How Do You Do Yours? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Iceman · 02-09-2017, 08:41 AM

LOL

that vid cracked me up. Sometimes that fish's destiny is preordained to become dinner no matter what.

FullFlavorPike · 02-09-2017, 09:12 AM

Fish on the left, gaff in the right hand so it's easier to pull him right into the boat and pin him down in a figure four like Ric Flair.

GregAndrew · 02-09-2017, 10:44 AM

Steve, that video is a classic depiction of why you should use your dominant hand to gaff the fish. Any hand is capable of pushing the rod away (to get the fish close). But few have the hand/eye coordination required to make a precise gaff shot with their off hand.

I prefer to not gaff hard, as that is likely to make the fish freak out. I target softer areas on most of my keepers. That allows me to make a short firm pull and not bounce the fish on the gaff.

ful-rac · 02-09-2017, 11:06 AM

Fish on right, Gaff on right for me.

kirkdavis · 02-09-2017, 11:13 AM

I plan on bringing the fish up on my left so I can use my left to gaff it because I am left handed. I lean to the right though, so that should keep me in balance. That being said, I am still waiting for a gaff-worthy fish to sacrifice himself to my hook.

Harry Hill · 02-09-2017, 11:49 AM

so far I haven't had to gaff any of the mackerel that come to my boat, I carry the gaff just because it looks so cool sticking up next to my bait tank. I don't even know what side it's on most of the time.

FullFlavorPike · 02-09-2017, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harry Hill

so far I haven't had to gaff any of the mackerel that come to my boat, I carry the gaff just because it looks so cool sticking up next to my bait tank. I don't even know what side it's on most of the time.

It's nice to have something really pointy in the boat for when you roll during landings, too, I find...

02-09-2017, 08:41 AM	#1
Iceman Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 1-2 miles off the point Posts: 6,948	LOL that vid cracked me up. Sometimes that fish's destiny is preordained to become dinner no matter what. __________________

02-09-2017, 11:06 AM	#4
ful-rac Emperor Join Date: May 2009 Location: Buena Park Posts: 3,649	Fish on right, Gaff on right for me. __________________ There's nothing colder than yesterday's hotdog.

02-09-2017, 11:49 AM	#6
Harry Hill Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Yucaipa, CA Posts: 1,136	so far I haven't had to gaff any of the mackerel that come to my boat, I carry the gaff just because it looks so cool sticking up next to my bait tank. I don't even know what side it's on most of the time. __________________ you can't eat it if you release it

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02-09-2017, 09:12 AM	#2
FullFlavorPike Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 811	Fish on the left, gaff in the right hand so it's easier to pull him right into the boat and pin him down in a figure four like Ric Flair.

02-09-2017, 10:44 AM	#3
GregAndrew Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 2,384	Steve, that video is a classic depiction of why you should use your dominant hand to gaff the fish. Any hand is capable of pushing the rod away (to get the fish close). But few have the hand/eye coordination required to make a precise gaff shot with their off hand. I prefer to not gaff hard, as that is likely to make the fish freak out. I target softer areas on most of my keepers. That allows me to make a short firm pull and not bounce the fish on the gaff.

02-09-2017, 11:13 AM	#5
kirkdavis Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: SD County Posts: 360	I plan on bringing the fish up on my left so I can use my left to gaff it because I am left handed. I lean to the right though, so that should keep me in balance. That being said, I am still waiting for a gaff-worthy fish to sacrifice himself to my hook.