Flying Gaff Size?

[Marlintini]

What size "hook" do use with your flying gaff?

Mostly used for Sharking 175#'s+++

I'd reccomend a 4" flying gaff hook

[rainmaker]

Mine is an 8" AFTCO. It works really good on those BLUEFINS If I decide to keep one.

[Yellow Fin]

We use an eight inch double reinforced gaff. I have seen a marlin straighten a single gaff.

[Dons Dock]

I have to agree with the 8" or 10" models. Reinforced is always good.

[Fubar512]

Marlintini, I use an 8" gap head.

I also had a friend modify the handle to incorperate a socket that allows me to swap the flying gaff head for a harpoon (dart) tip. I find the latter useful when dealing with outsized critters. It's not IGFA legal, though

*

[Finesse]

We had an assortment of flying gaffs …. Different heads for different uses …. 6" and 8" saw all the action. Plus its nice to have back ups …. these amongst the assortment of fixed gaffs and the harpoon ( didn’t see much action)…

[Tom Bare]

I'll second Yellowfin on the 2x strength. I've stuck [easy on the PC stuff here] lots of marlin over 500 and could tell you countless stories all with the same outcome. Use a reinforced hook and keep the terminal stuff i.e. line, shackles, etc. up to date.

More importantly I would suggest everyone try a "Top Shot" gaff or what is commonly called an "Australian hook" These are the squared off as opposed to rounded hooks and they are absolutely, hands down better than the old standard Aftcos. Try them once and you'll wonder how you ever lived without them.

TB

[Marlintini]

TB,

Can you give some details why the "squared off" perform better than the standard rounded hooks...

Thanks

[Finesse]

Serious gaff ….with a serious price tag ….I’ve seen them before ….but never "stuck" anything with one .... I bet they are nice to use

Top shot

[captadamnj]

i keep an 8" and a 6" head on the boat. with a 5" straight gaff and multiple smaller ones and tail ropes, we've got enough hooks to get most anything in the boat. if i can't get 'em in with that, i don't want 'em in the boat!

[Tom Bare]

They go in like butter and are in general just an easier gaff to hold, line up and get a good shot with.

The first thing I noticed about them with my very first shot was how absolutely effortlessly it went in and stuck.

Give them a shot.....so to say. You won't be dissapointed, I promise.

TB

[Marlintini]

Thanks for the help guys...

fyi...

8" Top Shot @ Melton $499
8" Top Shot @ Finest Kind $295
8" Aftco @ Finest Kind $260