Finished my kage.

[taggermike]

After chronicly loosing gaffs, and seeing the yak fishing vids from Haiwa'i, I decided to build a kage. I picked up a length of 5/16th stainless allthread at the depot, cut a section of broom stick, and went to work. The spear feels sturdy and looks allright. The handle is maybe too long becasue it feels a bit off ballnce when held near the end. I may cut a bit off or just choke up on the grip. As I was finishing up the point cover my 11 year old daughter asked "could you kill some one with that"? I have to admit a kage is a rather nasty looking piece of equipment. Now I just need to try it out. Mike

[Cbad Mike]

very cool..... dont lose it

[Biggameaddict]

Looks great i like that thing you put to hide the point.

[jruiz]

Have you tried to stab anything with it yet? I'm guessing the coarser the thread the better for more bite.

[salty pirate]

nice work man. i hope to see a pic with a yt hangin off the end.

[skrilla]

Sweet can't wait for the fish report!

[maui jim]

LOOKS Great!!! now bloody it up and put some stank on er...

[ful-rac]

Looks good! Hopefully it works for you.

[lterrero]

Poor fish

[addicted2sp33d]

I'm inspired... gonna have to make one of those myself!

I would add some barbs though - maybe sharpen up the leading edges of a wingnut and make barbs out of it, just so that the stabbed fish won't just slip off.

[THE DARKHORSE]

Originally Posted by lterrero

Poor fish

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Was thinking the same thing!

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On a more serious note: While that's a useful tool in the right hands I'm really hoping this doesn't catch on in local waters. I can see it with Wahoo and Cow Tuna. In that arena it makes sense, since they're actually dangerous at the surface when it comes time to land them.

But, for Yellowtail and White Sea Bass? I can see guys stabbing, sacred-Cow, eight pound Calico Bass and losing them, too. God forbid Halibut...

This isn't directed at you, Mike, specifically. Again, in the right hands, from someone who's adept at stoning fish and has perfect placement (in the brain or spine), great. The other 99% of anglers who lack that skill set---not so much. Actually a spike to the brain is the most humane practice of all.

Then there's also those situations with a 400 lb, pissed off Sea Lion, trying to rip that fish out of your hands. Some fish are instantly pulled out of the water for that very reason. And a Kage will only add another step to the process.

As a full-time fishing guide I see my fair share of spastic, over excited anglers, swinging a gaff as if they're blind folded. Glancing off of gill-plates and snapping their own lines in the process. Or gaffing themselves! I even see long time anglers with equally poor gaff placement, but that's another story. Not to mention the guys who lose fish after gaffing them.

I can only imagine the same guys with a long spike and no barb...