Boga grips

[Can't Catch Bass]

Hello I'm considering the purchase of Boga grips either the 15 or the 30 lb. I fish from a kayak and target Bass. I fish lakes that have some Pike and Muskie, some fairly large. I would like a pair of grips that would be able to handle both the bass and the pike/musky.

 

Is there much of a difference in terms of gripping force of the jaws on the 15 versus the 30?

 

My biggest concern is being able to handle large fish safely as it is trying to thrash around.

[A-Jay]

I'm a big Boga Grip fan.

I'm using the smallest (15 lb) model - 

The 'gripper' part of the unit doesn't really use pressure to hold the fish.

It's more of an 'open & close' deal. 

I've used the 15lb model to maintain control of some hefty Pike & Musky.

May not be the best way to weigh super heavy toothy critters but seems to work well on bass. 

Really love it to help keep me away from treble hooks while I'm removing them and I use it faithfully.

A-Jay

 

[Junger]

Good call on the buoy for a $120 gripper.

[TOXIC]

And don't forget to put a heavy duty float on them.  With what they cost, you don't want them falling in the lake!!  

 

On edit, Junger beat me to it!!  BTW, Bass Pro sells a float designed for them for about $8.  

[Dwight Hottle]

I have both the 30 & the 15. The 15 weighs in 1/4 lb increments & the 30 weighs in 1/2 lb increments. I have used the 15 on fish up to 18 lbs without any problems. If you think you will be landing a lot of esox I would go with the 30 lber so you can be able to weigh those bad boys & girls. 

[Darren.]

I, too, use a 15# Boga and love it. Fantastic gripper,

extremely well made, very accurate, to boot. Can get

it certified by IGFA, too for a fee.

 

The float is an absolute necessity. Can find them on 

Amazon for cheap. Got one on mine.

1 minute ago, Dwight Hottle said:

I have both the 30 & the 15. The 15 weighs in 1/4 lb increments & the 30 weighs in 1/2 lb increments. I have used the 15 on fish up to 18 lbs without any problems. If you think you will be landing a lot of esox I would go with the 30 lber so you can be able to weigh those bad boys & girls. 

Good to know. I was wondering this just in case I land a fish

over 15# since I have ventured into saltwater. Chances of 

landing a good size striper are pretty good. A 30# is out of

the question for me, cost-wise...for now.

[NYWayfarer]

Always wanted a Boga Grip since I seen them on the Roland Martin show.

 

I currently use these: https://www.cabelas.com/product/fishing/fishing-tools/pliers-grippers-hook-removers/pc/104793480/c/104720580/sc/104505480/ego-kryptek-mini-grip-tool/2575745.uts?slotId=5

 

My Dad picked them up for me for $19.99 clearance at DSG. I use them mainly for controlling toothy fish and removing treble hooks. The magnet and belt leash system work great. That magnet is super strong and with the leash it's not going anywhere if dropped. The only downside is no scale.

[senile1]

I've been using the 15 lb Boga for a few years now.  It's a great scale and gripper.  The only minor complaint I have is that as my eyes get older it is more difficult to make an educated guess for the ounces when the measurement is between the quarter pound marks.

 

I guess I could just always round up.  

[Darren.]

4 minutes ago, senile1 said:

I've been using the 15 lb Boga for a few years now.  It's a great scale and gripper.  The only minor complaint I have is that as my eyes get older it is more difficult to make an educated guess for the ounces when the measurement is between the quarter pound marks.

 

I guess I could just always round up.  

Gotta admit, this has been an issue for me as I've aged.

I usually have a pair of reading glasses on my head when

I'm out now, so I can see the scale, and the hook eye 

when tying one on. Getting older is a pain... 

[senile1]

1 minute ago, Darren. said:

Gotta admit, this has been an issue for me as I've aged.

I usually have a pair of reading glasses on my head when

I'm out now, so I can see the scale, and the hook eye 

when tying one on. Getting older is a pain... 

My prescription sunglasses are progressive and have a section at the bottom which allow me to read and tie knots.  It still seems to be getting more difficult even with the glasses but I think I get pretty close.  I can see it when it is halfway between the marks which gives me 2 more ounces, so I'm probably never off by more than an ounce.

[fissure_man]

Considering comments above, it’s worth noting that the Boga should never be used to vertically hold or weigh a big pike/muskie you intend to release – these fish are not built to be hung in the air by their lip.  If you’re pulling a big one out of the water for a picture, be sure to use your free hand to support the belly.

 

There are temptingly cheap knock-offs out there and they actually work well for helping control and unhook bass with a face full of trebles, but they’re not what you want for a big thrashing musky at the side of your kayak.  One key difference is that the boga head can swivel, which is a must when the pike or musky decides to roll like a gator at boatside.  The cheap non-swivel versions will torque and tear up the jaw, and not hold as well.

 

A set of jaw-spreaders will also be handy if you're frequently encountering big pike or muskie.  You could tether them onto the Kayak somehow. 

[Mr. Aquarium]

i use the gorrila grips, same style just different brand, i believe goes to 30 or 60lbs.  i dont use them for bass, but for larger fish like stripers and pike i use them. 

[Can't Catch Bass]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I ended up getting the 315 from ACK. I should have it on Thursday... Now I just need to figure out how to get out of that wedding I'm supposed to go to on Saturday so I can try them out.