Is it possible to land a big fish without a gaff or net?

[LurkDog]

I don't have a gaff or net and I was wondering I'll be able to land a 20# or 30# fish with just my hands? Anyone ever done it?

[vincentek9]

possible, but why would you want to gamble with such a thing?

1. you can bounce a 20# tuna into your yak can break off fish or break rod
2. trying to grab the fish is very unsafe. it freaks them out and they take off
3. if you really cant afford a gaff/net.. maybe try a tail rope? this is also tricky.

[lamb]

Yeah, possible,
but you are probably increasing your chances to lose it by like 90%.

I'd say make your own, or buy gaff if you plan on landing your big fish!
http://www.kayakfishingsupplies.com/...ng-Gaff/Detail

[jruiz]

I see people do it all the time, I think they call it noodling though. They have a couple of shows for it on cable. Seriously though, 20+ and you'll be needing a gaff.

[skrilla]

I've slid fish right into my open and waiting game clip so yes it can be done. They usually go ape shit when they break the surface so clipping them while still underwater helps.

[steveooo]

My first few fish from the yak I did with a Boga grip and tail grab. Now I use a gaff.



If the fish comes up gassed, you should be able to do it no problem. If its still green and lively, make sure you have the go-pro running

My biggest fear is hooking a big barn door Hali, getting it yak side, and then realizing I forgot the gaff

[Pocoloco]

regs state you must have a net on board to safely land fish. You should have both.

[Hondatom]

I just put together a 1.5 inch closet bar(wooden) and a 9-0 hook with a screw and some fiberglass resin. The fact that I can't catch any big fish might be why I have not tried it out yet. I'll get back to you on Monday and tell you how it worked.

[taggermike]

Sure you can land a big fish w/o a gaff or net. YT and wsb are usually tired out.
Grab the yt by the mouth gills or tail and wsb under the gills and pull
Them in to your lap. A big halibut would be a nightmare nothing much to grab,
Slimey, powerful, and pissed off. Good luck to you.
But get a net and buy or make a gaff. Seriously. Mike

[FlyFishinYakr]

Originally Posted by steveooo

My first few fish from the yak I did with a Boga grip and tail grab. Now I use a gaff.



If the fish comes up gassed, you should be able to do it no problem. If its still green and lively, make sure you have the go-pro running

My biggest fear is hooking a big barn door Hali, getting it yak side, and then realizing I forgot the gaff

DITTO!!!
FFY
FYI: be careful if you bounce a sea bass with a jig! When I worked on a boat, we were in the middle of a once in a lifetime wide open bite. One guy (a regular and talented) tried to bounce a 20+ lb'er the hook pulled and one of the trebles ended up in his forehead!!! He was Lucky..he was using a white PL68 which also hit his head missing his eye. He was one of those tough guys though. He had us/me cut the hook with my dikes pushed the end through and kept on fishing. We called Redondo harbor parol who set up a pick up/transport. It was a good thing because he had fractured his skull also!!! I've also popped a couple also resulting in flying projectiles when they reach the surface...just missing my head!

[MrPatrick]

20" diameter on the net.