1997 Ford Ranger Fuel filter

On my 1997 ranger which I bought used, of course, im doing what little I can to keep it in shape, oil change, air filter, etc. However, when I went to change the fuel filter, I could easily remove the rear end line--the line coming from the tank because its just connected by a little plastic connector. But the front end, the end facing the engine, would seem to slide a bit then stop. Constant force, tugging, etc had no loosening effect. I tried pliers, leverage with a screwdriver, but stopped in fear of breaking the line itself. The end that the filter goes into looks like a larger bowl shaped end which is on the line itself, then tapers off and runs into the line, which is from the engine. HOW THE HECK DOES THIS COME OFF? If seen in the forums here its mentioned about some special tool, but no pictures or other references of this tool or how to use it is found. On my fuel line though, the front end, there is some kind of metal U clip thing thats half on the line and half on the filter tube which I can remove. Not sure if this is the tool or not but one end if this clip is smaller then the other end and I dont see how it would fit on the line itself.
could I please either get a picture of what to do or some details on how to remove this front end line?
much appreciation, and thank you