What size gaff hook?

[Mr. NiceGuy]

Originally Posted by King Saba

Hmmm... so maybe 3" max then. I can't catch big fish yet, YET!



I figured making one that floats would be more worthwhile in the long run vs. buying a premade one with a all metal construction.

That's why I like wood and paracord. The more things on a kayak that float, the better. Good wood is strong and it's a lot more beautiful. It can be art, as well as a gaff. Much more so than aluminum tubing from China.

If you plan to target large halibut, consider a shape that doubles as a club.

Last week I lost a large halibut by Zuniga Point because I tried to gaff it in the shoulders with my 2 1/2" gaff. I learned the hard way about halibut going berserk with a dangerous amount of strength. Since then I've learned that larger halibut should be gaffed in the stomach to stun them, then the game clip, some people club the snot out of their stone-like head to subdue them, then pop a gill until they bleed out and prepare to become table fare. Once they are dead, then it's safe to bring them on-board a kayak.

A stomach shot with the gaff might be an argument in favor of a larger hook. I can not speak from experience, so take that suggestion with a grain of salt.