Grab a Gill Grabber

Terry Mowrey displays his invention: The "Gill Grabber."

When Bradenton resident Terry Mowrey, 63, invented the patent-pending "Gill Grabber," he had in mind, first and foremost, fish and angler safety.


The Gill Grabber allows an angler to slide the stainless steel rod into a fish's gill without risking a laceration, and at the same time, allows for a timely release without touching the fish. After removing the hook, an angler can simply set the fish in the water and move their hand away as the rod slides from the gill, releasing the fish.





Gone could be the days of catfish stings or cuts from razor-like gills such as those in a grouper. And because fish won't be touched, they will retain their protective coating and increase their mortality rate.


"Women and children love this thing," Mowrey said.


Mowrey said the Gill Grabber retails at $15.95. He added that his No. 1 distributor is Rivers Boaten & Stuff on 2420 Manatee Avenue East.


The Gill Grabber is made of a wooden handle with rubber outing for grip. The bar is stainless steel, and is designed so that an angler can hold a fish without their knuckles touching the fish.


How much weight can it hold?


"How strong are you?" Mowrey said.


Fair enough.