They are expensive, but they do look pretty handy.  I think that I'd have to first lose a couple really big fish before I'd consider shelling out a $100+, though.

How much does a Boga grip weigh?

i have used a small folding net with a telescopic handle for years now, it is great because i can extend the handle for landing fish if i'm on a rocky outcropping and can't get my hands on the fish.
it's only drawback is the net size which made landing big fish hard to do as they would get 2/3 in net and then get all tangled up !
as a solo fisherman sometimes your trying to land/unhook a fish and steer at the same time  !!
this year i bought a new item from Cabelas called "THE FISH GRIP".
it's a cheaper version of the more expensive tool you've been discussing.
it' made out of high impact plastic with stainless hinge pins.
it's sort of like a "visegrip" for fish, squeeze to lock on and flip handle to release.
it's a bright orange, so you shouldn't lose it, it FLOATS and has a WRIST strap as well.
it way's only 5 oz.
the BEST thing about it is the price, $ 9.99  !!
it also has a notch in handle to attach a small scale to.
it's not the "precision" tool the other one is, but IMO it would do most any job that you would need on a trip.
if i works out like i think i'll note it in my may trip report .

Quote:


I quit taking a collapsible Masters net after losing a partner's really nice monster pike a few years ago. We weren't fishing for northerns at the time, but hooked a volunteer. Since that day (which he keeps reminding me of) I have taken one of the inexpensive orange plastic clamp thingies with a curly-cue tether from BPS (probably the same as solotripper). I haven't lost a fish (while using the clamp to land) since. It doesn't seem to harm the fish, and helps keep the mouth open while disgorging the bait. Although it clamps and holds pretty tight, it hasn't been tested on a monster like the one I lost with the net. That day will come...

I also pack a yellow fishing pliers that is built along the same lines (lightweight plastic, floats). With the clamp, those are the only tools I have needed to get the fish in the canoe and the hook out of the fish.

-aj

Ok folks, I've changed the topic title. Thanks for all the great info. In the past my fish gripper was my hand in a leather glove but I really am concerned about the hooks coming loose at a bad time:(

Thanks, DentonDoc!