Flying Gaff

RW,

You know ... way back when we first started thinking about butts, the idea of a gaff head with a clip just like you are offering came up.  I'd buy one ... but not at that price.  I thought about buying as big a spring loaded carabiner and and sharpening a point on it.  In the end, I settle for a big old shark hook.

-Allen

Allen,
Do ya think using a short pole spear w/ a detachable tip to shoot one through the head would work? could also rig a float to the spear just in case.

Isn't that a flying gaff? Have you used one in the yak? Seems like it could be a good idea
(or a really bad one)

Flying gaff means the gaff hook actually comes off the handle and is tethered to something, most likely a float. And they are super spendy. $200 and up from what I remember.



I like Pole's idea of using a large shark hook (19/0 or so) and some cordage to a float. Much cheaper and probably just as effective since we're just about in the water. Depending on the hali you hook that is... 



Z

Flying gaff means the gaff hook actually comes off the handle and is tethered to something, most likely a float.
Z

A float sounds better than the boat. I have a mental picture of the barrels in Jaws but with "Hobie", "Ocean Kayak", and "Cobra" written on their sides.

In Keeping with a JAWS theme what about a min speargun with a float attached to it

Scott

In Keeping with a JAWS theme what about a min speargun with a float attached to it

Scott

I had thought about that too as I have a mini-speargun.  However, no way I'm keeping/using a loaded speargun above water on a kayak.  Safety first.   

-Allen

RW,

You know ... way back when we first started thinking about butts, the idea of a gaff head with a clip just like you are offering came up.  I'd buy one ... but not at that price.  I thought about buying as big a spring loaded carabiner and and sharpening a point on it.  In the end, I settle for a big old shark hook.

-Allen

Allen,
Do ya think using a short pole spear w/ a detachable tip to shoot one through the head would work? could also rig a float to the spear just in case.

Isn't that a flying gaff? Have you used one in the yak? Seems like it could be a good idea
(or a really bad one)

It's essentially a flying gaff without a long handle to detach from.  In fact, no handle ... I just grab the shank of the hook.

I've tried it out on smaller fish.  Haven't had the need to bust it out on a larger butt yet.  Larger being anything over 50#.

-Allen

I know Safety Sam would not approve, fun to imagine though

Scott

In Keeping with a JAWS theme what about a min speargun with a float attached to it

Scott

I had thought about that too as I have a mini-speargun.  However, no way I'm keeping/using a loaded speargun above water on a kayak.  Safety first.   

-Allen

Does not have to be loaded. You don't need to fling it, you'd just need to spear the fish securely and have it attached to something retrievable.

Seems I read somewhere that you don't want to stick a big flatty in the head. It just pisses them off and ruins the cheeks. I have not had a chance to test it though as all I've seen fit in the net. Where/how do you gaff a 50+ lbs Hali?

Where/how do you gaff a 50+ lbs Hali?

I have yet to get a 50+ pounder but I'd guess the same place you stick all Halis, in their body right behind their gill cover. It's funny, if you do it right there's really no response.

Z

In Keeping with a JAWS theme what about a min speargun with a float attached to it

Scott

I had thought about that too as I have a mini-speargun.  However, no way I'm keeping/using a loaded speargun above water on a kayak.  Safety first.   

-Allen

Does not have to be loaded. You don't need to fling it, you'd just need to spear the fish securely and have it attached to something retrievable.

Seems I read somewhere that you don't want to stick a big flatty in the head. It just pisses them off and ruins the cheeks. I have not had a chance to test it though as all I've seen fit in the net. Where/how do you gaff a 50+ lbs Hali?

Sure ... use a mini spear as a harpoon head and just jab it.

I gaff where ever I can.  Sure I try for the belly, but you don't always have a good shot at it, especially when a butt comes up vertical.

-Allen