Honest Reviews. Expert Advice. Better Fishing
KastKing Fishing Gripper
One-handed lip grip for safe landings
- Corrosion-resistant 420 stainless steel construction
- Two-finger trigger and spring-loaded jaws for one-handed use
- Non-slip elastomer handle grips securely when wet
- Adjustable wrist strap guards against accidental drops
The problem a lip gripper solves shows up the moment you swing a thrashing fish over the gunwale with treble hooks flying near your fingers. Getting a fish under control for a clean unhook, a photo and a healthy release is awkward and occasionally painful by hand. The KastKing gripper gives you a firm, one-handed hold on the lower jaw so your other hand stays free and clear of the hooks.
Operation is the strong point. A two-finger trigger drives spring-loaded stainless jaws, so you can open, clamp and lock onto a fish’s lower lip with a single hand. That matters when you are alone in a kayak or standing waist-deep, and it is the feature anglers most often praise in day-to-day use.
The 9-inch model is built from corrosion-resistant 420 stainless steel and holds roughly 33 pounds, which comfortably covers the bass, redfish, snapper and pike that make up most anglers’ catch. It is a control-and-landing tool, not a big-game hoist, so it is worth matching the rating to the species you actually chase rather than expecting it to manage tarpon.
Grip security is handled by a non-slip elastomer handle that stays planted with wet or gloved hands, plus an adjustable wrist strap that keeps the tool from going overboard the instant a fish surges. For anyone who has watched a bare gripper sink, that strap alone justifies the design.
For catch-and-release, technique matters as much as the tool. Clamp the lower jaw, keep the fish horizontal and support its body rather than hanging it vertically by the lip, and you protect both the fish and the release. Used this way, the gripper keeps your hands off teeth and hooks while causing minimal harm.
At its size and price, this is a lot of stainless tool for the money, and its main limits are honest ones: it holds but does not weigh, and the spring benefits from a rinse after salt trips. For most anglers who release fish, that is an easy trade. Bottom line: a fair-priced, corrosion-resistant lip grip whose one-handed trigger and wrist strap make landing and releasing fish safer and simpler.
Specifications
| Type | Fish lip gripper |
| Material | 420 stainless steel with elastomer handle |
| Size/Capacity | 9 inches, roughly 33 lb hold |
| Corrosion Resistance | High (420 stainless, salt-rated) |
| Key Feature | Two-finger trigger with spring-loaded jaws |
| Best For | Catch-and-release and mid-size fish |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight can this gripper hold?
The 9-inch model is rated to hold roughly 33 pounds, which comfortably covers most inshore and freshwater species. It is a landing and control tool rather than a big-game hoist, so match it to the fish you typically target.
Is it safe for catch-and-release?
Used correctly on the lower jaw, a lip grip keeps your hands away from hooks and teeth and lets you control the fish for a quick unhook and release. Support the body horizontally and avoid hanging heavy fish vertically to protect the jaw.
Will it rust in saltwater?
It is made from corrosion-resistant 420 stainless steel and holds up well to salt exposure. As with any tool, a freshwater rinse after each outing and an occasional drop of oil on the spring keep it operating smoothly for years.
Can I operate it with one hand?
Yes, that is the point of the design. The two-finger trigger and spring-loaded jaws open and clamp with one hand, so you can control the fish and free your other hand for pliers or the hook.
Does this gripper weigh the fish too?
This model is a dedicated lip grip, not a scale. If you want to record weights, pair it with a separate digital fishing scale. KastKing does sell combined scale-and-grip units if you prefer one tool.