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8 Best Fish Lip Grippers in 2022

Last Updated October 20, 2022 by Tony Barker

Are you in search of the best fish lip grippers? A fish gripper is appropriate equipment for handling medium to big fish and is considered indispensable by many fishermen. Fish grippers attach to the lower jaw of a fish and give fishermen a tight grasp.

They’re particularly beneficial when dealing with slippery and toothy fish. Classified into numerous categories and made of a variety of materials, with each delivering a unique set of advantages to recreational and survival fishermen.

fish lip grippers

Unlike largemouth bass, which can be safely lipped by hand, saltwater faves such as bluefish and barracuda have sharp teeth, necessitating the use of a fish gripper when handling these species.

And for fish greater than ten pounds, the best lip grippers make handling a breeze. When used appropriately, grippers make handling fish of any size much simpler, from large catfish to striped bass.

Table of Contents

  • Fish Lip Gripper Reviews
    • 1. Berkley Fishing Lip Grip
    • 2. Piscifun Fish Lip Gripper
    • 3. Night Cat Fish Lip Gripper
    • 4. ZACX Fish Lip Gripper
    • 5. Boga Grip Scale
    • 6. Entsport Fish Lip Gripper
    • 7. Rapala Floating Fish Gripper
    • 8. The Fish Grip
  • How to Pick the Best Fish Lip Grippers
    • Types of Lip Grippers
      • Floating Plastic Lip Grippers
      • Conclusion

Fish Lip Gripper Reviews

Distinct fish have variable amounts of protective slime, different body forms, and varying degrees of hostility. Similarly, fishermen have varying requirements for a fish gripper.

As a result, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, while some may be applicable in various instances. Determine what you need and what your budget allows, then proceed from there.

The following fish gripper reviews look at some of the top products in this category and the key factors to consider when shopping for the best fish lip grippers.

1. Berkley Fishing Lip Grip

Berkley’s fishing lip grip is one of the strongest and best fish grippers. Pliable, textured rubber makes for a better grip than EVA foam for the handle. It’s also easier to open the clamp since the ring that activates it is a little broader, making it easier for your hands to grip.

Berkley opted to omit the scale in favor of a straightforward shaft design, which was constructed entirely out of stainless steel from top to bottom. As a result, it’s suitable for usage in both fresh and saline water. A rubber-studded grip on Berkley’s big game lip grip completes the package.

For fishermen who just need lip pliers, this simple fish lip gripper is a cost-effective solution. To be clear, there’s no tape measure or scale on the Berkley big lip gripper. Stainless steel makes up the whole of the gripper. At the very top of the grip is an adjustable wrist lanyard. Your arm will wrap snugly around it, so the grip doesn’t sink.

The trigger mechanism is located at the center and responds quickly. You don’t have to use excessive force on the jaws. This gripper has no weight restriction. As long as you’re able to tolerate the weight, Berkley’s big game lip grip is an excellent choice. There’s a little space between the jaws, though. Small fish may not be able to benefit from it.

The fact that the jaws don’t rotate is the characteristic that we find the most irritating. If you want to catch aggressive fish, keep this in mind. Any fish that you can raise with two arms will be secure in the clamp. When it comes to catching huge fish, this one is an excellent option.

Pros
  • Durability and sturdiness are provided by a simple design
  • Has very astonishing abilities
  • The handle is quite easy to grip
  • Its mechanism is quite sensitive
Cons
  • Neither a scale nor a measuring tape is available
Check Price on Amazon

2. Piscifun Fish Lip Gripper

For the first time, a scale is integrated into a lip gripper. The scale measures using a gauge on a spring which allows for precise adjustments. Lifting fish into a kayak is made simpler with the handle’s entire rotation due to the spring mechanism.

Many people who have used this fish gripper seemed to be pleased with the fish grabber tool’s ability to grab. It has recognized stainless-steel jaws for their long-lasting sturdiness and the scale’s large weight capacity, although they wished the scale were more accurate.

Overall, the Piscifun gripper’s scale may need an increase in weight accuracy, but the gripper is powerful and stable. It’s quite improbable that this product will never lose a catch because of its long-lasting, stainless-steel finish.

The gripper is composed of aluminum, which is resistant to corrosion, and the anodized sections are exposed. This improves their corrosion resistance while also giving them a great camouflage appearance. This gripper has a unique trigger design that sets it apart from the others. Rather than using a T-style trigger, a trigger is positioned in the center of the frame so that one finger may easily release it.

