JohnR...I got a pair of VS pliers to do my unhooking of fish if need be, but in the side pocket of my surf bag (that I always have with me)
I keep a pair of cutters (short nose) that I would not hit the surf without! On a couple of occasions they came in handy. 1. A young kid on the Point Allerton pier had put the hook through the skin on the back of his head while casting.....his Mother was frantic and fortunately I had these cutters with me. I simply cut the barb off the hook and safely "released" the youngun'! His Mother was thrilled. 2. The second time was last spring.....Fishchick had a schoolie she was trying to unhook, and while doing so lost her grip and the tail hook (siwash) was driven deep into her hand below her thumb! She was freakin'
! Same thing, cut hook and released!
Folks, if you don't carry them now....get a pair and carry them always while fishing boat or surf! I got mine at Sears....a simple short nosed pair of cutters for like 8 bucks. I cut all kinds of hooks with them and they remain sharp. I just have to soak them in WD-40 once in awhile.