Has anyone used one of the 'Lip Grip Tools' to handle salmon?

I have used the bat gaf trick but don't like it much and I will not put a fish that must be released in the net. Seems to me the 'Lip Grip' things might be a good alternative.

Going to Sekiu for the opener and intend to release zillions of huge chinooks.

Those lip grip tools are an absolute NO NO for using as a means to safely release Salmon or Steelhead.

Lead Thrower,
Such an injunction is often, as in this case, not informative.
Please elaborate.
Thanks in advance.

A salmons body isnt built in the same way as say a bass or rockfish. Using lippers and suspending them from is causing them to hold up their body weight in the neck/gill area. They simply arent built for that. Also, their organs aren't supported by a strong rigcage like the other species I mentioned. Their organs are easily damaged buy holding them wrong whcih almost always results in death. The safest way is to use the dowel/hook remover. They are available just about everywhere that has salmon tackle. Good idea on not netting fish unless youre going to bonk them! Even the rubber nets cause scale loss and can result in disease. I was told that tailers were bad too... I know the dowel thing sucks in rough water, but its the best thing going right now. Good Luck.

Jcw

Sorry I thought you just wanted to know if you should use them or not.

Looks like Elkrun has you covered on the reasons for not using one.

Not a problem Lead Thrower. I probably could have made a better question.

Elkrun,
Thanks for the reply. I am aware of the fact that one should not pick a salmon up by the jaw or the gill plates unless it’s going in the box. I've seen this done on the lower Columbia way too many times over the past few years and it makes me mad as hell.

However, Berkley makes one such device that is twenty-eight inches long and I thought it might be useful when handling larger fish by using this tool to hold on to them while keeping them in the water and out of the net. It seems one could face them into the current while resuscitating them without touching them with the hands leaving important slime and scales on the fish where they belong.

Your thoughts?

JCW- I'd have to see it to understand what your saying. If you are a experienced fisherman who has handled/released lots of fish and this seems like it will put less stress on the fish, give it a go. Or ask a biologist maybe? I'll try and track it down and see if I understand what you're thinking.