I don’t know about Pug, but Holst ->MADE<- me hold them in the mouth last year. Never again if I can help it.
Personally I think the grips are better for the fish than cradling them. I’m talking channel cats here. Trying to hold them horizontally and then with a little flip flop they end up on the floor of the boat. That 3-4 foot drop can’t be good for them.
I am with Brian on it is worth a little teasing if it keeps me from dropping one of those ornery buggers. I suppose I could grab them by the gills, but you could accidentally damage them when they start flexing.