There's a lot of debate around about the use of Bogas and similar devices, some say they do no harm while others say there is a lot of damage done.  Luckily, there's a guy out there that has done some work on showing the damage they do to fish. 

When I was fishing saltwater a lot, I used the Boga; it seemed like the right thing to do for the fish, less handling, less damaging, right?  Not so much it would seem.  We do a tremendous amount of damage to fish in using them, not just soft tissue damage, but long term damage resulting in delayed mortality.  "Most" muskie fishermen are aware of the damage done to fish in the landing period, from the time they're in the bag to the time they are released.  Yet, we still see a lot of people using the Boga or another sort of device.  We know the best option for landing them is a knotless mech net, some of Frabill's new conservation series being a "one up" on a traditional net.

My question is this:  What can we do to eliminate the use of the devices?  I'm not turning this into a crusade, but there's got to be a better way to land those fish.  There's got to be a better way to handle them.  Do we approach net manufacturers to build a better net for specific applications so that a net may be used rather than a boga?  Do we go the route of providing long term tracking of fish that are landed using said devices, and seek legislative change?  Do we approach the anglers and guides on an informational basis and ask them point blank to change the practice? 

I think it is essential that we do something to change it, it's something that is so easy.  We take so many steps in other areas to be stewards, why are we still killing fish that we go to great lengths to protect and release by using a Boga on them?

Attached is a study done on the damage done to bonefish by Bogas.  The incidence of damage is shockingly high.  As is the incidence of post release mortality.  Granted a muskie is not a bonefish, but the effects are thought to be the same in most cases, regardless of species.

So, how do we make the change?

Is there any release method instance that you can show that DOES increase the survival rate?  What a ridiculous statement.  (sarcasm: wow- no boga studies report an increase in survival rate?)

I appreciate your care for fishes health but to discount it's use as a safety measure for you and the fish in CERTAIN instances is extremely short-sided.  AS I mentioned earlier, I haven't used one yet, but I got a good one on sale from Cabelas a while back.  Whether it ever gets used, I dunno, but if I do- it will be for the benefit of both fish and I.   

Jesus, do people actually lift Pike & Muskie by the eyes still? I was told years ago that lifting by the eyes is a certain death for the fish

Whooli- you said "That's just it, there's enough research stating that no matter what you do with it, the device is damaging, period."

Show me a musky study. A Bonefish study is apples and oranges. Even if a musky study ever did materialize- there are just so many variables involved to assign the blame or not. All's I'm saying is that I've heard some reputable anglers say they can be used with minimal if any harm shown to the fish. Don't judge a guy as some anti hand hold wimp if you see a Boga Grip in his release box. You are allowed to have items on board JUST IN CASE. I would think (maybe I'm wrong) that a guy fishing solo in heavy waves could use a boga to get a quick release. You're leaning over your big bag, the boat is rockin in 2-1/2 footers, and there's an angry 46 incher with a mouth full of trebles. You can tell he's tired from the fight though and you worry you might have to execute a full water release. I don't speak from experience but I like to plan ahead and think WHAT IF. I cringe when I see the musky pics of the boga variety too. I think you are envisioning nothing but worse case scenario, which is fine, because they might damage quite a few fish. All's I'm saying is you can never have enough release tools. Might not use em, but you'll be so thankful when they save you by saving a musky.

I think these are some very valid points.  I've never used a Boga and don't plan to but I think that they can be used in a way that is less harmful to a fish compared to other release methods.

In the last 3 years, I can think of at least 2 big fish that were saved because of the lip grip.  I'm sure there have been others.  A fish 3 years ago in the 53"-54" range had a double ten deep in the throat area.  While keeping the fish in the net/water I was able to get a good grip on the fish in a fast manner.  When a fish is hooked that deep you don't have very much time to get those hooks cut/out or it will die.  Anyways, I was able to get it unhooked and kept it in the water the whole time and she swam away.  She was bleeding a little, but being in the fall the cold water had a lot to do with her survival. 

The other one was this year on a 52" fish that totally swallowed a pounder where you coudn't see the bait.  I held the fish with the lip grip and my buddy was able to use a 10" knipex that he slid through the gills to cut the hooks.  Not easy, but she did swim away.

I use the lip grip as a release tool on deeply hooked fish while the fish is in the water.  As far as reputable fishermen using these tools, watch "Go Fish", Jerrys buddy uses one effectively on a fish that was hooked pretty good.  I think it's important that when these fish have been hooked badly or it took someone longer than it should to get it unhooked, to forget the ego and not take the fish out of the water for pics.