Gaff length? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

THE DARKHORSE · 08-24-2008, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tylerdurden

No matter how long your gaff is, it always needs to be a little longer to reach a fish.

Seriously 2-4' is what most people choose.

Like anything, pros and cons to both, but one more vote for long.

Handymansd · 08-24-2008, 05:26 PM

I really like the extendability of the gaff by... Promar? On my second one, but it has the versatility of stowing short and gaffing long.

aguachico · 08-24-2008, 07:56 PM

4feet. fish swins away from the boat, swims into the point. No stabbing necessary.

Trout · 08-24-2008, 10:34 PM

I go with the short hand gaff. I see it like when you start hammering a nail. You don't hold the end and swing wildly... you choke up and keep it tight for more control... just a short extension of your own hand. When I'm on a yak I like everything with a low center of gravity keeping things in control. If I gaff a big fish and it's several feet out I don't feel like I have as much control. My 2 cents. I guess you can have a long gaff and choke up... old school little style. Aguachico is definitely OLD school. Sorry Art... you set yourself up for that one.

aguachico · 08-25-2008, 03:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trout

Aguachico is definitely OLD school. Sorry Art... you set yourself up for that one.

There goes the neighborhood

.

No worries, gaff length is not too important on the scale of things. It usually ends up being a personal preference. I wrapped my bamboo gaff using the thinner part of the length. It's lighter than most 4 foot gaffs which makes it long one hander. I like a 1/0,2/0 size hook - good for head shots. Also wrapping your own enables you to change the hook when necessary.

dorado50 · 08-25-2008, 12:46 PM

In my opinion a shorter gaff (24"max) gives one more control as to where to place the hook. I like to bring the fish towards the boat and myself, horizonal to the water, place hook under the fish as you are guiding fish toward boat, as fish comes closer pull up gently and you got yourself a nicely gaffed fish. Did I mention next step, pull into kayak.

aguachico · 08-25-2008, 01:09 PM

I go with bambo, thanks c-level - because it's light, thin and strong - so a 4foot gaff is easily handled. I doubled the handle cord thickness for comfort - good idea for big hands. Again it's whatever works.

So back to original question for the Flip4i. Buy a 3 foot wooden gaff from squidco and trim it too what fits you after each fish you gaff. With this summer's bonanza of YT, it shouldn't take long.

cabojohn · 08-26-2008, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dorado50

In my opinion a shorter gaff (24"max) gives one more control as to where to place the hook. I like to bring the fish towards the boat and myself, horizonal to the water, place hook under the fish as you are guiding fish toward boat, as fish comes closer pull up gently and you got yourself a nicely gaffed fish. Did I mention next step, pull into kayak.

x2
I like the short gaff also...20"
I find it is much easier to handle a hot fish with a short gaff.

08-24-2008, 05:26 PM	#2
Handymansd Ancient Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: On The Water Posts: 935	I really like the extendability of the gaff by... Promar? On my second one, but it has the versatility of stowing short and gaffing long. __________________ All men are equal before fish. -Herbert Hoover

08-24-2008, 10:34 PM	#4
Trout Looks are everything Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Cardiff by the Sea, CA Posts: 64	I go with the short hand gaff. I see it like when you start hammering a nail. You don't hold the end and swing wildly... you choke up and keep it tight for more control... just a short extension of your own hand. When I'm on a yak I like everything with a low center of gravity keeping things in control. If I gaff a big fish and it's several feet out I don't feel like I have as much control. My 2 cents. I guess you can have a long gaff and choke up... old school little style. Aguachico is definitely OLD school. Sorry Art... you set yourself up for that one. __________________ Trout

08-24-2008, 07:56 PM	#3
aguachico Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 719	4feet. fish swins away from the boat, swims into the point. No stabbing necessary.

08-25-2008, 12:46 PM	#6
dorado50 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: La Jolla Shores Posts: 1,626	In my opinion a shorter gaff (24"max) gives one more control as to where to place the hook. I like to bring the fish towards the boat and myself, horizonal to the water, place hook under the fish as you are guiding fish toward boat, as fish comes closer pull up gently and you got yourself a nicely gaffed fish. Did I mention next step, pull into kayak.

08-25-2008, 01:09 PM	#7
aguachico Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 719	I go with bambo, thanks c-level - because it's light, thin and strong - so a 4foot gaff is easily handled. I doubled the handle cord thickness for comfort - good idea for big hands. Again it's whatever works. So back to original question for the Flip4i. Buy a 3 foot wooden gaff from squidco and trim it too what fits you after each fish you gaff. With this summer's bonanza of YT, it shouldn't take long.