A fish stringer has a locking body, an insert received in the locking body and a loop connected to the locking body and the insert. An insert-receiving cavity traverses into the locking body. The insert has a handle portion to be manipulated and a tongue portion within the insert-receiving cavity. A latching mechanism on the insert engages a latch receptacle on the locking body. The latching mechanism is a flexible arm with a tab. The flexible arm is deformed from an equilibrium position as the tab engages with the latch receptacle.