Gaffing a fish

Posted on 20. Apr, 2009 by Kitster in Boating, Fishing Tips

It may sound simple, but really, it isn’t.

You just can’t gaff a fish and say, okay, I hit it in the body and that’s all there is to it.

The best place to gaff a fish is through it’s “nape” that’s the area behind the head at it’s back. If you hit it correctly, it should give you a good and firm anchor point the gaff hook also touches the spine, immobilizing the fish; so it doesn’t flop around.

It is important to subdue the poor animal by hitting it on the head with a fishbat, priest or a blunt object and not let it die of suffocation.

Different types and shapes of fish dictate different gaffs, but the placement is the same…the first gaff (is using more than one on a really big fish) is in the same spot.

Attached is a series of pictures of a perfect gaff shot.

2 Responses to “Gaffing a fish”

  1. Name ROBERT

    16. Jun, 2009

    NICE FISH, LOOK’S LIKE A BIG MAC, IS IT ? COULD BE A KING MAC.

  2. Name

    23. Jun, 2009

    NIce! When I gaff fish I try to come in behind the line so if I miss I won’t hit the line with the gaff. I get them in the head. I don’t eat the head, so it seems to be the perfect spot to gouge a big hole. Be sure to keep the head in the water, and put them in the boat with one powerful motion. The hardest part for me is staying calm and not rushing it.

    This is my first post here. I fish mostly for tuna and jacks near my home in San Diego, USA, but I’ve been learning about the fishing in your area. You guys have an amazing fishery! I’m looking forward to seeing sportfishing develop in your country.

Leave a Reply