This gripper comes with a lanyard linked to a ring so that you can easily add your own. Piscifun grippers are perfect for fishermen who have poor vision but yet want to weigh their catch immediately. With a wide, easy-to-read typeface, weights are clearly shown on the digital screen.

Pros
  • The handle is able to revolve
  • To prevent corrosion, aluminum was used in the construction
  • Has a helpful grip with a textured handle
  • It’s simple to link your own lanyard since it’s fastened with a ring
  • The scale may be changed
  • Best fish lip gripper with scale
Cons
  • Heavy in weight as compared to other choices
  • The weight limit on scale is 28 pounds
Check Price on Amazon

3. Night Cat Fish Lip Gripper

Compared to most other fish lip grippers, the Night Cat Fish Lip Gripper is a little pricier. Fishermen should be able to tell the difference in quality between this pair of grippers and others they’ve used after a thorough examination of the product’s features and capabilities.

This fish lip gripper is composed of aluminum alloy, which is very sturdy and lightweight. With its aluminum die-cast construction, the Night Cat gripper is very sturdy. To prevent corrosion, the surface has been coated.

It’s one of the best solutions for anglers who often intend to capture giant fish that would easily shatter other fish grippers that are constructed of lower-quality aluminum alloy. When you’re pressed for time, the ergonomic handle’s ridges make it easier to hold the instrument.

The fish gripper can be opened with only one finger because of its one-handed ergonomic design. A fish won’t be able to twist and wiggle its jaws free once you’ve secured it with the 360-degree rotation.

The anti-corrosion properties of this fish gripper equipment allow it to be used in both saltwater and freshwater fishing. If you lose it, you’ll be able to find it quickly thanks to the lanyard attached to the handle. These are excellent fishing-themed presents.

Pros
  • Using only one finger and one hand makes it simple to use
  • It may be used in both freshwater and saltwater lakes because of its anti-corrosion properties
  • Monster fish fishermen will find it to be an excellent choice
  • When time is of the essence, the handle provides a solid grip
Cons
  • It's on the expensive side
Check Price on Amazon

4. ZACX Fish Lip Gripper

In order to accommodate fish with different lip widths, the jaws include a vertical spring-loaded construction. The powerful spring-loaded jaws can handle larger fish. Because the ZACX grippers don’t float, and it’s not as simple to attach a lanyard with them as they’re one of the less desirable grippers.

Despite its low price, the ZACX lip gripper is well-designed. With one hand and one or two fingers, the T-style handle is a decent alternative. A comfortable grip is provided by an EVA handle on the grippers. An EVA foam handle gives you a comfortable and powerful grip while using the new, upgraded design.

The increased hand strength you get by utilizing this fish grip will prevent hand fatigue and allow you to catch fish all day long. Additionally, the hollow aluminum design reduces weight and provides corrosion resistance.

One-handed usage is more convenient with a spring-loaded mechanism that features a two-finger pulling function. Using the trigger piece, you may simply pull back to open the jaws and then release. To avoid losing the fish mouth grabber, you may attach it to a lanyard. For fresh and saltwater usage, it has a solid and durable design.

Pros
  • The use of an EVA handle makes for a more comfortable grip
  • It’s simple to use all day long because of the lightweight design
  • Operation is as simple as two fingers
  • Both freshwater and saltwater fishing are possible with this rod
Cons
  • Being a stainless-steel gripper, it's not as corrosion resistant as plastic grippers
Check Price on Amazon

5. Boga Grip Scale

Boga Grip’s single-handed locking jaws prevent fish from wiggling loose while also decreasing the risk of hurting the fish during the weighing process. As the fish is raised, the jaws tighten and the main tube spins to accommodate the large fish. It’s mostly used as a catfish grabber.

If you want to take precise measurements of the weight of your fish, you need a Boga Grip. Honestly, this is one of the greatest fish scales available on the market today.

There are several variations on the classic Boga Grip. A 15-pound fish can be weighed in four-ounce intervals, a 30-pound fish can be weighed in eight-ounce increments, and a 60-pound fish can be weighed in eight-ounce increments.

This is your best bet if you’re looking to request any IGFA records. Make sure you give it to them to be certified before you may use it. Bogas don’t float, so you’ll need to use something like a two-liter bottle as a float.

