A lip grip is needed when a fish is hard to hold safely by hand. This is relevant for pike, zander, catfish, and fish with teeth, hard gill plates, or treble hooks near the mouth. The grip reduces injury risk and helps control the fish before a photo or release. For small fish, it is not always necessary.

A large fish should not be held long only by the jaw. Body weight puts stress on the mouth and can injure the fish. It is better to support the belly with the other hand or use a mat. In this case, the lip grip is a control tool, not the only hanging point.

A regular lip grip only holds the fish by the jaw. A model with scales also measures the catch weight immediately. This is useful if you keep records or release fish quickly. When choosing, check not only the scale but also the strength of the gripping mechanism.

For a boat, a larger grip is acceptable because weight and size matter less. For mobile bank fishing, compactness and attachment to a belt or bag are more important. For pike and large zander, the mechanism must close securely. If you fish for small perch, an oversized lip grip will be inconvenient.

After fishing, rinse the grip from slime, sand, and salt. Moving parts should be dried so the mechanism does not stick. If there is a spring or hinge, an occasional drop of oil helps. Store the lip grip in a dry pocket or case, not in a wet closed compartment.