This is a review for one of my all-time favorites—the Whisker Seeker Lockjaw Cat Grips. If you’ve ever fished for catfish, you know the challenge of handling their raspy, sandpaper-like mouths. While not as painful as a toothed predator or as comfortable to grip as a largemouth bass, catfish demand specialized gear. In an industry filled with uninspired designs, these grips stand out.
Price and Value
At $59.95, these grips are more expensive than many of their competitors. You can occasionally find them on sale or get notified by subscribing on the Whisker Seeker website. While you might find cheaper alternatives, the price is justified by the superior design, durability, and functionality offered by the Lockjaw Cat Grips.
Market Comparison
When comparing the current market for catfish grips, several brands come to mind—EGO, Rapala, BogaGrips, KastKing, among others.
• Lower-End Models: Typically made of plastic with a simple levered mechanism, these grips are functional but tend to be bulky and unforgiving.
• Mid-Tier Options: Many of these use a spring-assisted mechanism. Early in my catfishing days, I had a pair of EGO Mini Grips that failed spectacularly—the metal literally tore when handling a 30-pound catfish. Now, to be fair, these grips were probably designed for smaller species like bass, and expecting them to handle a big catfish may have been unrealistic. Still, I would have preferred they held up better, and I was definitely disappointed in their failure. The fact that EGO doesn’t provide a weight rating for their grips only added to my frustration.
• High-End Alternatives: BogaGrips are a household name, built to handle big fish and saltwater conditions, but they start at over $100 even for the smallest model.
The Whisker Seeker Lockjaw Cat Grips fill that gap between mid and high-end options perfectly, offering durability and smart design without the premium price tag.
Design and Features
The Lockjaw Cat Grips boast a striking orange color scheme that immediately sets them apart. Here’s a breakdown of their design:
• Handle and Lanyard:
A large foam handle ensures a comfortable grip, even during long, grueling fights with thrashing catfish. Attached to the handle is a plastic molded loop with an adjustable lanyard—essential for preventing accidental drops when a fish is spinning and thrashing.
• Handle and Lanyard:
A large foam handle ensures a comfortable grip, even during long, grueling fights with thrashing catfish. Attached to the handle is a plastic molded loop with an adjustable lanyard—essential for preventing accidental drops when a fish is spinning and thrashing.
• Plunger Mechanism:
The center of the device features an orange “plunger” that you pull to open the grippers. Once pulled back enough, the mechanism locks the jaws into place. A conveniently placed button allows you to release the lock so the jaws can close—ideally around the fish’s mouth.
• Jaws and Attachment Loop:
The jaws themselves are large and remain immobile once locked. There’s also a plastic attachment loop on the lanyard with an opening designed to fit the branded Whisker Seeker Scale. Although a neat idea, the tight fit and the constant motion of a struggling catfish can make this feature challenging to use; a slightly larger opening might improve usability.
Durability
In my experience, quality is all about heft and resilience. I prefer heavy tools, and these grips certainly deliver on that front. I’ve taken them fishing in Washington, DC, where I’ve navigated docks, cement surfaces, and other urban environments that are far less forgiving than soft grass. Despite many days spent in rain, snow, and even ice, the grips have shown no signs of rust. The foam handle has also held up admirably, though it does bear the battle scars of many hard-fought encounters.
Favorite Feature: The Rotating Head
The standout feature that elevates these grips above the competition is the rotating head. Anyone who’s fished for catfish knows that once the catch is pulled from the water, the real challenge begins. Catfish have a notorious habit of thrashing and spinning, which can strain your wrist and risk dropping the fish. With a rotating head, the jaws can pivot to adjust to the fish’s movements during the dehooking process.
However, I’ve noticed an interesting trade-off: while the rotating head aids in maneuvering the fish, it actually increases twist on the line and sinker. This is an undesirable side effect, as the extra twist complicates the process. Fortunately, it’s not unmanageable—it typically takes just a few seconds to correct the twist after dehooking the fish. This minor inconvenience is a small price to pay for the overall benefit of the rotating mechanism, but it’s something to be aware of if you’re accustomed to more rigid designs.
Final Thoughts
The Whisker Seeker Lockjaw Cat Grips are an excellent choice if you’re serious about catfishing. They offer robust construction, a clever design with useful features like the plunger mechanism and rotating head, and exceptional durability that stands up to harsh urban fishing environments. I trust these grips so much that I’ve even bought them as gifts for fellow anglers. If you’re looking to elevate your catfishing
Fishing, Dogs, and Outdoors 
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