My wife bought me one for Father's day last year and I absolutely love it. I
agree with Larry about it not being necessary for most stripers, however, find
it great to deal with bluefish. While actually lipping the fish is not the
easiest thing in the world, it's not that hard either. And once the fish is
lipped, you have it completely under control. I leave it in a very accessible
place in my boat if the blues are around. I have also found that releasing blues
after being lipped is very easy and my hands never actually touch the fish.
While other species of fish my be more susceptible to being hurt by the lipper
bluefish certainly do not. They swim away unharmed.
My two cents worth,
Duffy