Halibut Gaff

How sharp does the gaff need to be?

How sharp does the gaff need to be?

Sharper the better. You don't want to bounce a dull gaf off a big fish, irritates the fish and it might come flying back at you when the fish flails.

Go for the one-and-done option. Tickling a big flatty is not wise.

So, I can't seem to find a shark hook anywhere near me.  I did find a hay hook.  Does this me I need to sharpen it to a fine point?  I am also concerned that the shape of the hook is not "hooky" enough.

So, I can't seem to find a shark hook anywhere near me.  I did find a hay hook.  Does this me I need to sharpen it to a fine point?  I am also concerned that the shape of the hook is not "hooky" enough.

Rev-
The fisherman's marine down here stocks them, I think they have two different sizes. Big and really big. I could grab and ship one to you if you like. You are making a flying gaff, correct?

While we're on the subject, what's the approximate size cut off for needing to use a flying gaff? I could see you needing one if you're talking about a fish that's in the 75-100 lb range, but if it's in the 30-50 lbs range it seems you could probably get it into the boat without?

That is a good point.  Having never caught a hail I just figured you needed gaff of some sort... is this not true?

This is what I bring for Halibut. Flying gaf (aka breakaway spear point), with several buoys attached. Barbed kill stick for bleeding/final shot. Short gaf and club. Not shown a small hand gaf as a backup, and to pull in on deck.

If your lucky/unlucky you might get a small one you can manage with a single gaf, but if you get a 100 pound fish and all you have is a gaf, you'll likely come home with a story to tell and that's about it.

A gaff with out a barb on it is not going to do you much good.
If you gaff a green halibut be ready for it to go crazy and rip the gaff from your hand.
Anything over 30 and you have your hands full.
Basically all you want a gaff for is pulling the fish into your boat when it is dead.

A big pissed off halibut at the side of a kayak is a receipt for taking a swim if you aren't ready for it.

Remember ... Turn on your go pro!

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Barbed kill stick for bleeding/final shot.

I would strongly recommend that your kill stick not be barbed. You are going to want to be able to pull it out and strike again if needed.

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Am I to understand that you don't kill the halibut with gaff?  Can someone walk me through the imaginary catch and kill of a halibut... I'm thinking I may not have it right in my mind.

The gaff is for physical control. Kill it with spear while holding it.

Rev, watch this video

I think Rory has pretty good technique. 

You left out the best part.   Here's the right way to kill a halibut!   

Yeah that was effective in the first video. Hard to argue against success

I recommend skipping the club all together and just cutting gills and waiting till it bleeds out.

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You left out the best part.   Here's the right way to kill a halibut!   

Haha, youuuuu!

Bill is right. Even with a proper club (ie not lipgrippers) it's too hard to do.