Our Top Pick:
9” Fish Gripper by Rapala
★★★★★
Best Value:
Fish Grabber by ZACX
★★★★★
Editor’s Choice:
Lip Gripper with Fish Scale by Piscifun
★★★★★
I never go fishing without a fish holder tool. It is always present in my tackle box, as the last thing I need is to get the hook embedded into my skin while trying to remove it from the mouth of the fish. Also, I dislike holding the fish by its gills as it can hurt or harm them. So, a fish gripper is my tool of choice to get a firm grip on the fish to de-hook it and weigh it, especially if I am participating in a tournament.
When I first started fishing, it was a trial and error method to select a gripper that was right for me. It was time-consuming, and I wasted a lot of money trying to find a durable and functional fish gripper. Thankfully, experience and perseverance taught me to look for specific features, enabling me to buy the best fish gripper. I do not want you to have a confusing time selecting a fish gripper.
That is why I have shortlisted five fish grippers that are the best on the market. You can read the reviews of these grippers and then decide which is the right one for you. I have also included a buying guide to help you look for important features when scouting for the best fish lip gripper.
| Table: 5 Best Fish Grippers | |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Price |
| #1 9” Fish Gripper by Rapala | Check » |
| #2 Fish Grabber by ZACX | Check » |
| #3 Lip Gripper with Fish Scale by Piscifun | Check » |
| #4 Plastic Lip Gripper by Tsinc | Check » |
| #5 Fish Gripper with High Weight-Bearing Capacity by Booms | Check » |
Top 5 Fish Grippers Reviewed
1. 9” Fish Gripper by Rapala
Last update on 2023-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This fish gripper by Rapala is 9 inches in length. It is lightweight and enables you to hold the fish using one hand. It comes with a lanyard for the wrist, which minimizes the chances of losing it.
Product Specifications
- Made with strong plastic
- Wrist lanyard
Our Verdict
This fish holder tool is easy to use. It does not harm the fish; hence, if you are into catching and releasing, this is the perfect fish-handling tool to photograph and weigh the fish before releasing it. It is resistant to corrosion and allows you to grip the fish using one hand.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
- Resistant to corrosion
- It comes with a quick-release mechanism
- Does not harm the fish
Cons
- Some users complained that the fish gripper does not float as advertised by Rapala.
Tip: The gripper has a ring that you can use for the scale if you want to weigh your catch.
Info alert: Even though it is made from plastic, be sure to rinse it well after using it for saltwater fishing.
2. Fish Grabber by ZACX
- ✔UPGRADED FISH GRIPPER- ZACX improved the length of EVA Foam Handle till to 4.3inch for this classic T-handle grabber, this new fishing lip gripper with ergonomic to enhance hand strength and reduce fatigue
Last update on 2023-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This fish grabber is lightweight and easy to use. Its ergonomic grip makes it convenient to hold without any problems. It is resistant to corrosion
Product Specifications
- Made from aluminum
- Handle made from EVA foam
- Spring mechanism
Our Verdict
This fish gripper can be used in freshwater as well as saltwater. It is resistant to corrosion, and you can grip the fish without harming it. The spring mechanism enables you to use it with a single hand. The lanyard ensures that you do not lose the fish gripper by accident.
Pros
- Well built
- Easy to use
- Durable and long-lasting
- Comfortable grip
- Does not harm the fish
- Can be used in freshwater and saltwater
- Affordably priced
Cons
- Some users complained that the grippers started rusting, though the rust didn’t hamper the functioning of the fish gripper
Tip: Use the gripper for a lip grip on the fish and you will easily be able to remove the hook without harming the fish.
Info alert: The weight capacity of this fish holder tool is 6lb. So, it is advisable to not use it for heavier fish.
3. Lip Gripper with Fish Scale by Piscifun
- 【Note】Scale and LCD are powered by (2) AAA batteries. Try to keep the fish still when measuring the weight, otherwise it will lead to inaccurate measurement.
Last update on 2023-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are looking for a fish gripper and fish scale, this one by Piscifun is the right choice. It is rugged and durable and comes with an amazing weight capacity of 60lb. It is also resistant to rust and corrosion.
Product Specifications
- Made from superior quality stainless steel
- The weighing scale has an LCD
- Auto shut off
- Requires two AAA batteries
Our Verdict
This fish gripper cum weighing scale by Piscifun is quite impressive. It has a huge load-bearing capacity and can be used in freshwater and saltwater. The weighing scale has an LCD display that is backlit. It can save up to 10 readings and comes with an indicator for low battery and automatic shut off.
Pros
- Well-built
- Durable and long-lasting
- Resistant to water
- It comes with an LCD display
- Provides weigh-in lb/oz and kg
- It comes with a one-year warranty
- The handle rotates 360 degrees
Cons
- Some users found the weighing scale inaccurate, but the gripper works well.
Tip: You can use the backlight of the display to see where to grip the fish if you are fishing in the night.
Info alert: Since the handle rotates 360 degrees, you do not find it cumbersome or tedious to read the LCD display. You can rotate the handle for the best viewing position.
4. Plastic Lip Gripper
- 【CORROSION RESISTANT】: The fish grabber is made of anti-corrosion plastic, which allows you to safely use under saltwater and freshwater fishing scenarios. Durable plastic construction you can count on for reliable use
Last update on 2023-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are looking for a fish grabber that will not harm the fish and make your life easy, this one is the right choice. The gripper floats in water if you accidentally drop it, and since it is water-resistant, you do not have to worry about corrosion.
