Gorge Fly Shop Blog: hatch nippers

Mar 12, 2025

Abel, Hatch, Simms - Fly Fishing Nipper Review - Updated 2025

The New Abel Nipper is here

25 lb. Maxima? No problem for the New Abel Nipper

The third generation nipper from Abel is here with some great improvements. The first two features that stand out are its mass and ergonomics. It feels substantial in hand. Not heavy, but you know you're holding onto something. This extra beef allows you to get a bit more purchase in hand when cutting heavy mono or fluoro. The overall curvature and machining near the jaws allows for a solid and comfortable grip. They just feel good in your hand which lends a lot of value to a frequently used tool.

Fine point eye cleaner makes clearing out head cement a breeze

A little extra thought went into the eye cleaners on this version. They're straight as an arrow and finely pointed. Call the needle good for hooks down to a size 20. The novelty comes with the fact that there is one on both "arms" of the nipper. No matter how the tool is oriented, you'll have a forward-facing eye cleaner at your disposal.

Easy-to-use magnetic threader

If you don't read the fine print on the packaging, you may very well miss this awesome feature! Like the eye cleaner, each side of the nipper has a magnetic fly threader. They're very inconspicuous as far as size and position goes, which is great. Nothing is in the way. And they work well. The groove is deep enough to channel your tippet through the eye and the magnet holds your fly steady.

Shop New Abel Nipper

Mar 12, 2018

Hatch Nippers

It's a lot of money for a quality pair of nippers but you probably thought the same thing about your first pair of quality sunglasses. Would you go back to cheap sunglasses? Neither will I! I say the same thing about quality nippers, never going back.

Hatch Nippers are high quality and ergonomically designed. They are easy to operate wet or cold, with or without gloves on.

But what makes nippers worth it?

First, "they work." Clean precise cuts every time that does not fade with wear or age, and even if you do wear them out the Tungsten Carbide cutters are replaceable.
Built in hook eye cleaner. Always there when you need it
Great Lanyard! I'm done with pin on reel re-tractors and the coil cord ones are only marginally better. The Hatch lanyard is simple, comfortable and puts the nippers were you need them.

Get the dirt on Nippers - Fly Fishing Nipper Review

I'm going to go one step further here and say this: Quality nippers become part of your fly fishing tool box...they go were you go. You depend on them like you depend on your rod, reel and fly line. Attach them to your pack with a carabiner when traveling and you'll never lose them.

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