You’ve just won the battle with a big fish. It’s thrashing boat-side, and you see a mouth full of sharp teeth. Now what? Sticking your hand in the mouth of a pike or snook is a surefire way to end your
This is where a good fish gripper, or lip grip, becomes one of the most essential tools in your tackle box. This piece of gear isn’t just about protecting your hands; it’s about controlling the fish for quick hook removal, a great photo, and a healthy release.
This definitive guide will break down the best fish grippers on the market. We’ll cover what separates premium grips from cheap knockoffs and teach you how to use one correctly, ensuring the safety of both you and the fish.
What is a Fish Lip Gripper and Why is it Worth It?
A fish gripper is a tool designed to clamp onto a fish’s lower jaw, giving the angler a firm grip and control over its head. Unlike traditional nets, which can be cumbersome and sometimes tangle hooks, a gripper offers precise control for specific tasks.
Are they worth it? Absolutely.
- Angler Safety: This is the #1 reason. It keeps your fingers away from teeth, powerful jaws, and sharp gill plates.
- Fish Safety: When used correctly, a gripper minimizes handling time and prevents the fish from thrashing on the deck, which can remove its protective slime coat.
- Control & Convenience: A secure hold makes removing hooks with pliers significantly easier. Many models also include built-in scales, combining two essential tools into one.
The Best Fish Lip Grips for Any Angler
From tournament-grade tools to budget-friendly workhorses, these are the best grips you can buy.
1. The BogaGrip – The Gold Standard (Best Overall)
Best For: The serious fisherman who wants a tool that will last a lifetime.
There’s a reason the Boga Grip is IGFA-certified for world records. Made in the USA from heavy-duty stainless steel, it is the definition of durable and is highly corrosion-resistant. Its jaws rotate 360 degrees, a critical feature that prevents harm to the fish if it twists. The integrated scale is legendarily accurate, making it the most trusted fish scale for many pro anglers. It’s a “buy once, cry once” tool.
- Material: Stainless Steel.
- Key Features: IGFA-certified scale, rotating head, bombproof construction.
2. The Fish Grip – Best Floating Grip (Best Value)
Best For: Kayak anglers, wade fishermen, and anyone who has ever dropped gear overboard.
The simple genius of The Fish Grip is its lightweight yet durable material (high-impact plastic) and the fact that it floats. Made by United Plastic Molders in the USA, this tool provides a positive lock on the fish’s lip with a simple squeeze of the handles. It’s a fantastic, affordable, and practical tool.
- Material: Plastic.
- Key Features: It floats, simple locking mechanism, great price, multiple colors.
3. Rapala Floating Fish Gripper – The Best All-Rounder
Best For: The everyday angler who wants a trusted brand and great features.
Rapala is a giant in
- Material: Plastic.
- Key Features: Floats, one-hand operation, wrist lanyard, trusted brand.
4. Piscifun Fish Lip Gripper with Scale – Best Budget Option with a Scale
Best For: Anglers who want a built-in scale without the premium price tag.
The Piscifun fish lip gripper is a fantastic better option for those on a budget. It features a corrosion-resistant aluminum body, a non-slip handle, and a clear, built-in analog scale that can handle a high maximum weight (up to 60 lb on some models). It’s the most affordable way to get a reliable gripper and scale in one.
- Material: Aluminum with a rubber handle.
- Key Features: Built-in analog scale, affordable, lightweight.
5. Other Notable Grippers: Loon Apex and Eagle Claw
- Loon Apex Lip Gripper: This is a high-quality, lightweight aluminum option with ergonomic handles and a smooth mechanism. It’s a premium tool that competes well with other metal grips.
- Eagle Claw Lip Gripper: A no-frills, affordable option you can find in many tackle shops. It’s a basic tool that gets the job done for smaller fish like bass.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Gripper
Consider these features before you buy.
Metal vs. Plastic: Are plastic fish grippers better than metal? It depends.
- Metal (Stainless Steel/Aluminum): More durable, better for larger fish with immense power. Often include scales. They sink.
- Plastic: Lightweight, affordable, and they float. They are the best choice for kayaks or wade
fishing .
Built-in Scale (Digital vs. Analog): Do you want to weigh your fish? A gripper with a scale is convenient. A digital scale offers precision, while analog scales offer no-battery reliability. For the most accurate readings, a dedicated digital scale is often best.
Jaw Design: Look for jaws that close smoothly and offer a secure hold. A rotating head is a premium feature that protects the fish.
Handle Design: Look for ergonomic, non-slip handles. Pistol grips or T-style handles are common. A lanyard is essential for preventing loss.
The Golden Rule: How to Use a Fish Gripper Safely
Is lipping a fish bad? It can be if done improperly. Follow these steps to ensure the safety of every fish you release.
- Gain Control: While your rod and reel do the work of fighting the fish, the gripper lands it safely. Bring the fish alongside your boat or kayak.
- Grip the Lower Jaw: Firmly clamp the gripper onto the bony part of the fish’s lower jaw. Avoid gripping just the thin membrane.
- Support the Body: THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP. Never hold a heavy fish vertically by the jaw alone. This can harm its jaw and spine. For any big fish, use the gripper to control the head and your other hand to support its weight under its belly.
- Which Fish Can You Lip? You can safely lip a bass, crappie, or catfish. For toothy fish like pike, walleye, or snook, lip grippers are essential for safety. Can you use lip grippers on a pike? Yes, you absolutely should! But you must always support its body horizontally.
Grippers vs. Other Tools: Jaw Spreaders
Sometimes, for deeply hooked toothy fish, you need more than a gripper. A jaw spreader is a tool that holds the fish’s mouth open, allowing for easier hook removal with pliers. Do jaw spreaders hurt fish? Like any tool, they can cause harm if used carelessly. Use them only when necessary, choose a size appropriate for the fish, and be quick.
The Verdict: The Best Grip for Your Tackle Box
A quality fish lip gripper makes you a safer, more efficient, and more responsible angler. It’s a fantastic gift for any fisherman in your life.
- For the Pro: The Boga Grip is the undisputed champion of lip grips.
- For Kayakers & Best Value: The Fish Grip is the smartest choice.
- For the Budget-Conscious: The Piscifun Fish Lip Gripper with a scale delivers unbeatable function for the price.
Choose the model that fits your needs, learn to use it correctly, and you’ll wonder how you ever fished without this essential piece of gear.
