Gaffs consist of sharp detachable hooks attached to handles for fishing from boats. Gaffs are used to catch fish by drawing them alongside.
Gaffs vary in size and type depending on the species of fish targeted by anglers, with pro anglers preferring shorter gaffs for handling smaller fish and using longer ones for landing larger ones safely. When fishing for large species, choosing an appropriate gaff is essential.
Hook
Gaffs can help anglers safely capture fish too large for nets; the pole with its sharp hook allows anglers to stab at and hoist into their boats. An essential tool for fishing expeditions, they offer anglers an efficient and safe method for dealing with large catches.
When selecting a fishing gaff, look for models made from high-quality materials with exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion. Stainless steel provides outstanding strength when gaffing pelagic species such as tuna; aluminum is lightweight enough for maneuverability yet strong enough for its intended task.
Gaffs feature an extremely sharp stainless steel hook on their business end to catch fish and bring it in. Depending on the species of fish being targeted, pins may be placed either on vital areas (lip or jaw) or non-vital ones like lower gills or body. This tactic is recommended when targeting aggressive or potentially dangerous species as it reduces injury risks and enables easy removal from water.
A particular type of gaff is often employed for larger fish such as marlin or sharks. With its long rope tied at its base and hook attached, such as for marlin or shark fishing, such as when brought alongside the boat. Once connected, jerk away to the release line, which the gaff person can fasten onto a cleat on the vessel side.
Handle
Gaffs feature handles made from various materials – stainless steel, aluminum, or carbon fiber – designed for anglers’ specific preferences; some prefer stiffer handles to increase strength and speed, while others opt for lighter ones to decrease fatigue. Gaff handles also come in various sizes and shapes, so anglers can find one best suited.
Some gaffs feature telescopic designs for easy storage and transport. Furthermore, these tools often come equipped with locking mechanisms to keep sharp points out of harm’s way when not used, making gaffs ideal for offshore fishermen requiring fast yet safe means of handling large catches.
Handles for fishing gaffs are designed for optimal ease and comfort, including those made by manufacturers with textured grips to provide ideal grip when holding it with wet hands, thumb notch to allow anglers to grip it more securely, high-density rubber handles that provide additional support, or high-density foam handles that absorb shock, etc.
Gaffs feature handles and wire or barb anchors to secure the hook in fish. This prevents it from coming undone during strong currents or rough handling. Anglers can attach their gaff using electrical tape, heat shrink tubing, or paracord for added grip – an important feature when using their gaff in rugged environments or for extended periods.
Length
Selecting the ideal length for a gaff is paramount. It should allow for comfortable control while being easy to store away. Furthermore, consider its pull-out/use speed to grab and control fish swiftly and effectively.
Hook size on a gaff is another critical consideration. Depending on the fish species you target, you must choose an adequate hook size to ensure it will gaff it in one strike without breaking its jaw or head. Likewise, ensure it’s big enough to catch without harming its jaws or skulls during capture.
For smaller to medium-sized fish such as dolphin, dorado (mahi mahi), and king mackerel, a 2″ hook should suffice, while for tuna, sharks, or any large species requiring more prominent themes such as tuna or sharks, a 3″ or 4″ angle is more appropriate.
Handle length should also be an essential consideration. Depending on the type of boat and gunnel height, larger vessels with higher gunnels may require longer gaffs to reach into the water more effectively.
AFTCO offers an array of flying and fixed-head gaffs crafted with swaged aluminum and super-strong epoxy fiberglass handles. Anodized aluminum black or gold gaffs designed to stay under the maximum IGFA designated length (8′) are popular among professional captains and crews and come in 4′, 6′, and 8′ lengths featuring popular hook sizes. Furthermore, AFTCO makes 33 sizes of aluminum/fiberglass fixed-head gaffs.
Materials
Fishermen have long used gaffs as an essential tool to secure large fish that would otherwise be too heavy to lift into their boats with just their hands. Although this technique dates back centuries, it remains vitally important for many types of fishing today.
Your choice of gaff will depend on the size and species of fish you intend to catch. Minor hand gaffs are suitable for many freshwater species, while larger models are explicitly designed for tuna and marlin fishing. In addition, specialized flying gaffs exist specifically intended to catch toothy saltwater species like halibut.
A good gaff should be constructed from sturdy materials like aluminum or fiberglass, featuring a solid yet sharp hook made of stainless steel – often barbed – which can either be fixed or removable, depending on its intended use – removable hooks are especially helpful in catch and release situations as they reduce scale damage while simultaneously decreasing their level of exhaustion.
Gaffs come in various lengths, from short to long. While short gaffs may be ideal for tight-quarters situations, longer ones are more suited to deep sea or bridge fishing. Their material also makes a difference; lightweight aluminum handles may offer strength and durability benefits, while its grip should provide comfortable holding conditions when wet conditions arise.
If you’re a serious angler, investing in a custom-built gaff for your boat might be worthwhile. This option will prove more durable and simpler to maintain than store-bought options, and you’ll also gain the flexibility of customizing the hook and handle configuration to suit your fishing requirements.
Safety
Gaffs can be great tools but also present risks to anglers and bystanders. Their razor-sharp points pose serious threats that could impale an unsuspecting angler or crewmember; to prevent this from happening, anglers should use dehooking tools when not keeping or releasing fish they caught as soon as they notice they need dehooking tools, heavy cutters, or both to cut away any remaining metal remnants or any that were accidentally left inside an animal that is returned into its home environment; otherwise this could potentially harm or even kill an animal that survived its journey back.
Gaffs must be used carefully, and the handle should always remain vertical when drawing a fish to the boat to prevent impaling anyone nearby. When placing the gaff, note that no contact should be made with its head or gill plate, as this could result in irreparable damage to both animals and boat owners.
Gaff selection also depends upon the species being targeted; for instance, when approaching a giant grouper that shows itself near the boat, different methods must be employed for taking down longer and stronger tools like smoker king or wicked wahoo species.
An important consideration is how a gaff handle connects with its rope. Cheap gaffs often feature just a few screws securing them, which may become loose under pressure. More expensive models typically feature stronger, lower-stretch materials like fiberglass or carbon fiber – the latter is incredibly light, powerful, and floats naturally – though typically costing twice as much. Furthermore, spring covers must secure tips when not in use.
