Abstract: A device for releasably gripping a fish includes a support member, an operating member movably supported on the support member, first and second gripping elements supported for movement relative to each other between positions in which they are spaced and adjacent, and an arrangement for effecting relative movement of the gripping elements in response to relative movement of the operating member and support member. The first and second gripping elements are respectively adapted to be placed inside the mouth of a fish and against an outer surface of the lower jaw of the fish when in a position spaced from each other, subsequent movement of the gripping elements toward each other causing the lower jaw of the fish to be firmly releasably gripped by the gripping elements.