Product Specifications
- Made from plastic
- It comes with a wrist lanyard
- Quick-release mechanism
Our Verdict
If you are looking for the best fish lip gripper, this one qualifies as one. It is lightweight and easy to use. It comes with a unique grip design that enables you to hold the fish by the lip without causing it any harm. Since it is made from plastic, there is no risk of rust and corrosion. You can use it in saltwater and freshwater.
Pros
- Durable and long-lasting
- Does not injure the fish
- Unique grip design to hold the lip of the fish
- It comes with a quick-release button
- Easy to use
- It has a lanyard for the wrist for easy access
Cons
- Some users complained that the gripper does not float if dropped into the water by accident.
Tip: Make sure that you rinse the gripper well after using it in saltwater to prevent damage to the gripping mechanism.
Info alert: The unique design of the jaws of the gripper ensures that you can hold the fish by the lip without harming or hurting it.
5. Fish Gripper with High Weight-Bearing Capacity by Booms
- Land and release your catch without harm to you or the fish
Last update on 2023-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This fish grabber is resistant to corrosion and rust. It effectively holds the fish by the lip without causing any harm. How it is designed, you can operate it easily using just one hand.
Product Specifications
- Made from a mix of nylon (70%) and glass fiber (30%)
- The load-bearing capacity of 110lb
- The handle is non-slip
Our Verdict
This fish gripper is easy to use and can hold weights of up to 110lb. It is durable as it is made from a blend of nylon and glass fiber. It can be used for saltwater and freshwater fishing. It does not corrode or rust. The handle’s grip is comfortable, and you will find that this fish grabber is pretty easy to use.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Allows one-hand operation
- It comes with a wrist lanyard
- Comfortable grip
- Does not harm the fish
Cons
- The pins holding the components together can be loose, according to some users.
Tip: Use this gripper for large fish with bigger lips as it is more effective in holding them rather than smaller fish.
Info alert: The gripper comes with a locking mechanism that you can engage when you are not using it.
Buying Guide for the Best Fish Gripper
If you are looking to buy a fish gripper, there are a few things that you should consider. That will enable you to choose the best fish gripper for your next fishing trip.
Material:
A fish gripper is usually made from plastic, stainless steel, or aluminum. Each has its pros and cons.
A plastic fish gripper is lightweight, affordably priced, resistant to corrosion, and quite durable. If your budget is tight, this is the one that you should choose. Make sure the plastic is of high quality so it does not snap or break very easily.
Aluminum is lightweight and will last longer than a plastic fish holder tool. It is best suited for bigger fish. You do not have to worry about corrosion, but it is advisable to rinse it well after using it in saltwater.
The stainless steel fish lip gripper is sturdy, long-lasting, and durable. It is resistant to corrosion and better than a plastic or aluminum one.
Other important fishing accessories: Rubber fishing net
Grip:
Ensure the handle is comfortable, and your hand should not slip when wet or slimy. So, look for a fish gripper that has an anti-slip handle. You will be able to find grippers with a textured handle, but that is not something that you will find in plastic grippers.
Types of Grippers:
You can find different types of grippers on the market. The most common is the floating type of fish grippers. These are made from plastic; if you accidentally drop them in the water, they will float. That enables you to pick it up without worrying about losing it. These grippers are best suited for smaller catches and are considered ideal for kayak and small-boat fishing.
T-style fish grippers are either made from aluminum or stainless steel. Usually, they can handle large catches with ease. Since they are heavier than plastic, they sink if you accidentally drop them in water. So, to ensure you do not lose your gripper, look for one with a wrist lanyard. You can secure it to your wrist, which minimizes the chances of dropping it in water. Some T-style grippers are designed for single-hand operation, and most anglers consider them their first choice.
Pistol fish grippers are easy to use and have a trigger that opens the claws. They can be made from plastic or metal. Usually, these fish grippers are comfortable to use.
Other Features:
If you are looking for additional features like a scale, it is possible to find fish grippers with a built-in scale. That ensures you can remove the hook and weigh your catch before releasing it. Just ensure that the scale is accurate. It can have a mechanical or digital scale.
Related article: Best fishing scales
Some other fish grippers come with handles that rotate 360 degrees. This is a protective measure. If the fish spins, the handle will rotate and ensure you do not hurt yourself or the fish.
In Conclusion
Now you know which fish grippers are the most sought-after on the market. Use the reviews and the guide to select the best fish gripper for your fishing needs. Remember, your choice of gripper will depend on the kind of fish you want to catch. Many anglers invest in multiple grippers to have one for each kind of fish and fishing trip.
FAQ
Why do people use fish grippers?
People use fish grippers to safely handle fish and prevent injury to both the fish and the angler. Grippers provide a secure hold on the fish, making it easier to remove hooks, take photos, and release the fish back into the water.
What does a fish lip gripper do?
A fish lip gripper is a tool designed to hold a fish by its lower jaw, making it easier to handle and release. The gripper clamps onto the fish’s lower jaw, providing a secure and stable hold that minimizes harm to the fish.
Do fish grips hurt fish?
When used properly, fish grips do not hurt fish. The gripper should be positioned on the fish’s lower jaw, away from the gills, and should not be squeezed too tightly. Fish should be released as quickly and gently as possible after being caught.
Do you need fish grips?
Fish grips are not necessary for all types of fishing, but they can be a useful tool to have on hand. If you frequently catch fish that are difficult to handle, or if you practice catch-and-release fishing, fish grips can make the process safer and more efficient. Ultimately, the decision to use fish grips is up to the individual angler.
Updated: February 17, 2023
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