Gaffs

NAUTI-NOTIONS · 01-22-2003, 07:16 AM

Adding a gaff. there's a few diffrent types, from almost a full loop to just a spike . I have a friend who is making what ever style I want. need some advice. usage will be btm. fish, halibut and hopfully a tuna or two.
thanks
Sam

bait boy · 01-22-2003, 07:32 AM

Having used both the spike and the loop this year I will say that both have their advantages. If you are close to water level the spike works well as you can basically swing it like a club and penetrate most anything, but it lacks the brute strength to actually yard a large fish any distance.

The hook or loop needs a longer handle to get the required force to drive the hook and lift the fish inthe boat as one smooth motion. I can speak from personal experience that you do not want to hang onto a 50Lb halibut when it gets P.O.ed on the end of a gaff, while hanging over the side of your boat.

I think I am leaning towards the hook type in a longer handle (like 4Ft) or longer depending on your freeboard.

NAUTI-NOTIONS · 01-22-2003, 08:40 AM

In our quest to have it all, we have made Harpoons. where the tip goes thru the fish and is released off the handle. leaving the fish teathered to the boats cleat. so the gaff would mainly be small fish and lifting the larger one in after they have expired

Threemuch · 01-22-2003, 08:44 AM

I have both styles, a shorty spike and a 5' hook. You can never have too many gaffs.

fish assassin · 01-22-2003, 09:24 AM

I agree with Kurt ... Never too many gaff hooks! I think I have
6 or 7 of differing sizes on my boat. I like a striker gaff, but
to use it properly you will need to learn to strike and lift all
in one motion. You can't strike the fish and then lift ... strike
and lift all at one time. They are not near as forgiving as a hook
type gaff! (IMHO)

Another thought about gaffs ... be sure that you don't rub the lateral
line of the fish (that line that runs down the center on it's side) on
the gunwale. Even if the fish is mostly dead or totally worn out this
will light 'em right up. I lost several large salmon this way before I
learned that trick! :shocked: :shocked: :shocked: :shocked:

-assAssin-