Not all fish scales are created equal. There are plenty of low-cost versions all over the web, but if you’re looking for what the pros use for weighing their fish, it’s the Eastaboga Tackle BogaGrip. After years of testing, I’m ready to share my Boga Grip review with you.
This is the creme de la creme of fish scales.
It’s high quality. it secures your fish in place using gravity. It’s what world record fishermen like Steve Wozniak use to measure fish before submitting their catches to the IGFA.
Let’s take a look at a few features that stand out to us about the Boga Grip.
Boga Grip Features Reviewed
Let’s take a deep dive into the various features of this grip so we can better understand why you should consider it compared to the competition.
Scale
There is no digital scale here. This gripper is straight analog. It comes in three sizes, 15 pounds, 30 pounds, and 60 pounds.
If you need a higher resolution for the weight increments, then go with the 15-pound model, granted what you’re targeting is that size. If you’re going for bigger fish then you’ll need to go with the other models.
The weight marks are on the stainless steel shaft. When you grip it by the lip, the weight of it pulls down the shaft revealing the marks.
The downside of this scale is that it’s a bit hard to read, especially in low light. The readability isn’t comparable to a digital scale, so keep that in mind.
Fish Without a Gripper?
A scale means nothing if it can’t hold your catch. The Boga has a nice and smooth retractable gripper that securely the jaw so you can weigh it.
The nice thing about their design is that it fully rotates axially, so when the fish squirms, the fish landing can rotate 360 and not significantly hurt itself.
It’s best not to dunk this fully underwater, but I have submerged the gripper when grabbing the lip of the fish while kayak fishing. As a kayak angler, sometimes it’s nice to just grab the fish, weigh it, and release it without touching it. Minimal handling keeps the fish safe, which is always good.
Weight
This isn’t the lightest tool. It’s high-quality, meaning it’s not made of light and cheap plastic. The stainless steel body has some girth, which is why it’s a premium fish grip.
This feels like a real fishing tool. The spring is heavy-duty, and you shouldn’t be afraid to drop it accidentally. It’s one of the strongest scales on the market in terms of durability.
Saltwater Tolerant
If you’re doing any kind of saltwater fishing, then wits well worth investing in a weighing tool that can handle the harsh conditions. Electronics are good until moisture creeps in and wreaks havoc.
If you’re going to be traveling abroad, then you should stick with analog since it doesn’t require batteries or things short-circuiting. One thing you can’t find out in the middle of anywhere is batteries.
Stainless steel will give you decent corrosion resistance as long as you take care of it by rinsing it with fresh water and drying thoroughly.
Measuring Increments
The increments are different between the 15, 30, and 60-pound models. Make sure you check out the IGFA rules for what they require for world record submissions.
I’d purchase the weighing tool that represents the record you’re targeting. If you’re going for smaller fish, then you’ll need a higher resolution for increments. Therefore, stick with the smaller weight scales.
Lanyard
To prevent the Boga from falling into the ocean while you’re kayak fishing, there’s a lanyard to keep it safe. It’s a simple string that requires you to tie a Fisherman’s Knot to form.
In this video, I show you exactly how to tie this knot so you can see for yourself how easy it is. Honestly, I think the grip does the job, but it’s nothing special. It would be nice if they had an attaching feature like a carabiner with a coiled lanyard that allows you to hook it to your belt.
Made in the USA
US manufacturing is alive and well, especially if you want quality. There are plenty of foreign knock-off versions of this scale, but I’d only trust the original if you want one to last you a long time.
Our Verdict
I’ve had the Estaboga Tackle Manufacturing Company‘s BogaGrip for years now and love it. It’s always in my tackle bag just in case I catch a fish that’s worth submitting to the IGFA.
The worst thing is not having a registered weighing tool with you when you actually need it. Therefore, if you’re interested in serious record chasing, then you should pick up this scale. I also recommend having a cheap digital scale in your bag, but keep the BogaGrip as your registered scale with the IGFA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Boga Grips put stress on the fish’s jaw. However, the spring in the system acts as a shock absorber meaning that it cushions it a bit. To keep them in good shape, it’s best to weigh them quickly and get them back in the water after the measurement is taken.
We like the BogaGrip because it’s a fish lip gripper and weighs fish in one.
To use it properly, pull the back of the black component to open up the grips. Once the grips are over the lip and let go and lock it in place by lifting the scale-up. The weight of your catch will pull the shaft down, exposing the measurement lines.
They do put stress on its jaw. Use them only for a short time and get it back into the water ASAP.
Founder & Angler 
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