There are no signs of corrosion, and it’s constructed to last. If you can afford it, it’s a worthwhile investment that can be handed down for generations.

Pros
  • Has a locking device resembling a steel trap locks fish firmly in place
  • It has the ability to pursue records without having to locate a certified scale
  • Using a free-twisting tube helps to avoid wrist injuries and fish jaw fractures
Cons
  • For people whose vision problems, reading weight increases might be difficult
  • Decimal or single-ounce increments aren’t used to indicate weight
Check Price on Amazon

6. Entsport Fish Lip Gripper

The durable stainless-steel structure makes this one an excellent choice for catching huge fish. The corrosion resistance of the material further minimizes the danger of damage when submerged in water. 

It’s less stressful for you and your fish if the entrance is broad enough to fit within the jaws of a variety of fish types. A lanyard is attached to the EVA handle for easy transportation.

It’s almost certain that the lower price is due to lower-quality components, and Entsport doesn’t have a fish lip gripper that can match the capacity of other high-quality models. It’s worth noting that these grippers are competent and sturdy, and they’re a fraction of the price of their more renowned rivals.

An EVA foam handle is included as well as stainless steel components and a hard-wearing clamp at the end. The Entsport, of course, has a basic spring scale with a maximum capacity of 15 kilograms, and sure, it’s labeled in metric.

It’s possible that your experience with the measuring spring differs from mine in that it’s not very accurate. Anglers may encounter difficulties as a result. The Entsport, on the other hand, comes in at a significant savings of over a tenth of the price.

Pros
  • All materials are of high grade
  • High level of ability
  • The handle is easy to grip
  • Extremely long-lasting
Cons
  • Depending on the scale, the results might be dramatically different
Check Price on Amazon

7. Rapala Floating Fish Gripper

Because of its many benefits for fishermen and its ability to perform when you need to concentrate on making sure your catch is safe, the Rapala Floating Fish Gripper is unquestionably the finest fish gripper on the market today. There are two varieties of this floating fish gripper available, both of which come in lengths of 6″ and 9″.

The Rapala 9″ resembles a pair of locking pliers in its shape and appearance. It also has a comparable mechanism for closing and opening. As a result, pushing the handle will cause the jaws to open and stick. Because the jaws don’t rotate, it’s not ideal. To put it another way, be aware of their size. As a result, fitting the gripper inside the jaws of a tiny fish may be challenging.

Anglers can quickly and easily fasten their fish to the boat with the Rapala Floating Fish Gripper’s included lanyard and the ability to float if it’s dumped into the water. One hand is free to remove hooks. It helps anglers gain a stronger overall grasp with one hand.

One of the most economical options is the Rapala gripper. It’s simple to link a high price to a high-quality product. In this instance, you get a high-quality gripper at a reasonable price. In addition to being very robust, this product is made completely of heavy-duty plastic. As a result, this pliers set is ideal for fishermen who are always on the move.

The gripper’s plastic composition protects it against salty water’s corrosive properties. The lip gripper is less likely to injure the fish since it is made of plastic rather than metal, which is a softer material. This plastic gripper, on the other hand, has a secret property: it floats. So, don’t worry if you drop it in the bathtub or a swimming pool. It also comes with a wrist strap.

Pros
  • Light in weight when being using
  • One of the cheapest fish grippers in the market
  • The mechanism for securing the door is incorporated
Cons
  • The jaws are too big for tiny fish mouths
Check Price on Amazon

8. The Fish Grip

Plastic and stainless steel are used to make the Fish Grip lightweight and floatable. If you drop your tool, you won’t have to worry since it will float to the top of the water and be easy to collect.

However, despite its low weight, this style of fish gripper is strong enough to haul in a large catch. For nighttime fishing, this lure has a glowing pattern.

The locking grip’s bright orange exterior makes it readily noticeable from a distance or in a little chop if dropped overboard. There are many fishermen whose hands may still be covered in slime from the trophy catch they just made. The fish grip’s simple design hides a locking mechanism that keeps it closed in your pocket when you’re holding a fish.

Depending on what kind of fish you want to catch, you may choose from three different sizes: original, junior, and mini. An additional lanyard ensures that even the largest of fish can’t get away from your grasp.

When it comes to low-cost fish grippers, they are the gold standard. They’re cheap, and they do the job without any issues. One should be in every boat, fishing kayak under 500, and tackle box.

