Fishing scissors may seem like a small tool that anglers use infrequently. However, when fishing scissors fails you at the worst possible time, the problems that result can significantly impact your day. For instance, if the line frays because of dull blade, or if the scissors rust shut after one trip to the coast, fishing scissors will greatly impact fishing trip.
These tool live in an angler’s vest or boat bag and typically receive little consideration before a fishing trip. However, there are several problem with fishing scissors and how to avoid each of these problem to keep fishing scissors in great working order for maximum fishing enjoyment. The following list includes the most common problem with fishing scissors.
Additionally, each problem includes information detailing what cause the problem, the impact that the problem has on fishing trip, and what you can do to avoid these problem altogether. If you pay attention to the information listed below, you will spend less time angry at your fishing scissors and more time actual fishing. Dull blade are the most common problem with fishing scissors.
Common Problems With Your Fishing Scissors
1. Dull Blades
When you repeatedly cut fishing line with fishing scissors, even high-quality steel will lose its edge. If the blade lose their edge, the fishing line will be crushed with each cut. This will cause the fishing line to flare out at the end and prevent it from passing through the eyes of the hook’s terminal leader.
This will force you to trim the fishing line again and waste both the line and your patience. To check the blade on your scissors, cut a single strand of fishing line braid at a 45-degree angle. If the line is crushed, it is time to sharpen the blades on your fishing scissors.
Although it may seem like a hassle to maintain fishing scissors, most freshwater fishing scissors can be restored in under two minute with a diamond stone or a leather strop with green compound. Saltwater scissors require the same treatment but also a rinse in freshwater to remove any salt crystal that may damage the blades.
2. Rust
Rust is the fastest way to ruin a pair of fishing scissors. If you drop the fishing scissors into a livewell or leave them in a damp pocket, the blade will rust. The metal that makes up the scissors will begin to flake and stick together. To avoid this problem, wipe down the scissors with a dry cloth after every fishing trip.
Apply a drop of machine oil to the pivot where the two blade meet. Work the scissors open and closed a few times to distribute the oil on the blades. If you live in a humid climate, store your scissors in a plastic case with a silica packet to absorb the moisture in the air.
Following this single tip will add year to the life of your inexpensive fishing scissors.
3. Binding at the Pivot
Binding at the pivot is another problem that many angler encounter. If the pivot where the scissors open and close begins to jam, the blades will not be able to fully open. When this happen, you will have to squeeze the handles several times to fully open the scissors. Every few month, disassemble the pivot screw. Remove any line fuzz, sand, or fish slime from the pivot with a soft toothbrush and warm soapy water.
Reassemble the fishing scissors and apply a drop of oil to the pivot screw. Do not overtighten the screw. Allow the blades to touch the full length of the scissors. This process takes ninety second but will save you numerous minute of frustration with your scissors.
4. Poor Ergonomics
Poor ergonomics is a problem with many pair of fishing scissors. If you find yourself needing to cut line while wearing thick glove or if your hand are cold, the line will cut more frequently than if you had the best pair of fishing scissors in the world. Many freshwater anglsters find this issue when they begin to fish spring creek for more active trout. The solution is to purchase fishing scissors with larger finger loop for better grip with gloved hand. The ergonomics of the scissors may seem small when looking at them in a store. However, once you begin fishing with these scissors, the difference will be tremendous.
Another problem with fishing scissors is poor ergonomics. If you find yourself needing to make repeated snip while wearing thick glove, or if you have cold hand, fishing scissors may not perform as efficiently as they should. Many freshwater trout anglsters experience this problem when they move to spring creek fishing spot. When purchasing a pair of fishing scissors, look for model with larger, rounded finger loops so that you can maintain a better grip when wearing glove. This small adjustment in purchase will save you time and frustration when fishing with cold or gloved hand. If you already own a pair of fishing scissors that cause your hand to cramp while using them, use a paracord lanyard to hang the scissors from your neck when fishing.
5. Saltwater Corrosion
A specialized problem for angler is corrosion caused by exposure to saltwater. Even stainless steel blade in fishing scissors can corrode when exposed to saltwater. The microscopic corrosion of the blades causes the scissors to stick together. Eventually, the blades will snap under pressure when attempting to cut fishing line. To avoid corrosion, treat your scissors the same way that you treat your saltwater reel. Rinse your scissors with freshwater after each fishing trip. Make sure the scissors are dry before you store them. Do not store them in a sealed plastic bag. Apply a light coat of corrosion inhibitor spray to your scissors every few fishing trip. Anglers who fish in both fresh and saltwater should have two dedicated pair of scissors to avoid saltwater corrosion.
6. Weak Spring Tension
Another problem that can develop with automatic scissors is weak spring tension. Scissors that automatically open apart after each cut will develop weak spring tension that prevents the blades from fully opening. You will have to spend time prying open the blades. If you can clean any debris out of the spring, the scissors will return to their original function. If the spring has lost its strength, it is time to purchase a new pair of scissors.
7. Wrong Size and Style
A final problem with fishing scissors is choosing the wrong size and style for the job. If you purchase a pair of tiny embroidery scissors to cut fishing line, they will fail the very first time you try to use them on heavy braided line. Likewise, if you purchase oversized scissors to cut fishing line but need precision when trimming the line for fly fishing, they will cause frustration when in use. The best solution is to find the right scissors for every type of line. Fine pointed scissors with serrated blade are ideal for cutting braid line. If you are working with fluorocarbon line, straight blades with micro-serrations will work best for cutting fluorocarbon line. Have a pair of scissors in your vest for fine line work and another heavier pair in the boat for the job of cutting wire and monofilament line. Having the proper tool for each job will make maintenance of your scissors much easier because you will not have to use a single pair for all of your need.
None of these problem are the most glamorous or the most talked about while in the store. However, these problem will ruin more fishing trip for the angler than broken rod. Treat your scissors as a tool instead of an afterthought. Clean your scissors, oil your scissors, and sharpen them when needed. Choose the right scissors for the right type of line. By doing so, you will only hear the snap of each perfect cut and the sound of your drag as another fish takes off.
That is how fishing should be.