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Best 10 Fishing Gaffs to Lose Less Fish

The use of fishing gaff began a long time ago and is still being used today in the industry. Archaeologists have been collecting and keeping different types of gaffs which are dated up to 16th century used by various native tribes worldwide.

Much has not been done on improvement of gaffs since the initial designs are still versatile and applicable by angler’s today. The only significant changes made is on the material used to make the gaffs as a result of evolution in ergonomics.

For this reason, fishing gaffs produced today are light, easy to use and very strong. For beginners, it is recommended to go for those old versions of gaffs as you scale up to the latest versions.

The article below gives an insightful fishing gaff buying guide.

Types of fishing gaffs

On a closer look, all fishing gaffs have a look similar, but there is a different ion in the type. The two types are flying and fixed fishing gaffs.

Flying fishing gaff

These types are usually designed to have a head that moves away from the pole once it is embedded on to a fish. On the rod is a rope which is 25 feet for as recommended by the regulatory body. These gaffs are used for fishing large species of fish, and you can use two or more gaffs to handle the weight of the fish properly. When retrieving a team effort is required due to the massive catch. As a beginner, you are advised to properly train on using this gaff before the actual fishing session.

The fixed fishing gaff

The head of these gaffs are not moveable; they are permanently fixed on the pole. Fixed fishing gaffs are the best for beginners due to their ease of usage. Moreover, small fishing gaffs are good to use when you are on a small boat and intend to capture the small fish species.

The Handle: Fishing gaffs handles have been manufactured with three different material; carbon Fibre, aluminum and fiberglass

Fiberglass: Compared to aluminum, fiberglass fishing gaffs are lighter, more rigid, and stronger. However, they are quite expensive and can shatter when carrying a heavy load.

Carbon Fibre: Compared to aluminum and fiberglass, carbon fiber is thrice and twice stronger, respectively. They are the most expensive and too rigid.

Aluminum: They are the most widely preferred material due to its light, stronger and cheap features. Moreover, it can bend on carrying a heavy load; thus, it cannot shutter quickly.

The Hook: On the look at two key things materials, are and the size.

The size of the fishing gaff is a myth doing round states that if you are targeting a large catch, you should use a big hook size. This is pure lies since the ultimate decision lies with personal preference. Two gaffs with different heads will give different results. Those with a large diameter tend to produce more resistance to straightening though when placed of the quality scale it may pose as a problem.

Materials: The heads of gaffs are usually made of stainless steel due to how strong they are and resistant to environmental conditions such as rust. When you are shopping, look for a gaff written 316 stainless which means it contains molybdenum material making the gaff extremely resistant to corrosion. Those noted 304 stainless are made using chromium and nickel. These are more prevalent to corrosion.

Features of Fishing Gaffs

When looking at the features, the key considerations are the buoyancy, grip, and cover.

Buoyancy

This will be determined by the material used to make the handle. Handles made up of carbon fiber have the best floatation capacity compared to those made of aluminum and fiberglass. The other factor that affects buoyancy is the portion of the handle above the water. To improve the floatation capacity, consider adding a piece of a pool noodle.

Cover

The best cover for a fishing gaff is those made of stainless steel. Research has shown that they are protective and resistant to rust. Moreover, your safety is paramount hence go for a fishing gaff that has a cover at the tip.

Grip

Always go for fishing gaff whose poles are made of rubber. Alternatively, due to the increased cost attached to rubber, look for a gaff wrapped in ethylene-vinyl acetate which when touched feel similar to rubber. These materials aid you in holding you gaff firmly during your fishing mission.

Designs of Fishing Gaffs

The three designs of fishing gaffs include

Harpoon designed gaffs

Offshore anglers frequently use them, and they are essential to subdue the fish.

The Australian designed squared gaff

They are essential in keeping the fish hooked up since they make the fish sit in the gap; thus, your catch cannot fall.

8- and 12-foot gaffs

These are mostly used by tournament competing fishers who are eyeing hefty prizes upon winning the competition. The extra length is vital since it enables anglers to reach deeply for fish and get fantastic results.

Price of Fishing Gaffs

Pricing can impede you from getting the best fishing gaff however have a budget and use the seedling below to determine which best fits you.

Less expensive

Fishing gaffs that are considered the cheapest are below $10. Keep in mind cheap is costly; hence the more affordable, the lesser the quality. Good fishing gaffs with better quality in this category range between $14 to $21.

Mid-range

The price range on this scale is from $24 to $60. If you are looking for toughness and size go for gaffs costing above $80. Furthermore, the price may rise depending on the material of the pole.

Carbon fiber pole retail for more than $280.

Expensive

The type of fishing gaff you decide to purchase will determinantal here. Due to the immense size and toughness of the flying gaff, they are usually sold independently to the hook.

Do not get surprised when you see a tag for theses sophisticated instruments retailing at over $ 300 and going for the top renewed brands prices is inclusive of the rope and can retail up to $500.

Do your due diligence on the fishing gaff while seeking an expert opinion from an experienced angler. Fishing can be exciting if you have the correct fishing gaff.

Best 10 Fishing Gaffs [This Month]

Now that you have selected your fishing gaff you may want to read some tips on the best way to use them.

Happy fishing!

Last update on 2021-03-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API