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

flip4i · 08-20-2008, 06:21 PM

Hi everyone:

Just wondering what is the most effective gaff length from the yak. I'm in the market or may build one.

tylerdurden · 08-20-2008, 06:32 PM

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.

flip4i · 08-22-2008, 07:59 PM

In that case, might as well go with the 4 footer. Thanks!

trob · 08-23-2008, 09:04 AM

Actually, i seem to always want my gaff to be shorter than it already is. Its about 2.5 feet plus the hook. You have a lot more control, and thats huge on the yak.
I typically like to gaff and immediately drag it up onto my lap. longer gaffs get in the way. Everyone does it differently.

Billy V · 08-23-2008, 09:54 AM

3 ft. seem just right, it gives you good leverage and control.

dorado50 · 08-23-2008, 10:27 AM

I saw a guy last week that five foot long gaff,

It was as long as his rods!!!!!!!!!!

Willy · 08-23-2008, 10:41 AM

Also, think about the length and strength of your arm.
If you have long arms, that means another possible two + feet on your gaff. Some like a longer gaff to help increase their pulling strength, or to allow it to slip a bit.
Mine is about 24", but I have long arms and can reach it over four feet to the tip.
Obviously, think about how you're going to store it on the boat, that may make the length decision for you.

Willy

Matt · 08-24-2008, 11:14 AM

I agree with Tyler on this one completely!! I use a 40" gaff which seems long but alot of the time its just about right! Anywhere between 2'-4' will work just perfect!

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.

esdees · 08-26-2008, 10:52 AM

I used a hay hook for a while, which was exciting, but unfortunately I lost it one day. My current gaff is about 3' long, maybe a little shorter.

bloodykayak · 08-27-2008, 03:55 PM

I have an extendable gaff, it is 29" closed and 49" open. It works great not to mention it floats if accidently droped.

flip4i · 08-27-2008, 04:03 PM

Thanks for all the input everyone. With this new information. I think its best to go with an adjustable to be able to play around with my preference.

SESSAGAFF · 07-02-2009, 01:18 PM

all titamium mine float no worries about them sinking

08-20-2008, 06:21 PM	#1
flip4i Junior Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 11	Gaff length? Hi everyone: Just wondering what is the most effective gaff length from the yak. I'm in the market or may build one.

08-20-2008, 06:32 PM	#2
tylerdurden Bad Clone Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 874	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. __________________ MLPA, if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem Let the Fish and Game Commission know what you think about the proposed maps. Be ready for December 9th and 10th.

08-23-2008, 09:04 AM	#4
trob Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: San Marcos (now idaho) Posts: 231	Actually, i seem to always want my gaff to be shorter than it already is. Its about 2.5 feet plus the hook. You have a lot more control, and thats huge on the yak. I typically like to gaff and immediately drag it up onto my lap. longer gaffs get in the way. Everyone does it differently. __________________

08-24-2008, 11:14 AM	#8
Matt Support your local pangas Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Lj Posts: 976	I agree with Tyler on this one completely!! I use a 40" gaff which seems long but alot of the time its just about right! Anywhere between 2'-4' will work just perfect! __________________ Thanks Matt F.

08-24-2008, 05:26 PM	#10
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

08-22-2008, 07:59 PM	#3
flip4i Junior Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 11	In that case, might as well go with the 4 footer. Thanks!

08-23-2008, 09:54 AM	#5
Billy V Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bay Ho Posts: 1,382	3 ft. seem just right, it gives you good leverage and control.

08-23-2008, 10:27 AM	#6
dorado50 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: La Jolla Shores Posts: 1,626	I saw a guy last week that five foot long gaff, It was as long as his rods!!!!!!!!!!

08-23-2008, 10:41 AM	#7
Willy Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: La Jolla Posts: 189	Also, think about the length and strength of your arm. If you have long arms, that means another possible two + feet on your gaff. Some like a longer gaff to help increase their pulling strength, or to allow it to slip a bit. Mine is about 24", but I have long arms and can reach it over four feet to the tip. Obviously, think about how you're going to store it on the boat, that may make the length decision for you. Willy

08-24-2008, 07:56 PM	#11
aguachico Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 719	4feet. fish swins away from the boat, swims into the point. No stabbing necessary.

08-24-2008, 10:34 PM	#12
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

08-25-2008, 12:46 PM	#14
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	#15
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.

08-26-2008, 10:52 AM	#17
esdees The Good Clone Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Clairemont Posts: 520	I used a hay hook for a while, which was exciting, but unfortunately I lost it one day. My current gaff is about 3' long, maybe a little shorter.

08-27-2008, 03:55 PM	#18
bloodykayak Junior Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 13	I have an extendable gaff, it is 29" closed and 49" open. It works great not to mention it floats if accidently droped.

08-27-2008, 04:03 PM	#19
flip4i Junior Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 11	Thanks for all the input everyone. With this new information. I think its best to go with an adjustable to be able to play around with my preference.

07-02-2009, 01:18 PM	#20
SESSAGAFF Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: ventura ,ca Posts: 44	1 to 2 foot all titamium mine float no worries about them sinking