Ketchum Release Tool

As a fishing neophyte, I'm nervous about being sold gadgets and gizmos that I won't ever need or use. But several people I respect recommended this tool. It's a bit of a flex to buy one - you only use this tool to remove hooks after you've landed a fish, so by buying one you are telling the world that you're confident that you will actually land one someday. But this tool works amazingly well. If you are so lucky to hook a fish, you can even leave it entirely in the water, hold it by the line so you have access to the hook, slip the line through the tool's little gap so the line is inside the cylinder, and slide it down to the hook. The hook just pops off and the fish is free. It minimizes handling of the fish and works a lot more smoothly than forceps (in my humble opinion). Highly recommended!

These are the best hook removers I have used. They are easy on the flies and the fish. Quick and easy.

Functional little tool. Small, light and nice to have on the rare occasions its needed.

I already have the standard size and it works great. The big bug will be nice for some larger flies.