After having a long fight with your fish, you’ve finally managed to get it whipped – good job. Now it’s time to land your catch and this is where you’ll need the services of the best fish lip gripper.
Simply put, grippers are good when you need to handle and control the fish. And unlike when using other methods, this tool ensures that the fish’s natural slime isn’t compromised.
So, there’s no doubt that this is an important tool to have around. Let’s talk about the factors you need to consider to make a good selection.
Top-Rated Fish Lip Gripper: Comparison Table
We’d like to start this conversation by providing you with a quick list. This list brings together 10 grippers which we’ve covered in detail in the reviews section.
| Ranking | Name | Material | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Entsport Fish Lip Gripper | Stainless Steel | 8 ounces |
| 2 | Boga Grip 315 15lb Scale | Stainless steel | 5.4 ounces |
| 3 | Rapala 9″ Floating Fish Gripper 9″ | Synthetic | 8 ounces |
| 4 | Piscifun Fish Lip Gripper | Stainless steel | 11.7 ounces |
| 5 | Suoki Two Sided Fish Lip Gripper | Stainless Steel | 8.8 ounces |
| 6 | Z Zanmax Fishing Pliers Fish Grip Tools | Stainless steel | 12.6 ounces |
| 7 | United Plastic 01-3708-O-JR 7-Inch Fish Grip | Plastic | 3.5 ounces |
| 8 | Berkley Big Game Lip Grip | Stainless Steel | 12.8 ounces |
| 9 | Yak-Gear The Fish Grip Blue 10″ | – | 6.4 ounces |
| 10 | Mounchain Fishing Pliers, Fishing Gripper | – | 5.6 ounces |
1. Entsport Professional Fish Lip Gripper
Entsport Professional Fish Lip Gripper is a budget-friendly device that makes it easy to catch and release fish. The good thing is that it designed to handle all types of fish and can be used in salty and freshwater’s.
This unit is operated with one hand and has an additional large opening for holding the fish’s lip. Also included is a fast release lever that enables you to release the fish in the water safely. It has a maximum weight limit of 15 Kgs.
This lip gripper has an EVA non-slip handle construction for comfortable and easy operation.
Pros
- Corrosion resistant
- Non-slip handle
- Easy to use
- One-hand operation
Cons
- Limited holding capacity
2. Eastaboga Boga Grip Tackle for Fishing Landing
Next up is the Eastaboga Boga Grip Tackle for Fishing Landing. This USA made grippe is premium-grade and is quite effective in catching and releasing most fish species. On top of that, it operates concurrently in landing and weighing fish without injuring it.
This model holds the fish’s jawbone without injuring the fish or even clearing the fish’s protective slime. What’s more, it is corrosion resistant and stainless steel so you can safely use it ii both salt and freshwater. More importantly, there are different models to choose from.
Pros
- Corrosion resistant
- Easy to use
- Durable
- Multiple models
Cons
- A bit price
3. Rapala Floating 9” Fish Gripper
The Rapala floating 9” Fish Gripper is a pocket-friendly product that functions effectively to landing and releasing fish efficient and fast. The gripper does this while protecting the angler and the fish from injuries.
This unit is operated with one hand and firmly holds the fish and releases it quickly. It is constructed with a heavy-duty plastic that is corrosion resistant and durable. Further, the device is fitted with a wrist lanyard that holds it in case it slips.
What’s more, it is available in two different models. Unfortunately, this gripper neither measures nor weighs the fish.
Pros
- Quick release
- Floats
- Very cheap
- Durable
- Lacks a measuring or weighing scale
Cons
- Doesn’t weigh the fish
- There are better grippers out there
Also read: Top 10 Best Fish Scaler on the Market
4. Piscifun Digital Scale Fish Lip Gripper
Our next item is the Piscifun Digital Scale Fish Lip Gripper. This unit helps in removing the hassle of catching and releasing fish. This gripper is moderately priced, and it protects the fish and the angler during landing and releasing.
In addition, this unit is rugged and is made of high-quality stainless steel, making it suitable for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. This waterproof tool has a maximum loading limit of 27 Kgs. It also comes with an inbuilt LCD light for sunny and night viewing.
Pros
- Durable
- Waterproof
- Corrosion resistant
- Has a memory for tracking catches
Cons
- AAA batteries can be quite pricey
5. Suoki Two Sided Stainless Steel Fish Lip Gripper
Suoki Two Sided Stainless Steel Fish Lip Gripper also makes it easy for you to handle and release fish while preventing you from getting dirty. It also helps to eliminate the risk of injury in the process. This lip gripper is crafted to grab fish with hooks and then weigh it.
This unit is also a one-hand operation that requires you to use two fingers to get the job done. Besides that, it comes with two hooks. It is built from stainless steel, so it is ideal for saltwater, and it can also be used for any kind of fishing.
