Long Handled Gaff Vs Cliff gaff

[GCC]

Hi all

I'm just after some advice on gaffs.

I am thinking about building a long gaff, maybe 20-25 foot long (say 8m). I have a 16 foot rod made from rangoon cane, but it's just not long enough for the cliff fishing I want to do.

Does anyone know where you can buy gass this long?

Can anyone suggest a relatively cheap way to build one? I would like to build one from aluminium and hopefully be able to make it three or four pieces - like some of those handspears that screw together.

Otherwise, how easy are cliff gaffs to use when fishing alone?

I intend to fish for pelagics, especially kingfish.

Cheers

Glenn

[slinkymalinky]

A cliff gaff isn't easy to use on your own but it will be a whole lot easier than trying to manage an 8m pole gaff. To be honest, that sounds incredibly dangerous. If you're fishing alone on rocks where you need an 8m gaff, then hanging around the edge trying to wrestle a huge gaff, possibly with a heavy fish on the end, while hanging onto your rod, is likely to get you into serious trouble.

If you need to gaff fish in that sort of location, use a cliff gaff and fish with a friend. I'd hate to see us lose Raiders on the rocks.

Cheers, Slinky

[LBG.]

Well said Slinky. I always have my long gaff with me, even when fishing alone. For the simple reason that at least by having a gaff handy, at least a random passer by might be able to help. I know full well that if I need it and I'm on my own, there's a good chance I'd have to figure out a plan B.

I usually fish with someone anyway, but will go out on my own.

BTW, have you ever tried gaffing a fish with an 18 foot gaff? It's like trying to extend a tape measure 3m and land it in a 3mm gap. Wobbly as drunk on a barstool.

Gaffing is a two man job, ESPECIALLY on the rocks. Sometimes even 3 or 4. Who's watching the swells while you back your drag off, manouver a king from the barnacles AND try and pin point a gaff hook 6m down?