[txnative]

As with everything, you get what you pay for. Bogas are great, so I wouldn't feel any guilt on dropping the $ needed to buy them.

That said, Berkley makes a decent knock-off for around $30-$40. I've had mine for almost 7 years and haven't had a single problem with them. However, there are features the Boga has that mine don't, they are:

-no scale. I usually carry a small, albeit way less accurate, scale with me. I don't usually weigh my fish, I usually measure the length. If I feel the need to weigh a fish, it's big, and a 2-3 lb difference isn't really that important to me...at least until I land a potential record, but I haven't had many of those yet, lol

-fixed jaws. The Berkley lip grips DO NOT swivel. Not too big a deal with stripers, cats, drum (right, TravisC ?), walleye, or lm and smallies. Trout, however, are a big problem, so I carry a net to deal with them. A swiveling head would be needed for large trout, Muskie, and other fish that like to roll.

Another, less expensive, option is the Fish Grip (available at Hook1). They are similar to pliers, are easy to use, hold securely, come in different colors, and THEY FLOAT. I use a tether on my grips in case they decide to go for a swim, so the floating ability of the Fish Grip is very nice for kayak fishermen.

If you have the funds, go ahead and get the bogas. I would also get them certified by the IGFA. Ask midtnkayakangler about how to do this.


Chris