barndoor:
Having not caught a lunker yet I decided now is the time to get a gaff so I don't have to get one AFTER I loose the fish. I'm going to make my own and wondered what size gaff hook is appropriate for the type of fishing we do? Seems like the consensus is a 2" hook (2" gap between shaft and point). I've never used a gaff so this is all foreign to me. As far as length I'd guess pretty short would do the trick in a yak, maybe 14", though I see lots of people using upwards of 24"? I build rods so I might use that technique or I could turn a handle on my lathe in the wood shop. Not sure which direction I'll go yet but I've got to get the hook first.
StephL:
Along with the questions above, if making your own gaff what hooks would you recommend and will a broomstick suffice?
Hojoman:
I believe I read somewhere in the regs that gaffs are not legal in freshwater. FYI.
barndoor:
Realizing that I know about zero, there is a guy on here (KZ) who used to make great looking gaffs that lots of members have and are happy with. He used Mustad Duratin hooks so that's probably what I'll use. I wouldn't use a broom stick unless it is very tough. Imagine having a 20 pound weight (hali) on the end and leveraging it on the size of a boat. I bet it would break. If I use wood I'll likely use ash or some other suitable hardwood. It could double as a whacker!
PISCEAN:
I started with a cut down boat gaff that had a huge hook, like a 4+" gap. It worked great but was overkill for most local fish, and I was gifted a nice handmade gaff that was wrapped to match my current go-to calstar rod.
The hook gap on my current gaff is about 3". It was made from a gaff kit from mudhole, and has handled (so far) several halis to 26#, some big lings, and a 25# WSB.