Best Pike Fishing Lip Grips: Tested and Reviewed for Safe Fish Handling

The best pike fishing lip grips lock securely onto a pike’s jaw and hold firm even when the fish is thrashing beside the boat, giving you full control without putting your fingers anywhere near its teeth. A cheap plastic clamp might handle a small jack fine, but once you’re dealing with a solid mid-30s pike fighting the grip, jaw strength and a secure lock matter a lot more than they do on an average day of fishing.

We found that out firsthand landing a heavy pike on a windy afternoon on Rainy Lake, one that came up thrashing so hard beside the boat that our first attempt to grip it slipped clean off the jaw. The fish nearly went back in the water hookless before we could reset, and it made clear just how much of a difference a properly locking gripper makes when a big pike isn’t cooperating. A grip that locks securely on the first attempt reduces stress on the fish and lowers the risk of hand injuries during release.

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For this guide, we picked five lip grips that cover what pike anglers actually need on the water: a dependable all-around grip, a true budget option, a premium build for anglers who want the best, a model with a built-in scale for weighing personal bests, and a heavy-duty option built for the biggest fish you’ll hook. Whether you’re releasing pike from a boat or working the bank with one of the best pike fishing pliers already in hand for the hook, a dependable lip grip gives you far better control throughout the unhooking and release process.

How MFG Tested and Selected the Best Pike Fishing Lip Grips

At Master Fishing Guide (MFG), we tested every lip grip in this guide with one priority in mind: finding the tools that hold a thrashing pike securely without putting the angler’s fingers anywhere near its teeth. Rather than relying on manufacturer specs alone, we evaluated each model for jaw locking strength, one-handed operation, weight capacity, corrosion resistance, and how well it held up during repeated catch-and-release sessions.

MFG field test: weighing a pike with the Piscifun Digital Scale lip grip

Our testing focused on the situations pike anglers deal with most often, including controlling a big fish boat-side for photos, keeping the jaw pinned during hook removal, and weighing a personal-best pike without the grip slipping under load.

During testing, one of the grips we evaluated developed a slight amount of play in the locking mechanism after several trips of landing pike in the 8 to 12-pound range, loosening just enough that we started bracing the trigger by hand as a precaution. It didn’t make our final five, but it reinforced how much locking quality varies between models — and why it’s worth checking before you buy.

A lip grip is only as good as its locking jaw under real pressure. Every recommendation in this guide proved capable of controlling a toothy, actively fighting pike, whether you’re releasing fish from a boat, a kayak, or the bank.

Rapala Mechanical Fish Gripper – Best Overall Pike Lip Grip

The Rapala Mechanical Fish Gripper earned our pick as the best overall pike lip grip because it hits a rare balance most grips don’t: it’s light enough to carry all day, strong enough to control a toothy pike, and it comes with a built-in scale so you’re not fumbling for a second tool to weigh your catch.

What stood out most during testing was how easily it locked into place. The jaws closed with very little hand pressure, and because the locking mechanism engaged immediately, we never had to reposition the grip while removing the front treble. That kind of confidence matters the second a pike starts thrashing beside the boat.

The corrosion-resistant aluminum build also impressed us. It’s noticeably lighter than a stainless steel grip, which makes a real difference if you’re carrying it clipped to a vest or backpack for a full day of pike fishing, without giving up the strength needed to control a solid fish.

The spring-loaded scale reads in one-pound increments and stayed accurate through repeated testing, which is exactly what you want when you’re trying to confirm a personal best on the spot rather than guessing. Between the lock, the weight, and the wrist lanyard keeping it secure, it’s a tool that does its job without asking you to think about it.

What We Like

• Reliable one-hand locking that holds firm without slipping.
• Corrosion-resistant aluminum keeps it light without sacrificing strength.
• Built-in scale reads in one-pound increments for accurate weights.
• Soft-grip handle stays comfortable even with wet hands.
• Wrist lanyard keeps it secure during an active release.

What Could Be Better

• Aluminum construction isn’t quite as bulletproof as solid stainless steel long-term.
• Anglers who want a tournament-grade scale may prefer a digital display instead.

Booms Fishing G05 Lip Gripper – Best Budget Pike Lip Grip

The Booms Fishing G05 Lip Gripper earned our pick as the best budget pike lip grip because it doesn’t cut corners where it counts. It skips the built-in scale and premium materials, but the locking jaw itself performs well above what the price tag suggests.

What surprised us most was the jaw design. The mouth-opener tip makes it easy to slide the gripper into a pike’s jaw with one hand, and once the jaws close, they lock in place with a firm click rather than gradually clamping down. There’s no guessing whether the grip has actually caught — you feel it and hear it immediately.

For a plastic-bodied tool, the load rating held up better than expected during testing. It handled solid pike without any flex or stress in the jaw, which is usually where budget grips start to show their limits. Once a pike is settled in a good landing net, this grip takes over cleanly for the unhooking and release.

The wrist lanyard is a small but appreciated detail — it’s easy to overlook on a budget tool, but it’s there, and it does its job of keeping the gripper attached if it slips from a wet hand.

What We Like

• Firm, audible lock that confirms a secure grip instantly.
• Mouth-opener jaw design makes one-hand insertion easy.
• Surprisingly strong load capacity for a plastic-bodied grip.
• Wrist lanyard included for extra security.
• Excellent value for anglers building their first pike kit.

What Could Be Better

• No built-in scale, so you’ll need a separate tool to weigh your catch.
• Plastic construction isn’t built for the same long-term abuse as metal grips.

Boga Grip 130 – Best Premium Pike Lip Grip

The Boga Grip 130 earned our pick as the best premium pike lip grip because it’s built to a standard most grips don’t even attempt. Solid stainless steel construction, made in the USA, and a scale precise enough to trust for a genuine personal-best pike — it’s the tool anglers reach for when a grip needs to work perfectly every single time.

The first thing that stood out was the feel of the lock. There’s no plastic flex, no hesitation in the trigger sleeve — the jaws snap shut with a solid, mechanical precision that instantly tells you the fish isn’t going anywhere. On a big pike putting full weight against the grip, that kind of certainty is worth a lot.

The embossed scale was the other standout. Instead of a spring that feels approximate, the calibration reads with genuine precision, which matters when you’re trying to confirm an exact weight rather than a rough estimate. When you’re targeting trophy fish on heavy spinning rods for pike, having a gripper that won’t give under maximum pressure is non-negotiable.

What really sets it apart over time is the build quality under repeated use. Where lighter grips start to show wear, loosen up, or develop play in the mechanism after a season of hard use, the Boga Grip kept the same tight, precise action from the first test to the last.

What We Like

• Solid stainless steel construction built to last for years.
• Precise, no-flex locking action that holds with total confidence.
• Accurate embossed scale for confirming real personal bests.
• Made in the USA with a reputation for long-term reliability.
• Handles the biggest pike without any strain on the mechanism.

What Could Be Better

• The price is significantly higher than every other grip in this guide.
• Heavier than aluminum or plastic grips, which matters if you’re covering a lot of ground on foot.

Piscifun Fish Gripper with Digital Scale – Best Pike Lip Grip with Scale

The Piscifun Fish Gripper with Digital Scale earned our pick as the best pike lip grip with a scale because it replaces guesswork with an actual number. A spring scale gets you close, but a digital display tells you exactly what a personal-best pike weighs, and this one does it without adding much bulk to the tool itself.

What impressed us right away was how readable the display is. The backlit LCD stayed easy to read even with low light and a wet screen, which is exactly when you actually need it — right as a big pike is coming out of the water and you don’t want to fumble with the tool.

The memory mode turned out to be more useful than expected. Being able to lock in a weight and check it again after the fish is released, instead of trying to read the number mid-thrash, made the whole process calmer and more accurate. Just like pairing your setup with smooth spinning reels for pike, the 360-degree rotating handle makes the landing process feel effortless.

The stainless steel gripper body held a firm lock throughout testing, and the 360° rotating handle made it easy to angle the display toward us instead of twisting our wrist to read the number. Small detail, but it makes a real difference boat-side.

What We Like

• Backlit digital display stays readable in low light and wet conditions.
• Memory mode saves the weight so you’re not reading it mid-release.
• Stainless steel construction handles toothy pike with a firm lock.
• 360° rotating handle makes the display easy to angle and read.
• Water-resistant build holds up to repeated dunks and splashes.

What Could Be Better

• Runs on two AAA batteries, so it’s worth keeping spares in your tackle bag.
• The digital scale needs the fish to stay relatively still for the most accurate reading.

Berkley 12″ Big Game Lip Grip – Best Pike Lip Grip for Big Fish

The Berkley 12″ Big Game Lip Grip earned our pick as the best pike lip grip for big fish because it strips away everything except what matters most when a heavy pike is thrashing at boat-side: a jaw that locks and stays locked. No scale, no extra moving parts — just raw holding power.

What stood out immediately was the positive locking action. Once the jaws close, there’s no gradual give or slow slip the way some lighter grips behave under sustained pressure. It’s a mechanical lock, not a spring-tension hold, and that difference becomes obvious the moment a big pike puts its full weight against the grip.

The stainless steel body gives it a reassuring heft without feeling unwieldy, and the anti-slip handle stayed comfortable to hold even during a longer fight, when hands are wet and a fish won’t stop rolling. Built for the same heavy-duty scenarios where you’d rely on high-pound pike fishing lines, this gripper handles raw weight without slipping.

Because it skips the scale entirely, it’s also noticeably simpler to operate under pressure — one less thing to fumble with while a big fish is still fighting the grip. For anglers who already own a separate scale or don’t need one every trip, that simplicity is a real advantage.

What We Like

• Positive mechanical lock that holds firm under real pressure.
• Stainless steel construction built for serious, repeated use.
• Anti-slip handle stays comfortable even with wet hands.
• Simple, single-purpose design with fewer parts to fail.
• Handles the biggest pike without hesitation.

What Could Be Better

• Lacks an integrated scale, requiring a standalone tool for accurate weigh-ins.
• Doesn’t rotate like some premium grips, which some anglers may miss.

What to Look for When Buying a Pike Lip Grip

Not every lip grip is built for a fish with a mouth full of teeth. The right choice depends on the size of pike you typically catch, whether you need a scale, and how much you’re willing to spend for long-term durability. These are the features that matter most before you buy.

Choose the Right Locking Mechanism

Mechanical locks, like the ones on the Boga Grip and Berkley Big Game, snap shut and hold with no gradual give, making them the most secure option for big, actively fighting pike. Spring-tension locks found on lighter grips still work well for most pike but can feel less certain under sustained pressure from a heavy fish.

MFG field test: the Boga Grip 130 locked onto a pike’s jaw

Choose the Right Material

Plastic-bodied grips are lightweight and affordable, and they hold up fine for most pike as long as you don’t push them past their rated capacity. Aluminum offers a good balance of strength and low weight for anglers who carry their gear all day. Stainless steel is the most durable option, standing up to years of hard use and repeated exposure to water without weakening.

Decide If You Need a Built-In Scale

If you like to know the exact weight of every pike you land, a grip with a digital or spring-loaded scale saves you from carrying a separate tool. If you already own a scale or don’t weigh most of your catches, a scale-free grip is simpler to use and usually more affordable.

Match the Grip to the Size of Fish You Target

A grip rated for smaller fish can slip or strain under a big pike’s weight. If you regularly target trophy-class pike, look for a grip with a higher weight rating and a mechanical lock rather than a lighter, entry-level model.

Comfort and Handling Matter More Than You Think

Lip grips are often used with wet, cold hands while a pike is still fighting. Look for a non-slip handle, smooth one-handed operation, and a wrist lanyard so you don’t risk dropping the tool — or the fish — during the release.

Best Pike Lip Grips Compared

The table below compares our five recommended lip grips by material, locking type, scale, and the type of pike fishing each one handles best.

Mobile users: swipe left or right to view the full comparison table.

FAQ: Pike Fishing Lip Grips

What size lip grip is best for pike?

Most pike are handled comfortably with a standard-length lip grip in the 9 to 12-inch range. Larger, trophy-class pike benefit from a grip with a higher weight rating and a mechanical locking jaw rather than a lighter, entry-level model.

Do I need a lip grip with a built-in scale?

Not necessarily. A scale is useful if you want an accurate weight on the spot, especially for a personal best, but it adds cost and complexity. If you already own a separate scale, a scale-free grip is simpler and usually more affordable.

Are plastic lip grips strong enough for pike?

Yes, as long as the grip is rated for the size of fish you’re targeting. Quality plastic-bodied grips can handle most pike without issue, though stainless steel remains the more durable choice for repeated, long-term use.

Can I use a lip grip instead of a landing net?

A lip grip is not a substitute for a landing net. It’s best used to control a pike’s head during hook removal, photos, or weighing, after the fish has already been landed safely.

How do I stop my lip grip from rusting?

Rinse it with fresh water after every trip and dry it thoroughly before storing it. This matters most for aluminum and lower-grade steel models, since fully stainless steel grips resist corrosion much better over time.

If you’re buying just one pike lip grip, the Rapala Mechanical Fish Gripper is the one we’d recommend to most anglers — it locks securely, handles toothy pike with ease, and the built-in scale means you won’t need a second tool for weighing your catch.