The 7 Best Fish Grippers in 2024 – Buyers Guide

best fish gripper

Fly Fisher Pro is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.

A fish gripper can be a useful tool for an angler, especially when you hook a beast that puts up a big fight! If you want to keep your fingers intact, then a lip gripper comes in handy. 

The best fish gripper will allow you to hold the fish securely and get a firm grip to remove the hook. It can be a useful tool if you want to practice safe catch and release fishing. 

While fish grippers aren’t for all anglers, they do make a good alternative to fish landing nets. They are also practical if you’re tight on space and don’t have room for a net in your pack or kayak. 

If you’re curious about which fish gripper to go for, don’t worry! As always at Fly Fisher Pro, we want to help you find the best fishing gear that works for you.

Image Product Details  
flyfisherpro-table__imageBest OptionRapala 9" Floating Fish Gripper
  • Floating
  • Handles Small Fish
  • Quick Release
Check Today's Price
flyfisherpro-table__imageProfessional GradeEntsport Fish Lip Gripper
  • Stainless Steel
  • Up To 40lb Fish
  • Extendable
Check Today's Price
flyfisherpro-table__imageMost AccessoriesHJJS Fishing Pliers
  • Stainless Steel
  • Up to 40lb Fish
  • Includes Pliers
Check Today's Price
flyfisherpro-table__imageMost PortableFiblink (Portable)
  • Corrosion-resistant
  • Anti-slip, ergonomic handle
  • Easy to use
Check Today's Price

So, read on to find out what makes a fish gripper great. Then, check out the reviews of the best lip grippers on the market right now!

The Best Fish Grippers Reviewed

Rapala 9″ (Floating)

rapala 9 floating

Check Amazon US/UK Price

Don’t be put off by the bargain price of this fish lip gripper. Rapala has been producing top fishing gear for over 80 years, so this is a brand you can trust. While this fish grip is on the cheap side, it gets the job done well!

The clever design of this tool allows you to handle the fish with just one hand. Thanks to the smart design, you can operate this grip with just one hand. The Rapala grip is made from durable plastic that is corrosion-resistant and will last for many fishing trips.

This lightweight floating fish grip is compact, lightweight, and simple to use. If you’re looking for an affordable tool and don’t need a scale, go for the Rapala 9″ grip!

Pros

  • Lightweight – floats on top of the water
  • Very low price
  • Corrosion-resistant

Cons

  • No 360-degree motion
  • Not suited to big fish
  • No scale

Entsport

Entsport

Check Amazon US/UK Price

Another affordable option is the Entsport fish grippers. This tool has the traditional T-style mechanism, which you can operate with two fingers to open and release the jaws.

The non-slip EVA handle allows you to get a firm yet comfortable grip on this tool. And if you accidentally drop it, the lanyard will ensure that it doesn’t disappear down to the bottom of the river.

It’s constructed from sturdy stainless steel which also has the advantage of being corrosion-resistant. You can use this tool for big fish weighing up to 15kg, so it’s very versatile.

This practical tool from Entsport also includes a tape measure and scale, so it offers everything you need in one small package. It’s ideal if you’re tight on space!

Pros

  • One-handed operation’
  • Durable construction
  • Suitable for fish up to 15 kg in weight
  • Includes scale and measure

Cons

  • It’s hard to get an accurate reading from the scale

HJJS Fishing Pliers

HJJS Fish Pliers

Check Amazon US/UK Price

Pros

  • Excellent value for money
  • High quality, durable tools
  • Easy to hold & operate with one hand

Cons

  • Not suitable for fish above 15kg
  • Smaller clamp jaws

This duo of tools from HJJS includes high-quality stainless steel fishing pliers and grip-tool for handling fish. Both tools are well made and built to last, making them suitable in saltwater and freshwater.

The traditional T-style grip-tool is simple to use and also offers a scale and measuring tape to track your catches. It comes with a handy lanyard and comfortable handle. You can use it with just one hand, but the jaws only open 1.2 inches, so you’ll need to be precise when using this tool.

Fiblink (Portable)

Fiblink Portable

Check Amazon US/UK Price

Pros

  • Corrosion-resistant
  • Cool black and green design
  • Anti-slip, ergonomic handle
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Doesn’t float
  • Can damage thin-lipped fish

The Fiblink is an affordable fish lip grabber that works well. This tool is lightweight and comes with a belt loop clasp and nylon sheath, allowing you to keep the Fiblink nearby at all times.

When you catch a fish, it’s straightforward to use. You can operate the spring with just one hand to capture that fish, hold it securely, and then release it when you’re ready.

The non-slip rubber handle will ensure that you have a firm grip at all times. Its ergonomic design will maximize your comfort and reduce any strain on your hand. The Fiblink is made from a high-quality aluminum alloy that will resist corrosion, making it suitable for fishing trips for years to come.

It also has some cool extra features, like a fully rotatable handle and fish weighing scale. These little extras make this tool stand out from the competition.

Eastaboga Tackle BogaGrip Fishing Landing, Handling and Weighing Fishing Scale Tool

Eastaboga Tackle BogaGrip Fishing Landing, Handling and Weighing Fishing Scale Tool

Check Amazon US/UK Price

Pros

  • Rotating grip won’t damage a fish, even if it starts rolling
  • High-quality components and construction (made in the USA)
  • Includes an accurate scale to weigh your catches
  • Safer for fish
  • Easy to use with one hand
  • Corrosion-resistant

Cons

  • Very expensive at over $130

The BogaGrip is the most well-known of all lip grippers, and for a good reason. This smart tool is made from start to finish in the USA from the highest quality materials.

Because it’s constructed from sturdy plastic and stainless steel, it’s corrosion-resistant. So, you can use it in saltwater without needing to clean it after each trip. It looks and feels sturdy and well-balanced and should last for many years.

