Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge - View Single Post - Lip Grip

CobraTandem · 09-15-2010, 11:01 PM

I have always wanted the Boga Grip because I've seen alot of pictures and references to them on TV, online, in print, and in the kayaks of alot of fishermen. I thought they were the standard equipment. Also, the scale looks rugged, like it will last many years; not like something that will break when you drop it. However, the price has kept me away for now. They are pricey for something that you might drop over the side (I know, put a leash on it). The short sized one goes for about $75.00 with other models going +$200.00.

Boga Grip

So my first purchase was for the Rapala Digital Scale. I was very happy with this when I came home from Walmart. I tried it out on weights in a plastic bag and it registered perfectly. Once I took it out and tried to use it, I hated it. In fact this thing made me really angry and frustrated. It was very difficult to get the jaws to hold the fish properly to get an accurate weight reading. The little jaws would often point the wrong way and puncture the fishes mouth. Once that happened, it was harder to get the fish off of this thing than off the hook in the first place. Sometimes it would have to be turned on and off several times before it was ready to take a reading. Even though it looked in perfect condition, I finally took it out to the trash bin and chucked it as hard as I could. That was $29.00 wasted that could have gone toward a Boga.

Rapala Digital Scale

Next I bought a simple Spring Scale with a large dial and a big hook. I accidently dropped it in the water before trying it. I thought it might float because it was plastic but this one went straight down. That was $7.99 that could have gone toward a Boga.

Round Spring Scale

I started eyeing the Berkeley Lip Gripper because the price was right at $18.99. It looked decent quality for the price, but I was afraid that I would once again be wasting money on something that wouldn't last. The one I got does not have a scale. Also the jaws are much larger than the Boga Grip and I thought this might be a problem getting it into the fishes mouth without damaging the fish (I know, catch bigger, tougher fish). Eventually, I ended up purchasing this Berkeley unit. It has worked great so far and has doubled as an extendable arm helping me reach for items on the kayak. It works well as a tool to break my heavier line snags by wrapping the line around it a few times and pulling up. Lastly, when hauling my kayak through soft sand on a cart, I put this tool through the handle on the kayak so I can comfortably pull my kayak behind me.

Berkeley Lip Gripper

At the Southwind Tournament in Newport, they gave out the plastic "The Fish Grip". I used it a few times. It is lightweight and really does float. Billy V is probably right, this may be easier on the fishes mouth. I did have it slip on one wiggly bass. I'm sure this was operator error. I find the bright color a distraction in the photos I take of caught fish. I like the fish to be the highlight in a photo. I reckon that same bright color makes it quick to locate when you need it, though.

The Fish Grip

I still have not tried the Boga Grip but intend to pick one up some time (not soon).

I use the Berkeley Lip Gripper primarily and keep the plastic one ready to go as a backup. Of course, it is always good to get back in touch with nature and get your bare thumb roughed up a bit.

09-15-2010, 11:01 PM	#9
CobraTandem Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 76	I have always wanted the Boga Grip because I've seen alot of pictures and references to them on TV, online, in print, and in the kayaks of alot of fishermen. I thought they were the standard equipment. Also, the scale looks rugged, like it will last many years; not like something that will break when you drop it. However, the price has kept me away for now. They are pricey for something that you might drop over the side (I know, put a leash on it). The short sized one goes for about $75.00 with other models going +$200.00. Boga Grip So my first purchase was for the Rapala Digital Scale. I was very happy with this when I came home from Walmart. I tried it out on weights in a plastic bag and it registered perfectly. Once I took it out and tried to use it, I hated it. In fact this thing made me really angry and frustrated. It was very difficult to get the jaws to hold the fish properly to get an accurate weight reading. The little jaws would often point the wrong way and puncture the fishes mouth. Once that happened, it was harder to get the fish off of this thing than off the hook in the first place. Sometimes it would have to be turned on and off several times before it was ready to take a reading. Even though it looked in perfect condition, I finally took it out to the trash bin and chucked it as hard as I could. That was $29.00 wasted that could have gone toward a Boga. Rapala Digital Scale Next I bought a simple Spring Scale with a large dial and a big hook. I accidently dropped it in the water before trying it. I thought it might float because it was plastic but this one went straight down. That was $7.99 that could have gone toward a Boga. Round Spring Scale I started eyeing the Berkeley Lip Gripper because the price was right at $18.99. It looked decent quality for the price, but I was afraid that I would once again be wasting money on something that wouldn't last. The one I got does not have a scale. Also the jaws are much larger than the Boga Grip and I thought this might be a problem getting it into the fishes mouth without damaging the fish (I know, catch bigger, tougher fish). Eventually, I ended up purchasing this Berkeley unit. It has worked great so far and has doubled as an extendable arm helping me reach for items on the kayak. It works well as a tool to break my heavier line snags by wrapping the line around it a few times and pulling up. Lastly, when hauling my kayak through soft sand on a cart, I put this tool through the handle on the kayak so I can comfortably pull my kayak behind me. Berkeley Lip Gripper At the Southwind Tournament in Newport, they gave out the plastic "The Fish Grip". I used it a few times. It is lightweight and really does float. Billy V is probably right, this may be easier on the fishes mouth. I did have it slip on one wiggly bass. I'm sure this was operator error. I find the bright color a distraction in the photos I take of caught fish. I like the fish to be the highlight in a photo. I reckon that same bright color makes it quick to locate when you need it, though. The Fish Grip I still have not tried the Boga Grip but intend to pick one up some time (not soon). I use the Berkeley Lip Gripper primarily and keep the plastic one ready to go as a backup. Of course, it is always good to get back in touch with nature and get your bare thumb roughed up a bit.