i dont have one of those boag style lip grips, but i was thinking about holding it with a pair of vise grips set so that they dont close all the way, but almost, that way if the fish is thrashing and i squeeze the pliers hard, they wont close any further, and wont hurt the fish.

but what is a safe way for me to hold those slimy fiesty fish?

I use my hand and I hold them around the body.  

ok. well when i tried that they are so slippery and skinny and they thrash around so much that they just slide right thru my grip.

I ordered one of these from Cabelas for our toothy friends.  Can't wait to give it a try in the next month or so.  Sorry couldn't post the link due to the rules.  Search Cabelas under:

The Fish Grip Fish Holder

Regards,

John

ok. well when i tried that they are so slippery and skinny and they thrash around so much that they just slide right thru my grip.

Squeeze it like you mean it or try using a towel to grip it with.

They are so slimy and never stop squirming! They've put so many trebles into my hand with that unexpected shake.

I grabbed an old pair of gardening gloves from mom this summer.  They give a non slip grip and some tooth protection, more for grip.  I grab em right behind the head, don't squeeze too hard because sometimes they make a croaking sound...then I think they croak a little while after you release them.

This is how I do it:    http://www.blackbassteam.ch/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pos=6

This is how I do it:    http://www.blackbassteam.ch/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pos=6

Done like a true pro!

Cool videos Daniel, I watched them all. 8-)

They are so slimy and never stop squirming! They've put so many trebles into my hand with that unexpected shake.

I grabbed an old pair of gardening gloves from mom this summer. They give a non slip grip and some tooth protection, more for grip. I grab em right behind the head, don't squeeze too hard because sometimes they make a croaking sound...then I think they croak a little while after you release them.

The gardening glove with a textured palm works great but I'll probably be picking up a lip gripper because a place I fished a few times last year had some that were a little too big around to get a good grip on. The croaking sound (sounds more like a heavy breath being let out to me) is kinda freaky. Nasty fish, glad I'm not swimming around with them.

Try with your right hand.

Grip it just behind the head (as the (other) picture indicates) with a towel or an old leather glove.

sounds like behind the head with a firm grip is the way to go. thanks guys! i'll let you know how it goes when i get back tomorrow (if i catch any). will have pics.

Get bigger hands and pinch with a firm grip.  Works for any slender bodied fish.

Hold like this

This happens to me to sometimes. I either grab hold of them and squeeze them till they croak or if they are bigger and I cant get my hand around them I hold them under the jaw like this.

I found that if I could get my hand under the belly and lift straight up they just freeze.   When removing the hook I always hold both gill plates closed, and hold tight.

Don't use a towel, its best to not take of their "slime."

Don't hold their gills shut either

I would suggest doing it similar to Mrs Matstone, though I slide my fingers through the side of the gills...

Usually especially the bigger picks, you are able to hold pretty tight without killing it...

When releasing grab near the back fin and right behind its gills and the release.

I don't know if these are any good or not since I've never used them but I  remembered this thread when I saw it so I figured I'd go ahead and post it.

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=60433

i put the fish on my knee and hold it just behind the head

I use a plair of plyers. lol

Hey Dave what ever you do :NEVER < NEVER PUT YOUR BARE HAND NEAR THEIR MOUTHS! No matter how stable you think you have em, they move very fast and they bite; I know this from 2 hospital trips, alays use a long pair of pliers,

I use a plair of plyers. lol

LOL, Either like this:

Or, my buddy Rick:

Wacky rigged Pickerel ;D

Wacky rigged Pickerel ;D

Thought he had the new state record bass with that one....what a let down.....