Gaff Size

Paddler · 03-26-2006, 03:48 PM

What's the best all around gaff size (shaft length, hook size) for halibut and tuna? I need to order a couple, as they're hard to come by locally. Nobody carries them on the streams around here.

tracker · 03-26-2006, 06:26 PM

I had a stout five footer last year and a couple of less than stout 6 footers. This year I have made up a couple of 8 footers from some bamboo. Going to surprise some of those tuna when they are doing the death circles just out of gaff range.

tomictime · 03-26-2006, 07:13 PM

7' made by Seeker, sold by charky..they mail stuff :smile:

ron m · 03-26-2006, 07:32 PM

If you're going to be fishing off the OR coast, you can get one here when you arrive. That way you can hold them in your hand before buying!
ron m

Onokai · 03-26-2006, 10:20 PM

It all depends on the freeboard- If the handle is long enough you can get tuna from shore-Get one with a large enough hook also-3 inch is as small as you should go. Mark

Paddler · 03-27-2006, 09:21 AM

I was just trying to decide 3" vs 4" hook. Handle of 5' should be okay on my boat. It would seem that a 3" hook would be okay for tuna, but a 4" better for halibut?

BaitStop · 03-27-2006, 11:59 AM

Here's a place to start, check the video.
Good Luck!

http://www.gaffman.net/

Killertraylor · 03-27-2006, 09:06 PM

I like the short handles - 2 feet. It's not hard to reach the water on my boat, and I can make a very accurate stab with the short handle. I got my 2 at Englunds - the ones with the super sharp and skinny points seem to work best for me. Used them on Halibut too and they work fine. I think they are 4" points - more L shaped than J shaped.

crabbait · 03-28-2006, 06:22 AM

Typical NW gaffs like you see at Englunds are made for commercial salmon fishermen. The "L" shape is great for swatting salmon into the boat, but not the best for tuna/halibut. Salmon don't thrash the way that tuna do and salmon tend to lay next to the boat instead of doing a zillion circles with no sign of stopping. A 5' handle and a "J" shaped gaff point is much better, in my opinion, for tuna, etc.

I have a 5' with a 3" throat that works great for albies but is a little small for big halibut. I use it as a second gaff for the big guys. I will have some 8' bamboos made up for this year.

bajadan2000 · 03-28-2006, 06:49 AM

I just converted my 5' long, 4" hook gaff, into an adjustable 8'+ model.

The inside aluminum pole from my now useless smelt net fit perfect inside the short gaff pole. Was even able to use the spring buttons to adjust length by drilling a few holes.

Paddler · 03-28-2006, 07:24 AM

Maybe I'll get one of each, a 3" hook on a 5' shaft primarily for albacore, and a 4" hook on a 4' shaft for halibut. The longer reach might be helpful for tuna. It's probably a good idea to have two, in case a helper gaff is required.

BaitStop · 03-28-2006, 09:44 AM

Check out the 9/20 hot video on this site, there are some albacore gaffing spots it could be worth a look:

http://www.sportfisherprowler.com/

FASTWATER · 03-28-2006, 04:42 PM

Funny I like to net my tuna less blood on the boat!!!PEACE

Paddler · 03-28-2006, 05:09 PM

I think you're right about that, Fastwater. Netting, tying them off by the tail, cutting the gill rakers and bleeding them off the rear cleat seems like the cleanest way in a small boat. Important if you don't have self-bailing decks and a washdown system. Oh, wait, I do. It's called a bucket and a bilge pump.

Think I'll need a gaff for halibut, though.

tracker · 03-28-2006, 09:40 PM

Now how could I get those bloody deck videos if I bled the things off the back of the deck? And how would the crew learn any balance at all if they did not have to slide around in all that blood? No bleed them on the deck!

Paddler · 03-28-2006, 10:27 PM

I'm kind of a neat freak, Dave. I tell all my buddies they have to get their fish into the livewell smoothly, no slime on the carpet, please.

pijon · 03-29-2006, 10:42 AM

I can't wait to get blood all over my new boat! Need to test the wash down!