straight away for more, I use them for all my unhooking, the nose is fine enough so that even for tiny lures and hooks they work fine.
A well-designed, well-made piece of equipment, indispensable to me and worth every penny, but why are they black? Fluo-orange handles would be so much more sensible.
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