I think there's even more important consideration back country paddlers should be considering than if their fishing handling is " manly" or not ::)

On a Q trip, last thing you need is an infection in your hand/fingers from a lure/gill plate or toothy critter. Even if you dress it properly and disinfect, your always using your hands. Paddling/fishing/camp chores.
The risk of serious infection is there and shouldn't be treated lightly.

I'm a fan of the cheap orange grips, but any way you use that takes in account the possible consequences is better than tearing your hands up and calling it manly ;D

Now if you have hands that can palm a basketball in 5th grade, then I guess you can grab them anyway you wish :o
For the rest of us mere mortals, I think avoiding anything that can injure ourselves and possibly cause issues is the smart if not " manly" way to go ;)