Gaff length - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Harry Hill · 10-12-2015, 08:21 AM

What is the best length for the gaff on a kayak? I'm thinking 18 to 24 inches in case you have to reach out a little. Most of the videos I've watched seems to show gaffs about that length.

taggermike · 10-12-2015, 09:21 AM

My gaffs are around 36" long. That's maybe longer than needed but its comfortable for me. It seams like no matter what length a gaff is you always want to reach and lean toward the fish. Mike

ful-rac · 10-12-2015, 10:28 AM

24" gaff is perfect for me.

summers in kuwait · 10-12-2015, 10:33 AM

My old gaff was around 24" and I just built a new one at around ~36". I wanted a longer gaff for me personally, because I've had some situations where I've needed to extend further to reach a fish in the kelp.

skrilla · 10-12-2015, 10:52 AM

I use a 2ft cause I sit low. I get requested longer for guys sitting higher in wider kayaks.

Mr. NiceGuy · 10-13-2015, 11:58 AM

32" is not at all uncomfortable for my Outback. I have not tried 24" but that makes sense too.

You can buy a 3' gaff on a wooden pole and cut it down to whatever feels good to you.

Squidco has simple wood pole gaffs for reasonable prices.

http://www.squidcofishing.com/WOOD-HANDLE-GAFF_c9.htm

Squidco prices are so reasonable you can buy both and keep the other as a backup, or give it away as a gift.

Mahigeer · 10-13-2015, 03:01 PM

My gaff is an adjustable, floating one.

Best of all worlds.

About $40.00 including tax if I recall correctly.

JohnMckroidJr · 10-14-2015, 07:00 PM

I would probably think differently if I did not have the 6 rod tubes on the PA14, but since I do, I like to have a long light gaff. I have been experimenting with different lengths, and so far like 5'. I also prefer to buy a stainless steel hook and grind it barbless rather than buy the galvanized gaff hooks that will rust out eventually. I use light bamboo, so that if I drop the gaff it will float. Only fault to bamboo is strength....have to be mindful and gaff near the head. Mid body and aft shots can snap light bamboo on bigger fish.

Mr. NiceGuy · 10-14-2015, 09:25 PM

Bamboo looks cute and artistic, and it seems to be traditional.. They can be beautiful hanging on the wall as a decoration.

Maybe if I needed something extra long to reach from the deck of a boat high off the water, bamboo might be a cheap and reasonable material?

Personally, I would prefer the strength of something like a shovel handle or other tool-quality hardwood.

I wonder how "Calcutta Bamboo" ever became a popular standard in the first place? It's only bamboo.

Bamboo fishing rods once had their time and place too, but I think that time has passed.

10-12-2015, 08:21 AM	#1
Harry Hill Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Yucaipa, CA Posts: 1,136	Gaff length What is the best length for the gaff on a kayak? I'm thinking 18 to 24 inches in case you have to reach out a little. Most of the videos I've watched seems to show gaffs about that length.

10-12-2015, 10:28 AM	#3
ful-rac Emperor Join Date: May 2009 Location: Buena Park Posts: 3,649	24" gaff is perfect for me. __________________ There's nothing colder than yesterday's hotdog.

10-12-2015, 10:52 AM	#5
skrilla Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: San Diego Posts: 664	I use a 2ft cause I sit low. I get requested longer for guys sitting higher in wider kayaks. __________________ Urban Camo Trident 13

10-13-2015, 11:58 AM	#6
Mr. NiceGuy Manic for Life Join Date: May 2015 Location: San Diego Posts: 839	32" is not at all uncomfortable for my Outback. I have not tried 24" but that makes sense too. You can buy a 3' gaff on a wooden pole and cut it down to whatever feels good to you. Squidco has simple wood pole gaffs for reasonable prices. http://www.squidcofishing.com/WOOD-HANDLE-GAFF_c9.htm Squidco prices are so reasonable you can buy both and keep the other as a backup, or give it away as a gift. __________________ Another ho-hum day in Paradise Last edited by Mr. NiceGuy; 10-13-2015 at 09:15 PM.

10-14-2015, 09:25 PM	#9
Mr. NiceGuy Manic for Life Join Date: May 2015 Location: San Diego Posts: 839	Bamboo looks cute and artistic, and it seems to be traditional.. They can be beautiful hanging on the wall as a decoration. Maybe if I needed something extra long to reach from the deck of a boat high off the water, bamboo might be a cheap and reasonable material? Personally, I would prefer the strength of something like a shovel handle or other tool-quality hardwood. I wonder how "Calcutta Bamboo" ever became a popular standard in the first place? It's only bamboo. Bamboo fishing rods once had their time and place too, but I think that time has passed. __________________ Another ho-hum day in Paradise

10-12-2015, 09:21 AM	#2
taggermike Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Chula Vista Posts: 1,589	My gaffs are around 36" long. That's maybe longer than needed but its comfortable for me. It seams like no matter what length a gaff is you always want to reach and lean toward the fish. Mike

10-12-2015, 10:33 AM	#4
summers in kuwait Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: East County San Diego Posts: 657	My old gaff was around 24" and I just built a new one at around ~36". I wanted a longer gaff for me personally, because I've had some situations where I've needed to extend further to reach a fish in the kelp.

10-13-2015, 03:01 PM	#7
Mahigeer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,897	My gaff is an adjustable, floating one. Best of all worlds. About $40.00 including tax if I recall correctly.

10-14-2015, 07:00 PM	#8
JohnMckroidJr Senior Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Fort Lauderdale Posts: 1,945	I would probably think differently if I did not have the 6 rod tubes on the PA14, but since I do, I like to have a long light gaff. I have been experimenting with different lengths, and so far like 5'. I also prefer to buy a stainless steel hook and grind it barbless rather than buy the galvanized gaff hooks that will rust out eventually. I use light bamboo, so that if I drop the gaff it will float. Only fault to bamboo is strength....have to be mindful and gaff near the head. Mid body and aft shots can snap light bamboo on bigger fish.