Lip grips, measuring mats and fish-handling tools compared for safe handling, legal measurement and quality release.
Stainless Lip Grip
Floating Lip Gripper
| Option | Price | Key specs | Best for | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BogaGrip-style Stainless Lip Grip | $60–$90 | Stainless, rotating handle, scale | Big estuary and inshore fish | 8.7/10 |
| Floating Lip Gripper (Plastic) | $15–$25 | Non-corroding, floats, lanyard | Kayak and general use | 8.2/10 |
| Brag Mat / Measure Mat 120 cm | $25–$45 | Roll-up measuring mat with rule | Legal measurement and photos | 8.5/10 |
$60–$90 · Stainless, rotating handle, scale
The professional standard for handling big flathead, barra and jewfish.
Search Amazon AU listings$15–$25 · Non-corroding, floats, lanyard
The kayak-fisher's grip — drop it overboard and it comes back.
Search Amazon AU listings$25–$45 · Roll-up measuring mat with rule
Every regular angler should own one. Legal protection and better photos in one.
Search Amazon AU listingsLip grips give you control of toothy fish like flathead without your fingers near the business end. For fish going back, support the body with a wet hand, keep the fish horizontal, and minimise air time — under 30 seconds is the goal.
A measuring mat ends arguments and keeps you legal. Lay the fish flat, nose to the end, and read the length — photographs with the mat visible protect you if a fisheries officer asks later.
Every state has minimum and sometimes maximum sizes, and they change. A mat with the measure clearly visible, plus your state's fisheries app, is the combination that keeps you right.
Used correctly — fish held horizontally with body supported — they're fine. Never hang a big fish vertically by the jaw.
Lay it flat on a measuring mat, nose at zero, and measure to the tip of the tail (total length). Your state fisheries app lists current size limits.
Lip grip or a firm grip behind the head with a wet glove or towel, fingers well clear of the gill spines.
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