If you schmear the epoxy on the metal rods before you put them into the golf club shaft, you'll ensure a better grip (and that the epoxy will go into the cuts). I would also recommend learning a Bowline knot to replace those hitch's you used to make loops. A hitch can slip.
There are many good knots out there, but I was trying to show that even the half hitch can work (and I've been using them that way for years without a single failure as long as they get the heat treatment). Tie yours with whatever knot you like. Tight lines!
Aloha Glenn, @ 2:17 I wish I could find a gaff hook in Hawai'i for $5.99, they start here about $13.00, and on eBay the least expensive I could find was $10.99 (free shipping) for a plated steel one. I decided to buy a stainless steel hook for $10.00 plus $6.45 shipping. At least the gulf club was cheap at $2.99 at local Goodwill store. Mahalo nui for the great idea!
Hola Prof. Thanks for this tutorial. I’ve followed your recommendations....mostly. Spent up large, $4, on two 2nd hand carbon fibre golf clubs & made 1 Gaff & 1 Hawaiian spear gaff. Although you didn’t mention any problems in this regard I had a friend use his metal work lathe & turn out two stainless steal rings from a bolt to glue around the end where the hooks go in just to help secure/strengthen the ends. Do you cover the points for safety in transit & if so how, what’s your preferred, simple reusable option that won’t drop off out at sea? Jamie
Clever Trevor for transit it can be stowed inside the hull (if your kayak allows) or lashed up front so that it doesn't become a danger if you roll in the surf.
I use the smallest Mustad gaff hook; you can find them on Google or at Roy's here in town. Not stainless, but if you wash them after each trip they do pretty well. I have lifter over 50 lbs with mine, and they hold very well.
+Glenn Madden (Prof. Salt) thanks for the speedy reply. I've had a degree of difficulty finding anything suitable on the web for some reasons. Could you give me the number for Roy's? I'm in NC so will have to see if they will ship. Thanks. Be safe
Syed Mehdi you sure can. I have done that, but instead of slipping the hook inside the carbon shaft you'll probably have to wrap it on the side. Like an eye on a rod. It works well and is strong enough to do any needed work if you epoxy the threads for protection.
Nice for smaller fish, need a larger handle to control them. You noticed how the fish spun out and he couldn’t control it. Handle is just not enough. 3/4-1” pvc works better.
The ideal gaff depends on how you want to work the fish. If you need to force the fish into not moving, go larger. If, like me, you want to get hold of the fish and let it play itself down and allow for twisting, then the golf club handle works nicely.
what kind of rig are you hooking? if you try to hook to an oil rig in the gulf, you'll get shot. if it's a buoy, here its illegal, bridges will get coast guard or dhs called here....
Phu Vet I'm sorry people are that way in your area. Our local rigs are unmanned and we can hook to the ladder or structure as long as we are not destructive. Buoys are not legal, but the rigs are only off limits when a crew boat needs to insert or withdraw a crewman. When the crew boat leaves we can go back to fishing.
Brilliant! Been needing a gaf but all the extra cash is going towards saving for my wedding. Now, thanks to you, I can get my gaf. Thanks man
Watched this video 6 years ago and had my gaff for years someone stole it outta the bed of my truck and is probably still in use haha
At one time many years ago I knew a guy that made them. Nice video brotha
David, yours were worthy of display in an art museum. Mine are just for sticking fish and getting them into the kayak, lol.
Thanks Glen I've been waiting for this video.
Great video thanks from the Island.
If you schmear the epoxy on the metal rods before you put them into the golf club shaft, you'll ensure a better grip (and that the epoxy will go into the cuts).
I would also recommend learning a Bowline knot to replace those hitch's you used to make loops. A hitch can slip.
There are many good knots out there, but I was trying to show that even the half hitch can work (and I've been using them that way for years without a single failure as long as they get the heat treatment). Tie yours with whatever knot you like. Tight lines!
