Lip Grippers

[bigslick]

What do you guys think about the various lip gripping tools. I need to get one, but am not sure what I need. I already have a scale, but if it makes sense to get one of the ones with a scale in it I will. I don't really want to spend more than I have to. I know of the Boga, Rapala Lock n Weight and the Berkley Big Game Lip Gripper. What are the thoughts on these? Are there others? Any thing you think I should know about using one before I get one? Any good sources for them?
Thanks in advance for any info.
Godspeed,
bigslick

[Arin]

I was also wondering about this. I'm pretty sure the boga grips are pretty expensive, though($100+). I was looking at the Berkley Pocket Lip Grip..
http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=58161&hvarTarget=search
Has anyone used this?

[Foxy Carp]

I have the berkly big game grip tool or whatever its called. Its the shorter one...not 36". It has held up great. It grips good, even on big fish or small mouths. I use it in the salt a bit and it has no signs of corrosion and it is just as smooth as it was 3 years ago. It cost me $30 and is well worth it.

[ESOX]

I have seen the rapalas, the gripper tongs are so wide it looks like they would be tough to get into a fishes mouth if it has it closed. I have had a Boga Grips (15 & 30#) for years, can't seem to hurt them. The price may be a tad steep compared to its more recent competitors, but the real deal can't be beat for durability.

[bigslick]

Thanks for the feed back.
Foxy, does it take two hands to use the one you have?
Esox, I do like the Boga, I might not have the $ this season though ($120) and I really don't like netting if I can avoid it. It will probably be the Berkley, unless I bite the bullet and spend the money.
Would you guys recommend the long handle or short handle if you had your choice again?
Thanks.
Godspeed,
bigslick

[jigworm]

I have to agree with Essox on the boga, it's one of the best tools I've ever bought. Spend the extras bucks and you'll have something to use for many years.

[Icet]

I have to agree with Essox on the boga, it's one of the best tools I've ever bought. Spend the extras bucks and you'll have something to use for many years.

Let me echo both of these votes. Had the cheaper, rusted out. Learned the hard way. Make the investment. It really is cheaper when it lasts forever.

[Arin]

I think I would rather get a $30 gripper every 1-2 years rather than grabbing fish over the side of the boat with a $120 piece of equipment:yikes:.
Maybe it's only me, since I'm younger than all of you and $120 is a fortune:lol:.

[Icet]

I think I would rather get a $30 gripper every 1-2 years rather than grabbing fish over the side of the boat with a $120 piece of equipment:yikes:.
Maybe it's only me, since I'm younger than all of you and $120 is a fortune:lol:.

valid point. Think about it though. How many years are you planning on fishing. That's only four years worth. For us old farts - four years is nothing.
:D :rolleyes: