Recommendations for jaw gripper for small fish

[SC McCarty]

It seems like a jaw gripper could be a good way to restrain fish while removing hooks and snapping pics, but most of them look too big for fish with small mouths, like jacksmelt or perch. Does anyone have a recommendation for a jaw gripper for smaller fish?

Steve

 

[mav]

I see people using locking forceps.

 

[pinchepesca]

why do you need to lipgrip a perch or a smelt? they both have delicate mouths and are normally small, there is no need for a boga on them. palm the bellys and they relax just fine,

 

[SC McCarty]

why do you need to lipgrip a perch or a smelt? they both have delicate mouths and are normally small, there is no need for a boga on them. palm the bellys and they relax just fine,

I thought it would be better for them, not disturbing scales or slime.

Steve

 

[pinchepesca]

I thought it would be better for them, not disturbing scales or slime.

Steve

Ahh..makes sense. google mini fish gripper. they have nicesmall ones for panfish..

 

[SC McCarty]

Thanks to everyone who replied.

Before I opened this thread, I had bought one I thought would work (top of the image below). On the first fish, a mid sized jacksmelt, the fish wiggled enough for it to break through the membrane of the lower jaw. I figured the contact area was too small, and I haven't tried it again since. I would be concerned about the same problem with the mini fish gripper posted by pinchepesca.



I found the FISH GRIP "JR" at a local tackle shop. It worked for barred surf perch, but I was concerned that it was too big for smaller mouthed fish, so I carved the jaws down a bit with a Dremel. I hope I have a good compromise in the size of the jaws. I will try it on the next trip.

Steve