Shimano 25 Sephia XR: A Lighter Eging Reel With Infinity Drive and the Anti-Twist Fin
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Minagiman's Fishing Adventures in Japan
Shimano Power Pliers and Power Pliers Bent: Heavy-Duty Pliers for #5–11 Split Rings
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Big lures mean big split rings, and big split rings are a pain to open. Braid is also hard to cut cleanly. Shimano’s new Power Pliers are aimed at exactly those two problems. They are heavy-duty pliers for shore jigging, rock-shore casting and offshore work, built to handle #5 to #11 split rings. They went on sale in Japan in September 2026, in two versions: straight and bent.
Lineup and price
| Model | Code | Colours | Size | Price in Japan (ex. tax) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Pliers | CT-561Z | Black / Light Grey | 179 × 51 × 14 mm | ¥4,750 |
| Power Pliers Bent | CT-562Z | Black / Light Grey | 179 × 51 × 14 mm | ¥4,800 |
Both have stainless steel jaws. The only real difference is the nose: straight or bent.
Key features
1. A two-angle split ring opener
The tip uses two angles. A sharp angle slides easily into the ring, and a shallower angle holds the ring wide open once it is in. That matters most with large, stiff rings, which tend to snap shut while you are swapping hooks. Shimano says the design is made for #5 to #11 rings.
2. A cutter that actually cuts braid
The cutter combines a scissor-style shearing action with serrated blades, so slippery PE braid is gripped and cut instead of being crushed.
3. Fluorine coating against rust
The stainless steel also has a fluorine coating for better corrosion resistance on rocks and boats, where the pliers get soaked in salt water all day.
4. Stiff jaws
The frame is rigid, so the jaws do not flex when you grip a big hook. That gives you more confidence when you are pulling a treble out of a large fish.
5. Small details
- Spring hinge: stays in your hand on a rocking boat
- Comfortable grip: easy to squeeze hard
- One-hand lock: quick to open and close, with a shorter spring so the pliers fit holsters more easily
- Large lanyard hole: fits a wide range of coil lanyards
Straight or bent?
| Type | Nose | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Power Pliers (straight) | Straight, transfers force directly | Anglers who like a classic feel and do a lot of hook removal |
| Power Pliers Bent | Curved, so you can see what you are working on | Anglers who change rings and hooks often and want a clear view |
My suggestion: if you swap rings and hooks a lot, get the Bent. If you mostly unhook fish and need pulling power, get the straight version.
Where they fit
| Fishing | Why they help |
|---|---|
| Shore jigging | Changing rings and assist hooks on metal jigs, and cutting braid |
| Rock-shore casting (yellowtail amberjack, kingfish types) | Big plug rings and trebles, plus rust resistance on the rocks |
| Offshore casting and jigging | Large rings and work on a moving deck |
| Surf yellowtail and big flounder | Hook changes and unhooking |
How they fit with Shimano’s other pliers
| Pliers | Role |
|---|---|
| Power Pliers / Bent | #5–11 rings, big game |
| AD Pliers | The standard mid-size pliers for seabass, surf and general fishing |
| Mini Ring Pliers | Small rings for light game |
Choose by the size of the rings on your lures. If you mostly fish seabass or flounder minnows, the AD Pliers are enough. If you use big jigs and plugs, the Power Pliers make more sense.
Make them last
- Rinse in fresh water after every trip
- Dry thoroughly
- Put a drop of oil on the hinge
- Clear any braid fibres out of the cutter
- Wash and dry the holster and lanyard as well
Even with the coating, salt left on the hinge will make it stiff. Rinsing after every trip is what keeps pliers working. Shimano is also releasing a semi-hard plier holster in its autumn–winter 2026 range, which is worth a look alongside these.
My take
In big-fish game, the bite window is often short. How fast you can change a lure or a hook can decide whether you catch anything. A ring that will not open, or braid that will not cut, wastes exactly those minutes.
The Power Pliers are not flashy, but you use pliers on every single trip. If you fish with big jigs and plugs, they are a sensible upgrade before the winter shore-jigging and rock-shore season.
Read next
- How to Start Shore Jigging
- Japanese Metal Jigs Guide
- Landing Yellowtail in the Surf
- Jackson Fish Grip, Mini Pliers and Pouch
ABOUT ME
Born in 1994. Originally from Hyogo Prefecture, I moved to Iwata City in Shizuoka Prefecture in search of the sea. I am an Enshunada surf angler who enjoys surf fishing. I am also active on YouTube, and my fishing grounds range from Irago to Iwata.
