Today I was out fishing for a bit and I needed to change out some hooks and add some split rings to some baits. And I pulled out something I literally always have with me when I fish. My OG Texas Tackle Split Ring Pliers.

I got it when it was still a pretty new item and only came in one size. I can’t even remember exactly how old it is but I’m guessing it’s maybe 12-15 years old now.

I’ve used it on those big size 8 and 9 split rings sometimes. And it wouldn’t really open those rings wide enough to slip on some of those thick tuna, striper or saltwater baits so I would really have to fight it into the eye. I’ve done it so many times I really thought the pliers would break a few years ago. Hasn’t happened. It’s still perfectly fine.

When wade fishing and trying to keep things minimalist, I will have only that pliers with me sometimes. I’ve used it to get treble hook baits out of fish a bunch of times. Just didn’t want to have to carry a heavy or larger metal needle nose pliers with me sometimes.

That thin and light aluminum split rings pliers is something I always have with me. Just really find it remarkable it has lasted so long considering all of the stress I’ve put it through for so long.

I added two other sizes to my collection a couple of years ago but that original small size model is the best design I think. Just find it cool that someone thought up a quality product that’s also so innovative that it turned into a small business or company.

Do you have a similar tool that’s almost indispensable?

I just got some of those Texas tackle pliers! They were recommended by a friend and I ordered the "small" size and they've worked great so far for the normal orings on squarebills! So hard to find a good pair but I think I'm "Sold" on these!

Texas Tackle stuff is all good quality stuff made by some great folks in Texas!

The yellow pair are my favorite.

Which size works for small crankbaits like 1.0 squarebills?

I've got the orange grip and they work great on everything I use them for!

The yellow ones seem to work fine for them.

I've just been using a cheap o pair I found at walmart 4-5 yrs ago. They work but are cumbersome and not very precise. Been wanting to upgrade to some that are a little better quality, will give the Texas Tackle a try, thanks for the tips.

I have the orange and love it!

I carry a set of the mediums with me for throwing Halco swimbaits offshore for tuna. I simply tie on a solid ring onto the end of my line and these pliers help me to quickly change out baits

I have two pairs of the orange handled ones. One in the bag and one on the bench. Great tool

I have a pair ive had forever but ran into a problem earlier this year as the Arig I was trying to extract their cheap---- clips and replace with split rings left me unable to easily get the rings opened.. I need to run dowm another pair with bigger or with the kind that has humps instead of a sharp tooth... The tooth effective with most..

Orange for most crank baits, Blue for the big baits. Love them.

Same here. I have tried multiple pliers, then, a few years ago, I bought the orange ones from the owner at a tackle show. Far and above the best.

I bought the small TT ones , have tried using them a couple times but the flat side has no serrations or ridges to grip the ring and they slip off the ring. Probably me , I need help learning the technique.