Gaff vs Net?

Another newbie question; is there an advantage to using a gaff over a regular landing net? I have a gaff and have seen them in action many times but they look unwieldy and unreliable compared to a long-handled net?

Is it just a matter of personal preference or is there an advantage to a gaff that I am missing?

There are a couple of threads on it, Phil - try a search.

What I've maintained is that a big net with a long handle (standard big salmon net) is important to have along if you have a chance of catching a large lingcod, salmon or halibut (any time you go in the ocean!). 

A prevalant attitude on here has been that a gaff is just fine, but I question how many lingcod over 20 pounds or big salmon those folks have gaffed.  It's probably the case that most would advocate having a net when salmon fishing (it IS legal to gaff a legal salmon, as I understand it), but it would be pretty common I think to figure gaffing a ling is no problem.  That's because gaffing a ling up to 20 pounds is pretty easy.  The big guys though will really take you for a ride - I like having them in that big net while I adjust my camera angle and stow my rod.

The biggest reason though to run with a net vs. a gaff - makes for easier release and less damage to the fish.

I think I have 5 gaff's - anyone want to buy one?   

So, the regs say you have to have an 18" net with ya...but that's pretty small.

I used to only carry a large net, then lost a really big hallie this year when it couldn't fit all the way in and flipped out. I'M STILL PISSED AT THAT!  Now, i carry my net AND a gaff for halibut. Net only for salmon, rockfish and lings (most of the time i just grab 'em by the gill plate anyway).
I'm a bad boy when going for stripers-- no net, no gaff, sometimes a lip gripper

lost a really big hallie this year when it couldn't fit all the way in and flipped out.

I admit I'm a halibut virgin, and I've wondered how netting a huge one would go.  I'd say Steve's right that having a gaff along as well isn't a bad idea, but I'll bet his net isn't as big as mine!   

big enough to net a 24# salmon no problem (and a 24 # hallie a few years back), but this sucker was stick 1/3 at least outta the net!

this sucker was stick 1/3 at least outta the net!

Those are heart-breakers, Steve.  I know your net is big!   

I say have both also. I dont want to deal with a writhing 20lb ling cod. I want to net and then let em have it. As for salmon a net is the only way to go. We netted a69in sturgeon 2 years ago because we were unprepared to deal with the fish ( no noose). My big salmon net worked just fine. WE were on a boat though which makes it a whole different story.

It seems you folks all think the same way I do. I'm still a newbie to all this but I've netted good sized fish (Ling, Halibut, Striper) all without problem. The gaff looks like it would be harder, especially for the halibut which always seem to go bananas once they get to the surface, even more so once you try and actually persuade them aboard.

Rob PHIL!!!!!   

Rob PHIL!!!!!   

Oops!  I thought you said your name was Rob!  That's probably JerseyBoy...

 

It's good to have all the tools and use them as needed.
 
Nets work fine for most fish, but if you net a Halibut to release it can mean a slow death from fin rot. Unless its a C+R net the hali will thrash and split its tail. They can also be a hassle because of size, line tangles, and acting like a sail in the wind. A short handle ,large bag, with a folding hoop would be cool.
 
Gaffs take up little space and are easy to have "at the ready". Halibut when gaffed "usually" freeze up for a few, giving you time to whack them. Gaffs can usually slid under the gillplates or poked thru the lower lip of a rockfish for an easy release.
 
All that being said, if its "the one" you really want to keep use a big a$$ net, but be prepared for a bath and mayhem. Have your bonker ready to go. Or use a gaff and carefully pick your spot and time. Practice and "confidence" in technique will be your best guide.

this sucker was stick 1/3 at least outta the net!

Those are heart-breakers, Steve.  I know your net is big!   

and deep too!

To add insult to injury the thing absolutely soaked me upon exit

Rob PHIL!!!!!   

Oops!  I thought you said your name was Rob!  That's probably JerseyBoy...

 

No worries, I've been called worse.

One time when I was trying to assist Eugene (Paddlefish) with landing a big butt at the ARW I couldn't get the whole fish in my net and it thrashed it's way out.  My heart sank since I thought for sure that it broke off.  Thank goodness for a good hook set and a strong leader.  We were able to borrow JTF's gaff and using that method we were able to hold that beast long enough to give it a smack down.  Smiles all the way around and an important lesson learned.  Get a good gaff or be prepared to have another fish story...

It's good to have all the tools and use them as needed.
 
Nets work fine for most fish, but if you net a Halibut to release it can mean a slow death from fin rot. Unless its a C+R net the hali will thrash and split its tail. They can also be a hassle because of size, line tangles, and acting like a sail in the wind. A short handle ,large bag, with a folding hoop would be cool.
 
Gaffs take up little space and are easy to have "at the ready". Halibut when gaffed "usually" freeze up for a few, giving you time to whack them. Gaffs can usually slid under the gillplates or poked thru the lower lip of a rockfish for an easy release.
 
All that being said, if its "the one" you really want to keep use a big a$$ net, but be prepared for a bath and mayhem. Have your bonker ready to go. Or use a gaff and carefully pick your spot and time. Practice and "confidence" in technique will be your best guide.

Ditto... all that Shimmy said.

Yep... Shimmy summed it up for me as well.

I generally only use a net in freshwater anymore except salmon, though I have gaffed a salmon before and it worked just fine (20# class).   I've had more big fish escape  my net over the years than my gaff... but generally I just don't like having a huge net getting in the way on deck if I can help it.

Confidence in whatever tool you use is the most important thing... and keeping the club nearby is important no matter which way you go.

EK