gaffing question...

[fishon42]

I have a serious question. I understand gaffing can be a part of fishing, for tuna, blues, and whatever else I don't know about. But do people really need to gaff stripers? Is it because they have no net or never bought one? This isn't an insult to gaffers, I am just curious.

[Luna Sea 5]

never gaff Stripers.  First, no need to, they won't rip the next like bluefish will if you were to net them.

Second, you can just simply lip them and lift them into the boat.

Third, most stripers will be released, so putting a gaff to it leaves no chance for a measurement.

The only thing I gaff on the boat is Bluefish, shark, tuna, etc.. NEVER a STRIPER

[fishon42]

Yeh nick, I agree with you. I'm only asking because I saw it the other day.... What if that person wanted to mount it? In my opinion I think its stupid. Yes bluefish because of there teeth and what not will eventually tear the net. Stripers don't have teeth.

[Luna Sea 5]

you can still mount a gaffed fish.. I have a large Barracuda on my wall, and you can be sure, I had to gaff that one..

[PeggyLee]

I  net all Bass. Only net and thats it.Keep in mind the net has to have a huge pocket and sturdy handle.I keep some and release the rest to fight another day.As you know,if u gaff a fish there is very low odds of survival.  The blues fish can be slung over the side if they break off thats ok too.
Good Question and
Good Luck out there.

[Capt. Carl]

if its going in my box....gaff or net....no difference to me at all...some people like it, some dont. if conservation is what the net is all about, lets think of what we are doing to that 40 + pound fish we are holding up with our hands under its gill plates to get a pic and then releasing them.... dont you think some of those fish die from that as well....even when a net is used to land it?

like i said, if its going in my box, gaff or net....im good with both of them.

[PeggyLee]

Yes, Some fish might die if netted,but certainly will die if gaffed.Letsd face it:placing a gaff,or hitting a certain spot on a moving fish is an art.

[Capt. Carl]

absolutely true....which is why i carefully stated....if the fish is going in my box....i see no problem using a gaff if that is your preferred method.

[PeggyLee]

Agreed.  (two great minds and one great thought)

[Capt. Carl]

lol! 

[CapBob]

Would have to agree with Carl if it is going in the box, there is no reason not to gaff the fish, what ever species.

Many people think they are doing the right thing by netting the fish, man handling it and then throwing, not placing, throwing it back, a good portion of these fish will die.

If I am going to release the fish it gets dehooked in the water without touching it, this is the proper way to release.

If you want to mount a fish take a couple good picks and measrue the length and girth while handling it properly, then place it back into the water.

[Hunter 2]

Like you guys said. Only a picture and measurement is needed for a mount. The carcass is no longer needed. many anglers still gaff Black drum in the bottom lip.

[Luna Sea 5]

why gaff and get the boat unnecessarily bloody. lol

[fishon42]

Would have to agree with Carl if it is going in the box, there is no reason not to gaff the fish, what ever species.

Many people think they are doing the right thing by netting the fish, man handling it and then throwing, not placing, throwing it back, a good portion of these fish will die.

If I am going to release the fish it gets dehooked in the water without touching it, this is the proper way to release.

If you want to mount a fish take a couple good picks and measrue the length and girth while handling it properly, then place it back into the water.

Wait, Captain Bob... why would a good portion of those fish die if thrown back into the water ? lol 

[CapBob]

Would have to agree with Carl if it is going in the box, there is no reason not to gaff the fish, what ever species.

Many people think they are doing the right thing by netting the fish, man handling it and then throwing, not placing, throwing it back, a good portion of these fish will die.

If I am going to release the fish it gets dehooked in the water without touching it, this is the proper way to release.

If you want to mount a fish take a couple good picks and measrue the length and girth while handling it properly, then place it back into the water.

Wait, Captain Bob... why would a good portion of those fish die if thrown back into the water ? lol 

Mark

Because the majority of the people manhandle the fish, either by jamming fingers in the gills, let them flop around the deck, etc. plus if you break the slim coat on the fishes skin it leaves them open to disease, etc.  And most who release the fish just throw it bck into the water, not gently releasing it.

If you are going to release the fish, have the angler guide it to the side of the boat and dehook it while it is in the water.

[ped579]

 

I have used a dehooker for a while now.  They are not expensive and are really easy to use.  In fact I have made my own after loosing a couple (which it is very easy to do).  If you have access to the 5 gal buckets use the metal handle they are great.

But to gaff a fish is defiantly its death gouge.  Which is okay as long as you will make use of the flesh.  If not, it is a useless kill.  In a lot of places you can ask the captain (and make sure if out of country) what will the fish be for.  If your okay with that have a good trip.  If not look for a boat that will be doing what you want. 

Sorry for going off question but your gaffing question is a good one.

Happy Catching

Paul

[fishon42]

Yes that makes sense. It is stupid to be jamming fingers in gills and hauling them back in the water, mine as well punch it in the head while your at it. I've never used a dehooker, sounds reasonable! Thanks