Gaffs - long, short, telescopic, spear, none, etc?
Printed From: The Fishing Website
Category: Saltwater Fishing
Forum Name: Yak Yak Yak
Forum Description: The forum for Kayak enthusiasts
URL: https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=135050
Printed Date: 28 May 2026 at 11:59am
Topic: Gaffs - long, short, telescopic, spear, none, etc?
Posted By: kingiFiddla
Subject: Gaffs - long, short, telescopic, spear, none, etc?
Date Posted: 06 Feb 2021 at 12:03pm
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So, I have a floating gaff, about a 1/2m long. It works just fine, which is not always the case with the nut behind the wheel. I'd like to try a smaller gaff. One that doesn't stick out so much when stowed but still stowed within easy one-handed reaching distance. But I've had kingis that are by no means green but they circle away from the yak without wanting to come alongside, and they'd be out of reach of a small gaff. I could wear them out more but always have sharks in the back of my mind and would rather not tempt fate. Also, with a short gaff, what if I miss the gaff shot (not unusual) and puncture the yak? Maybe it's not worth the risk. Maybe a telescopic gaff is the go. Are they going to hold up OK or are they prone to failure? Are they a PITA to deploy with one hand? Anyone using spear gaffs from a kayak and why? If only targetting kingis, who doesn't use a gaff, just get them tired enough to come alongside and jaw grab them to get them in the yak? If releasing I'll do this or lower jaw gaff to get them up and hooks out. Any thoughts on gaffs and their usage? ANy suggestions on what to try, look out for, etc please? Ta. |
Replies:
Posted By: Muppet
Date Posted: 06 Feb 2021 at 2:01pm
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I just grab them on the lower jaw and take the grating on the hand. It’s a badge of honour 😂 |
Posted By: deacs
Date Posted: 06 Feb 2021 at 7:00pm
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I have a short gaff onboard, find it better as you have more control than a longer gaff. It sits in the foot well of the kayak so is easy to access, has a cover on the tip. To be fair I don't use it much as grabbing them in the mouth is easy enough and I wear gloves. sometimes I troll a lure with trebles on so will definitely use it then. ------------- http://www.legasea.co.nz" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: kingiFiddla
Date Posted: 07 Feb 2021 at 1:09pm
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Thanks. I might cut my one down. |
Posted By: Fish Addict
Date Posted: 07 Feb 2021 at 3:40pm
| I'm not a kayaker so I have the luxury of carrying a few gaffs of different sizes on the boat. The one I like the most is simply a 9/0 SS hook with the barb filed off screwed and bound to a broom handle. The 30mm gape allows you to shove the gaff inside the fishes mouth if it comes up gob open. A shorter version may be useful in a yak. |
Posted By: Muppet
Date Posted: 07 Feb 2021 at 5:11pm
 Apologies for the Roman toes but that is the gaff I use when required |
Posted By: BananaBoat
Date Posted: 07 Feb 2021 at 5:57pm
| where did you get that from, or is it a home made job |
Posted By: Muppet
Date Posted: 07 Feb 2021 at 6:24pm
| World Fish in Wairau Valley On the corner of Link Dr and Sunnynook Rd. |
Posted By: kingiFiddla
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2021 at 9:09am
Thanks for that. Had never thought of it.
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Fish Addict wrote:Posted By: kingiFiddla
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2021 at 9:20am
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Daiwa do one too, but I doubt it floats:  |