You can use the BogaGrip effortlessly with just one hand, keeping your other hand free to support the fish. This fish lip gripper comes in three different models, depending on the size of the fish you want to catch.

You can use the integrated fish scale to weigh all your catches accurately. It’s also lightweight and clips right onto your belt, so it’s close at hand when you need it.

Another great advantage of the BogaGrip is that the grip can rotate 360 degrees. That means that if a fish starts to fight or roll, you won’t accidentally tear off its jaw.

The BogaGrip is the ideal choice for the serious angler. No matter whether you prefer wade fishing, shore fishing, or heading out in a kayak or boat, the BogaGrip deserves a space in your fishing pack.

Piscifun (with Digital Scale)

Piscifun (with Digital Scale)

Check Amazon US/UK Price

Pros

  • Anti-rust stainless steel construction
  • Easy-to-read digital scale
  • Full 360-degree rotation

Cons

  • Goes through batteries quickly
  • Not a budget choice

The Piscifun grip stands out from the other options due to the digital scale. It’s ideal if you want accurate measurements of your catches as well as a sturdy tool for handling fish. The Piscifun is made from stainless steel for a durable product.

The scale is water-resistant with a large display, making it easy to get accurate readings quickly. It can handle fish up to a whopping 27 kg, and the clamps open wide for attachment. If you want a tool that is practical yet offers premium features, go for the Piscifun gripper.

YakGear

YakGear

Check Amazon US/UK Price

Pros

  • Great budget product
  • Bright colors for easy visibility
  • One-handed operation

Cons

  • Not as durable as other models

The YakGear is a brightly colored floating fish grip that you can use with just one hand. It’s designed to reduce stress on your hand – just grip tight to lock the clamps, and flip to release.

As the YakGear is made from durable plastic, it won’t rust. Plus, if you drop it in the water, it floats! It’s also very small so it fits easily in your pack or kayak. You can use the YakGear tool for smaller fish just as well as large fish, making it a handy tool for all anglers.

The best thing about this product is that it’s highly visible, even in low light conditions. If you like to fish at dawn or dusk, the YakGear is the ideal tool for you!

our buying guide

Our Buying Guide

Here’s what to look out for when you’re shopping around for the best fish lip gripper!

What type should you choose?

There are three main types of fish lip gripper you need to know about: the pistol gripper, the floating plastic gripper, and the traditional T-style gripper. So, what’s the difference between the different types of fish lip grippers?

Floating Plastic Gripper: These lip grippers are made of plastic and can float on the water. However, they are not designed for big, heavy fish that will put up a fight. However, they don’t tend to have a 360-degree motion.

Pistol Gripper: The pistol gripper has the same shape as a handgun, with a trigger you pull to release the jaws and clamp them onto the fish. They tend to be more ergonomic and put less pressure on your hand, so you can use it comfortably without getting tired.

Traditional T-Style Gripper: These grippers have a handle or mechanism that is shaped like a T, allowing you to use two fingers to control the jaws of the gripper. This is the most common type of fish lip gripper on the market, and often includes extra features like a scale.

Materials/Construction

You want a lip gripper that is durable, sturdy, and able to withstand the corrosive conditions. The best fish grippers are made from stainless steel and have a strong spring to increase accuracy. An ergonomic, non-slip handle is another great feature to look out for.

Easy Operation

The best lip gripper will be easy to use with just one hand, so you can keep your other hand free to support the fish or remove the hook.

360 Degree Rotation

Another critical factor is whether the tool has a 360-degree rotation. When fish starts rolling, the clamps can turn with the fish, making it safer for the fish.

Extra Features

Some grips will also have additional features like a scale to weigh your catches or a tape measure to check how big that lunker fish is. While it’s not essential, it’s a cool bonus feature if you like to know the stats of the fish you catch.

Fish Gripper FAQ

FAQ

Are lip grips bad for fish?

If used correctly, lip grips aren’t bad for the fish. Make sure you also support the fish under its vital organs to reduce the risk of damaging the fish. Also, hold it vertically, and the grip won’t hurt the fish.

How does a fish gripper work?

Fish grippers work by holding down the handle to open the jaws, align it with the fish lip, and then release the handle so it will attach firmly to the lip. Then, you can handle the fish safely to remove the hook, lift the fish (supporting it under the belly), or release it back into the water.

What is lip grip?

A lip grip tool allows you to land and hold fish securely while you remove your hook. It also stops the fish from getting tangled up in a net and reduces the risk of catching yourself on the hook.

How do you use a Boga grip?

To use a Boga grip, you pull back the trigger sleeve with your thumb or forefinger. When it’s in place around the lower lip of the fish, release the trigger sleeve. The springs will close firmly around the fish to hold it still.

The Wrap Up

So there you have our ultimate guide to the best fish lip grippers. Lip grips can be handy tools for anglers in certain situations, allowing you to protect your fingers. You can also remove hooks more quickly to release the fish safely back into the water. Personally I’d go for the Rapala 9″ Floating Fish Gripper.

The best fish lip grippers are sturdy, water-resistant, and fully rotatable. Combine this with some special features like a tape measure or scale, and you’ve got a winning combination. So grab one of the top fish lip grippers and get out on the water for some epic fishing!

Don’t forget to check out more articles and fishing gear guides at Fly Fisher Pro! We keep you up to date on the hottest trends in the fishing world.

Save Up To 50% At Trident Fly Fishing

We’ve partnered with Trident Fly Fishing to get you EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS on a huge selection of fly fishing gear. I highly recommend checking out their USED GEAR SECTION to save a ton on a premium rod and reel.

Trident Fly Fishing Deal

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top