I think the bottom line is simple .......... have every tool available to you that you might need to use in order to get the fish back in the water as quickly as possible without doing any more collateral damage than you have to.
Sometimes you are going to have to use tools that could be harmful to the fish, but the proper use of them is the key.
In my boat I have a assortment of tools, all ready in the rear console storage rack within arms reach ....
1) 2 regular needle nose pliers (medium sized straight)
2) large long straight handle pliers
3) thin long straight needle nose pliers
4) thin long curved needle nose pliers
5) hook / cable cutters (used maybe once or twice)
6) t handle trigger extraction thingy - (rarely used)
7) trigger grip long shaft pincher thing (hardly ever use it)
8) lip grippers
9) tape measure
10) scale
11) split ring pliers
12) knives (probably 2 or 3)
13) scissors
14) nail clippers
15) an old half eaten muffin
16) little flashlight (caked with muffin crumbs and some hair)
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