landing fish

[illinois angler]

Has anybody used the devices that grip fish by the lips.Talking about the ones made by berkley that opens up and than locks onto the fishes jaw.Would like to here pros and cons from anybody.Thinking about getting one.I mostly fish for walleye and northern and release more than I keep.

[Okeye]

I have the Berkley one. These are very helpful landing and getting the hooks out. Something about treble hooks, sharp teeth, gill razors and flopping fish, I like my hands and fingers. Why be without?

Okeye

[ebijack]

cabela's has one that is made out of plastic and floats for around $10..bright orange color...works great

[Denied]

If I am going to put the fish back I use a net and a cut proof glove on one hand to handle it while removing the hooks. If it is a keeper I still us the net to get it in the boat, then use slip joint pliers to hold the fish by the lower lip while removing the hooks. I tried one of the grippers but like the pliers better. I saves a lot of cuts and hooks in fingers.
dean

Fishing Lake Erie aboard "DENIED"

(I don't represent any manufacturer or supplier "I pay my own way")

[ezmarc]

I agree Tom. Best 10 bucks I ever spent.

[Boatnut]

Tom,
gotta link to it? Personally I like my boga grip...but cringe when i see a buddy reaching over the side without the wrist strap on it! lol

[KHB]

I received the Rapala Lock N Weigh as part of an incentive package when I purchased a boat last year. Have to admit - I like it thus far. I have also used a boga grip. Its' also very nice for holding fish during photographs. On large releasable fish, I use my other hand to support the fish's weight when I bring them out of the water for pictures. Run a search for boga grips on the Muskie Central site to get different perspectives on their use.

[T man]

I have used the Berkley grip for two years now, and love it. Walleye, smallmouth, etc..
T man

[FreeByrd]

You will like it. I use the original Boga Grip. Normally net all fish other than maybe a lake trout we will release or some steelhead on Erie that we just use the boga grip on. As someone else suggested the boga/rapala clamp device is great for taking fish out of the net - securing them while removing the hooks and for holding fish for a picture, especially by someone that isn't used to holding fish - you don't have to worry about them getting a fin or gillplate cut and they don't have to "touch" the fish.
Steve

[illinois angler]

Thats for all the replys.Looks like I had better buy one and give it a try.Been using a lindy fish glove and it works pretty good,but thought one of this grippers might be better on the pike.Got some hooks in me before and it makes you a little hook shy.Thanks again.