Great information man! Thank you.
thanks for sharing.. great idea
Aloha Glenn, @ 2:17 I wish I could find a gaff hook in Hawai'i for $5.99, they start here about $13.00, and on eBay the least expensive I could find was $10.99 (free shipping) for a plated steel one. I decided to buy a stainless steel hook for $10.00 plus $6.45 shipping. At least the gulf club was cheap at $2.99 at local Goodwill store. Mahalo nui for the great idea!
Ahnko Chee Outdoors I got some today at maui sporting goods for $8.99
Try Amazon and get a 10 pack for under $50.
Great video for me since its my first BTB trip planned. But where can I get the gaff hooks really quick.
Hola Prof. Thanks for this tutorial. I’ve followed your recommendations....mostly. Spent up large, $4, on two 2nd hand carbon fibre golf clubs & made 1 Gaff & 1 Hawaiian spear gaff. Although you didn’t mention any problems in this regard I had a friend use his metal work lathe & turn out two stainless steal rings from a bolt to glue around the end where the hooks go in just to help secure/strengthen the ends. Do you cover the points for safety in transit & if so how, what’s your preferred, simple reusable option that won’t drop off out at sea? Jamie
Clever Trevor for transit it can be stowed inside the hull (if your kayak allows) or lashed up front so that it doesn't become a danger if you roll in the surf.
Okay thanks. I’d prefer the Irish option “ to be sure, to be sure!” Thank you for replying.
Thank you for the information
Thank you for this sir!
Love the idea of the golf club gaff. Where do you get your gaff hooks and are they stainless steel? How much vertical weight can they hold?
I use the smallest Mustad gaff hook; you can find them on Google or at Roy's here in town. Not stainless, but if you wash them after each trip they do pretty well. I have lifter over 50 lbs with mine, and they hold very well.
+Glenn Madden (Prof. Salt) thanks for the speedy reply. I've had a degree of difficulty finding anything suitable on the web for some reasons. Could you give me the number for Roy's? I'm in NC so will have to see if they will ship. Thanks. Be safe
Hi Glen, can I use a fishing rod blank instead of a golf club ? Please advise
Syed Mehdi you sure can. I have done that, but instead of slipping the hook inside the carbon shaft you'll probably have to wrap it on the side. Like an eye on a rod. It works well and is strong enough to do any needed work if you epoxy the threads for protection.
Your awesome! Very smart thank you!!
Stanton Guthrie thanks, if the video helps you get outfitted then I've done my job!
very nice video Thanks
Nice for smaller fish, need a larger handle to control them. You noticed how the fish spun out and he couldn’t control it. Handle is just not enough. 3/4-1” pvc works better.
The ideal gaff depends on how you want to work the fish. If you need to force the fish into not moving, go larger. If, like me, you want to get hold of the fish and let it play itself down and allow for twisting, then the golf club handle works nicely.
I cannot find those gaff hooks,,where do you buy them
nice!
Good DYI. Thanks for taking the time. BUT....I will not be gaffing sharks...nope.
You are correct - never gaff a shark.
professor where was it u got ur gaff hook
Roy's Bait and Tackle in Corpus Christi. They keep them in stock, for a better price than most places.
So make a bigger one for a rig hook?
The rig hook uses 1/4" diameter aluminum rod. It's bendable by hand and can be reshaped to hook onto most structure.
You mentioned attaching the line to your foot pedals I think, wouldn't it be better to run the line through your anchor trolley?
I don't have an anchor trolley on my kayak, but yes that would work too if you have one.
what kind of rig are you hooking? if you try to hook to an oil rig in the gulf, you'll get shot. if it's a buoy, here its illegal, bridges will get coast guard or dhs called here....
Phu Vet I'm sorry people are that way in your area. Our local rigs are unmanned and we can hook to the ladder or structure as long as we are not destructive. Buoys are not legal, but the rigs are only off limits when a crew boat needs to insert or withdraw a crewman. When the crew boat leaves we can go back to fishing.