I've been looking at some pics of saltwater catches. Many of the guys are holding fish with a lip grip. Do most folks use one of these? I fish freshwater and simply stick my thumb in their mouth.

Most freshwater fish do not have razor pointed teeth , except for Pike and Muskie (Ever put your thumb in their mouth??). A lot of saltwater species have blunted plates too...whiting drum,pompano. However, most species of saltwater would love to chomp a thumb. Is a lip grip needed?? No, but a decent pair of stainless pliers are. Just don't hold the fish by the mouth when taking the photo's.

Absolutely....it gives me leverage while I'm dehooking a fish without having to squeeze it. Plus, I can hold the fish in the water while I'm scrambling for my camera.

They do make for a lousy photo though...especially if they're an ostentatious color.

But mostly, here are six great reasons to use a fish grip:

FL Species - Pics and Video
http://vinnyjojo.shutterfly.com/

Now that's convincing! Not that I needed any, all these scars and all...

Fish, fish, fish, sleep. Repeat.

KFaris