Berkley Fishing Lip Grip Review 2026: The Tool Every Bass Angler Needs

2026-09-27

TL;DR

The Berkley Fishing Lip Grip is one of those tools you never knew you needed — until the moment a large, thrashing bass nearly takes your thumb off. Compact, rugged, and built for one-handed use, it's become a staple in serious bass anglers' kits. If you're not using a lip grip, you're leaving your fingers — and your fish — at unnecessary risk.

Grab the Berkley Fishing Lip Grip on Amazon →

Product Highlights

Lip grips solve a real problem: safely landing, controlling, and releasing fish without harming them or yourself. The Berkley version checks most of the right boxes.

Secure, locking jaw. The trigger-style handle opens the spring-loaded jaws with a single squeeze. Once the lower jaw of a bass (or any fish) is in the grip, it locks closed automatically. No fumbling, no second-guessing — just a clean, firm hold.

Lightweight and compact. At roughly 7 inches long and just a few ounces, it disappears into a vest pocket, tackle bag, or clipped to a D-ring. You won't notice it until you need it, and then you'll be glad it's there.

Hard plastic construction. It's not metal — and that's fine for most freshwater use. The durable plastic body resists corrosion and keeps weight down. It also floats, which matters if you drop it over the side of a kayak.

Built-in scale (select models). Some versions of the Berkley Lip Grip include a spring scale for quick weigh-ins in the field. It reads up to 30 lbs, which is enough for almost any bass, walleye, or pike you're likely to encounter. For tournament weigh-ins, use a certified digital scale — but for casual notes on the water, it's handy.

Fish-friendly design. The rounded, smooth jaw edges won't tear or damage the lower jaw of the fish. Proper lip grip technique — holding the fish horizontal or at a slight angle — minimizes stress on the fish's jaw ligaments, making for healthy releases.

Specs

On the Water

I've run the Berkley Lip Grip through a full season of bass fishing — dock fishing, bank fishing, and kayak sessions — and the verdict is consistent: it just works.

The trigger mechanism is intuitive even with wet, cold hands. You don't need to wrestle with it or use two hands to open the jaws. That matters most when a fish is thrashing at the side of the kayak and you've got one hand on the rod.

The locking jaw gives you real control. A 4-pound largemouth doesn't feel like a handful when you're holding it securely by the lip rather than trying to palm it. You can remove hooks, take a quick photo, check the trebles on your crankbait, and send the fish back in seconds.

The built-in scale reads a little looser than a certified digital scale, but for day-to-day fishing it's close enough. I've found it runs roughly 2-4 ounces light on bigger fish, which is worth knowing.

One real-world note: the spring tension on the jaws is firm — by design. It won't accidentally release, but it does take a bit of deliberate squeeze to re-open after a fish is hooked. That's a feature, not a bug.

Verdict

The Berkley Fishing Lip Grip earns its place in any freshwater angler's kit. It's not fancy. It doesn't have Bluetooth or a GPS chip. What it does — grab fish safely, hold them firmly, and let you release them cleanly — it does really well. At under $20, it's one of the better investments per dollar in your tackle setup.

If you're fishing bass, walleye, pike, or anything toothy, you should own a lip grip. The Berkley is a reliable, proven choice.

Pick one up on Amazon →