Pros
  • Dropped items are easily retrieved
  • Very enduring and powerfult
  • For night fishing, a glow-in-the-dark design is great
Cons
  • Rather pricey
Check Price on Amazon

How to Pick the Best Fish Lip Grippers

If you’re still undecided about the best fish lip gripper to purchase, we recommend reading our buyer’s guide.

This section discusses important factors to consider when purchasing a fish lip gripper. The goal is to help you make an informed decision on the finest fish lip gripper for you.

How Do Fish Lip Grippers Work?

They are unique devices for securing fish at the mouth. How are they able to achieve this? To begin, the gripper’s tip has two claws.

As a result, when they are opened, they provide adequate room for the fish lip to pass through. Once the claws are closed, the fish is secure. The mechanism is similar to that of locking pliers and claw machines.

What is the Proper Way to Use a Fish Lip Gripper?

The procedure is the same irrespective of the fish lip gripper you use. Naturally, some are simpler to manage than others. Nonetheless, each one has a trigger.

The jaws of the gripper will open when you pull it. To hold the fish, just press the gripper into the fish’s bottom jaw. To free the fish, all you have to do is reapply pressure and the jaws will open.

Types of Lip Grippers

Lip grippers come in three varieties: floating plastic, classic T-style, and general plastic grippers. Some are more manageable than others.

However, they all serve the same purpose: to hold the fish so that you don’t need to touch it with your bare hands. Let’s have a look at some of the characteristics and distinctions between them.

Floating Plastic Lip Grippers

These are, as the name implies, plastic grippers that float when submerged in water. Fishermen who utilize tiny boats or kayaks with outriggers find it particularly beneficial.

Additionally, they are rather light. As such, it’s an excellent choice for fishermen on the move. However, they are unable to handle large fish. The claws are also immobile.

Floating grippers work similarly to a locking prier. Indeed, several models bear a striking resemblance to it. Thus, pushing the handle will open the claws, allowing you to hold the fish.

Traditional T-Style Grippers

They are mostly composed of stainless steel and are quite tough to handle large fish.

Traditional T-style grippers go down in water due to their weight, which is more than that of plastic grippers. They do, however, have a cable that may be wrapped on the wrist. As a result, if you drop the tool, it will dangle from your arm.

T-type grippers in the traditional design feature a plastic handle that may be pulled. The claws will automatically open, allowing you to insert the grippers into the fish’s mouth.

Pistol Grippers

Pistol grippers have the advantage of being ergonomic. Additionally, they are fairly easy to use. Their build resembles a pistol.

A trigger is located near the handle. You easily control the opening of the claws using the trigger. The most often utilized materials in this kind of lip grippers are metal and plastic.

Important Considerations When Purchasing a Fish Gripper

Let’s look at some of the key factors to consider in the best fish lip grippers.

Ergonomics

While a straight shaft is not the most comfortable form for lifting a large fish, it’s a highly sturdy construction capable of withstanding tremendous weights.

Pistol grippers are the best when considering ergonomics.

Handle

That is entirely dependent on the product and how it feels in your palm.

We recommend looking for sticky foam or any other material that enhances traction. While many grippers include EVA foam, some have textured rubber.

Whichever gripper you choose, be careful to inspect the handle and determine if it will chew up your hand when holding a hefty fish. Additionally, you’ll want to inspect the ring that activates the clamp.

Capacity

Large fish need robust grippers. While plastic grippers offer a number of benefits, maximal capacity isn’t one of them.

That isn’t to say they are unsuitable for large fish””they are but with limitations. Consider what you really need and match the grippers to the size of the fish you want to capture.

Conclusion

While only you can choose which gripper is the greatest fit for your requirements and budget, we can assure that each tool in these fish lip gripper reviews is a good pick depending on the size of fish you anticipate catching. However, for the best results, we recommend the Berkley Fishing Lip Grip.

As one of the best fish lip grippers, the Berkley features a comfortable, pliable textured rubber handle and performs excellently in both fresh and saltwater fishing.

Category: Baits and Lures

About Tony Barker

My name is Tony and I’m the creator of this blog. As a person who has always been passionate about fishing and outdoor life, I started this website to share my experience and interest in fishing with other like-minded people. Here I will share with you the tips and tricks I have accumulated in a lifetime of fishing.

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