Xtools floating gaff -- 19.99 at Boatersworld

12" - 2.5" hook
36" - 2.5" hook
36" - 4.0" hook
60" - 2.5" hook


All 19.99 each. Save  10% more using Paypal.

http://www.boatersworld.com/product/472400068msk.htm?childProductId=13309157

Here is the real deal.  Can't wait until I get one of my own!

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,11974.0.html

Michael

You might want to reconsider using those so called "floating" xtools.....Sean / Scwafish had an interesting experience with 'em 

Indeed...the floating pliers don't float after a while.  BTDT 2X.  Sent em an email 2X...no replies    Kunz gaffs are THE way.

I just got the needlenose pliers last week from Bass Pro. They were $10 cheaper than Cabelas ($19.99 vs. $29.99 ).
As long as they float long enough for me to grab them should they fall overboard they should do the job. That would be a lot better than the ones that went over last time. Plunk and GONE!
I appreciate the info that they don't float indefinitely.

What I mean is the float when you first get them, but after you use them for a while the foam compresses and then they sink rapidly, just like regular pliers.

Two things I didn't like about the xtools pliers I hard. First they did not have the gripping power for pulling hooks from catfish mouths with out slipping. Second they sunk while out on the delta recently. Sean is not alone is watching a pair sink in to the abyss.

-Brian G

Sean is not alone is watching a pair sink in to the abyss.

I guess that's why they call them X-tools... they don't stick around very long.   

I guess that's why they call them X-tools... they don't stick around very long.   

Hahahaha... Good one EK. Yeah... I've got the pliers still... and they pretty much suck. I've also got the gaff and so far... I'm pretty happy with it. I was lucky enough to win a Eric Kunz floating gaff but haven't been able to use it yet.

Freddie

Got it in the mail. Not bad at all if you are on a budget. Actually it seems to be very well made. Slightly more heavy than I would like but it'll do.

Two things I didn't like about the xtools pliers I hard. First they did not have the gripping power for pulling hooks from catfish mouths with out slipping. Second they sunk while out on the delta recently. Sean is not alone is watching a pair sink in to the abyss.

-Brian G

I agree with Brian that the XTools pliers can't put enough pressure on a hook to remove it well. On the other hand the cutters are pretty good. All that said, I don't use them anymore because I need something that can do both well. I can't speak to whether they float, although I have thought about throwing them overboard. 

As far as gaffs, I would spend another $15 and buy the best gaff on the market from EK (kzreelrods.com). I can't speak to whether it floats (Xtools) but when you compare it to EK's there is no comparison. Remember, if you are gaffing a fish it is pretty big so get the best you can afford. I don't know anyone who owns one who doesn't love it. I wish I had known about it before I bought the gaff that I currently use. Will probably get one this year because they are so good and EK has a new mouth to feed.

Scott

Before I got a custom  EK gaff, I had a standard non-floating aluminum gaff. It was modified to float by sliding a section of pool noodle up the handle, and stuffing some pool noodle pieces inside the handle. Now its my loaner gaff. And I don't mind loaning it out to friends, now that it floats!
PK

I made my own from bamboo.  Floats, cost less than $10, and looks bitchin.