The only downside is that this gripper has a weight capacity of 15 kgs. Finally, it features EVA foam handle, which gives a great and comfortable grip.
Pros
- Durable
- Very affordable
- Corrosion resistant
- Easy to operate
Cons
- Lacks a tape measure
6. Z Zanmax Fishing Pliers Fish Grip Tools
Next up is the Z Zanmax Fishing Pliers Fish Grip Tools. This tool is designed to make fish handling and lading much easier. It comes with pliers, fish lip gripper, and a measuring tape. The unit is quite affordable and can be used to weigh any kind of fish.
The fish gripper features corrosive resistant stainless steel tongs so you can use it saltwater. More importantly, the unit is fitted with a wrist strap that prevents it from getting lost in case it slips. Then there’s the non-slip EVA handle that offers you a comfortable grip.
It can measure and weigh fish with a maximum weight limit of 40 pounds.
Pros
- Affordable
- Non-slip handle
- Wrist strap
- Stainless steel tongs
Cons
- Limited holding capacity
7. United Plastic 01-3708-O-JR-7-Inch Orange Finish Fish Grip
United Plastic 01-3708-O-JR-7-Inch Orange Finish Fish Grip comes in multiple colors so you can select the most preferred color. This unit features a plastic construction making it ideal for saltwater. There’s a wrist lanyard that prevents it from getting lost when it slips.
Pros
- Floats
- Multiple colors
- Wrist Lanyard
- Durable
Cons
- No measuring and weighing scale
8. Berkely Big Game Fish Lip Grip
The Berkely Big Game Fish Lip Grip has a wide finger rest that allows faster and easier jaw opening. In addition, it has a comfortable, non-grip handle for comfortable and easy usage. Also included is an in-built measuring tape. More importantly, this unit comes with a lifetime guaranteed warranty.
Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- Comfy handle
- Corrosion resistant
- Easy to handle
Cons
- Lacks s weighing scale
9. Yak Gear Fish Li Grip
The Yak Gear Fish Li Grip will enable you to grab the fish easily. It is made from durable and lightweight plastic making it ideal for saltwater. This unit is able to hold fish with a maximum weight capacity of 200 pounds.
Pros
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Easy to operate
- Corrosion-free
Cons
- A bit pricey
10. Mounchain Floating Portable Fish Gripper
Last but not least is the Mounchain Floating Portable Fish Gripper. You don’t need to worry about this item sinking in the water because it has floating abilities. Also, the narrow and soft measuring tape will not harm fish during catching and releasing.
Also, the rubberized grip offers you a firm and comfortable grasp. Besides that, the Mounchain Floating Portable Fish Gripper comes with an oxford fish bag for convenient storage. Finally, it is corrosion-resistant, so you can use it saltwater.
Pros
- Saltwater resistant
- Easy to use
- Comfortable grip
- Durable
Cons
- No weighing scale
How to Buy a Fish Lip Gripper
If you’re into catch and releasing, it’s advisable to get the highest quality tool possible. And here are our suggestions on top factors to consider.
Build Quality
Good grippers are ones made either from aluminum or stainless steel. Most importantly, they should be categorized as corrosion-resistant to withstand the harsh impact of saltwater use.
Functionality
It’s imperative that your chosen device is designed to perform to your expectations. It should have a good grip along with a quick-release lever. Besides that, you’re better off settling for a unit with an extra-wide opening so you have an easy time gripping the fish.
Capacity
What kind of fish are you targeting? If you’re into saltwater and deep-sea fishing, your best bet is to go for something with just enough weight capacity. A 30-pound capacity lip gripper would be a safe bet in most cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have you got some unanswered questions? We have responded to some of them right below.
Do fish grippers hurt the fish?
Fish grippers are generally okay especially if well designed. However, when used to capture extremely large fish, they may pinch the lower jaw a bit too much. As the fish tries to fight on, it’s possible for it to end up with a scarred skin or even damaged muscle.
Can you lip a snook?
You certainly can do that. Snook have some strong lips and jaws. Therefore, they can easily withstand the impact of being gripped.
Do fish die after being caught?
Unfortunately, most catch-and-release fish eventually die from injuries especially when handled with bare human hands. A fish lip gripper may help lower that risk although still leaves the jaws susceptible to injury.
Best Choice
At the end of it all, we had to pick a winner. And the winner is (drumrolls please) – the Entsport Fish Lip Gripper. It has the potential to handle fish weighing up to 40 pounds. Plus it’s corrosion-resistant and durable.
Final Thoughts
If you would like to minimize contact with fish especially in catch-and-release situations, you’re better of getting the best fish lip grippers available. These handy gadgets can help protect the fish and also you as catching fish with bare hands can be a little dangerous.