8 Best Fish Lip Gripper In 2022 [Review + Buying Guide]

Dedicated anglers who regularly practice the catch and release method of fishing can probably point out a few scars that came from trying to wrangle a particularly aggressive fish. But, with the introduction of fish lip grips, there is no need to put yourself and the fish in harm’s way.

These small but handy tools will prove indispensable once you start using them. This article aims to help you find the best fish lip gripper for your fishing trips. We also included a buying guide to help you get a better choice.

Why Should You Choose the best fish lip gripper?

Before the emergence of the fish lip gripper, you had to hold down any fish you caught with your hands, and this led to a lot of bites and injuries. With these grippers, you don’t have to risk injuries to you or the fishes anymore.

The grippers clamps down the jaws of your fish, so you don’t need to reach for the head. They give you a better hold on to your catch, which helps you handle the fish without getting bitten or hurt. While you can do without one, having one will certainly change your views of fishing.

8 Top Rated Grippers Reviews

1. Piscifun Gripper with Digital Scale

The Piscifun gripper is perfect for heavy-duty operation and large fish as it has a capacity of 60 pounds. It is water-resistant, and it comes with a scale that is easy to read. The gripper is made with heavy-duty stainless steel that is also resistant to corrosion.

It is our best choice gripper for big game fish, and it is very sturdy and durable. You can use this device at night because of its LCD light, and its handle that rotates 360°.

2. Eastaboga Tackle BogaGrip

The Boga Grip is an extremely powerful one-handed fish grip that makes your catch and release seamless. It is versatile enough for different fish sizes and species, and its resistance to corrosion stainless steel frame makes it very durable.

This grip has a fast action, and you can land, weigh, and release fish in minutes and with only one hand. It has a non-slip handle that maintains balance, and it grips fish without puncturing them. You can get it in 3 different models.

3. Entsport Gripper

The Entsport grip has a smooth stainless steel frame that is perfect for saltwater and hence resistant to corrosion. Using this tool makes your catch and release quicker and more efficient because of its wide opening and quick release switch. You can also use the one-handed function, which allows you to work just as well as using both hands.

The handle has a soft EVA non-slip cover for better handling and balance, and it grips fish gently enough to prevent injuries. It can weigh up to 15 pounds with its built-in tape measure, and you can use it on several fish species.

4. Z Zanmax Fishing Pliers Fish Grip Tools Set

The Z Zanmax pliers fish grip set is a toolset that contains all you need for a successful catch and release. It is gentle on your hands and the fish, with a comfortable EVA handle cover that prevents it from slipping. The included pliers can do anything from cutting to removing hooks.

With this toolset, you can catch fishes from 40 pounds and below thanks to its inbuilt weighing scale. There is also a tape that measures up to 39 inches. It comes with a wrist strap attached to help you keep it close without losing it.

5. Booms Fishing G01 Fish Gripper Grip

The Booms fish grip is a delight to work with based on the favorable reviews about the product. It has a smooth one-handed operation and a coated handle to improve the steady grip.

With this fish grip, you can catch and measure fishes of up to 40 pounds and 3 feet long. It also has a quick-release switch that facilitates a seamless operation. You also get an adjustable strap, so you don't misplace the fish grip.

6. Berkley Big Game Lip Grip

The Berkeley lip grip is one of the top choices for anglers around the world because of its sturdy rust-resistant stainless steel frame. It has a locking jaw that holds the fish down until you release it with your hands.

This grip has a comfortable handle and a finger rest that allows you to handle it without using your whole hand. It doesn’t have a scale, but its integrated tape measures up to a 15-inch length. The Berkeley grip also has a lifetime warranty.

7. Yak Gear Fish Grip

The Yak Gear fish grip is one of the best for small boats with its small 7-inch frame. It is built with a mix of stainless steel and hard plastic that is gentle on the mouth of the fish when it is gripped.

It is also safe for you because of its stability, balance, and wrist lanyard that keeps it with you.

This gripper is ideal for all sizes of fish, and it is durable enough to survive under rough conditions. It is best for small boats, and it fits perfectly in your pocket or bag.

8. Piscifun Professional Gripper with Scale Ruler

This fish grip is similar to the Piscifun fish grip with a digital scale, only that this one has an analog scale and tape. The tape measures up to 3 feet in length, while the scale has a 40-pound limit.

It is safe for both you and the fish, and the tape measure allows you to measure your fish quickly and effectively. It is perfect for freshwater fishing, and you can use it under different weather conditions.

Buying Guide

Getting the best fish grippers for your fishing habits is not as hard as it looks on the surface. They have a variety of features and designs, so finding a distinctive design that is also practical is quite easy. With a little bit of research and following the tips in this article, you will find your perfect match in no time. 

Now, as with every product, several features are too important to overlook when shopping for a gripper. These features have been outlined below, with different options that cater to different preferences.

Style

Fish grippers come in various designs and colors for every preference. These three are the most common, and they all cater to different choices. No style is distinctly better than the others, but they have their pros and cons.

Safety

Your safety and that of the fish should be of the utmost importance when you look for a fish lip gripper. It is easy to get injured, especially when dealing with an aggressive fish, so you need a gripper that can secure the fish firmly without any injury. Always look out for those devices that ensure a safe grip and release of the fish.

Price

The price of a fish lip gripper is a significant factor to consider. They come in a vast range of prices from less than $50 to over $100. You don't have to go to an expensive product just because it is from a well-known brand. You may find the same features with one at a lower price. No matter what the price is, make sure that you’re going for a product that satisfies you.

Durability

Fish grippers usually last for years regardless of the type of water in which you use them. Ensure that you get one that is made to last long, especially if you plan on using it more frequently than the regular angler. A quality gripper may cost a little bit more than the more flimsy one, so you have to consider that, too.

Material

The durability of the fish grippers are mostly dependent on the materials that were used in making it. If a fish lip ripper is made with low-quality materials, it probably won’t last regardless of how much it was worth.

So, look out for grippers made with stainless steel, aluminum, or any other good and rust-resistant metal. Also, some of them are made for a particular type of environment, so a freshwater type might rust away if it is used in saltwater. Conversely, a gripper made for freshwater probably won’t have saltwater protection, so it will also get worse.

Handle

Holding on to a fish, especially one that is still struggling, is no easy feat. So, the grip of your fish lip gripper matters a lot. That’s because you hold on this grip while struggling with the fish.

Fish tend to be slick and slimy. That can get on your hands, making it slippery, too. Your handle keeps your balance on the fish. Therefore, if it doesn’t have a firm or ergonomic grip, it can slip out of your hand and cause an accident. A good handle has rubber grips to provide friction and fight against the slip. You can also get a device with an extra waist lanyard that keeps it on you if it slips out of your hands.