Redneck "gaff"

I'm not a big fan of nets while ocean fishing, except when required of course. They just seem awkward and always in the way. I also don't like flopping a netted fish in my lap. It might be better if it wasn't for all those spines. I've been just lipping my rock fish or grabbing them by the gill plate with a gloved hand. I lost a real nice cab doing that awhile back. It's a little risky with a big lingcod too.

I was cleaning out the garage this morning and hit on an idea with an old paint roller. I made a hook out of it. I think I can slip the point through the gill plate. At that point I can lift the fish's head up out of the water and give it the 'ol Barry Bonds treatment before bringing it aboard. The over all length is about 3'.

Note: If I decide to release a fish I just reach out with the pliers and unhook while it's still in the water. No gaffing.

I'm going to try it out in the next few days and report back.

of all the ball players..Barry Bonds?? Really?   

It works good!

Sorry Tote. It's just that I feel like I'm on steroids when beating a fish.

Acually I thought the original shape would have worked well for how you described. You could slip it in the gills and turn it up. pin it against the hull and unhook or woop on it.

That does  look a little oakie....
If it works, what the hell?

Did you craft that in the privacy of your cell? 

Is that the CDM Summer Collection?

Is that the CDM Summer Collection?

Which one do you want? You can just PayPal me or pick up when you come see me for conjugal visits 

Is that the CDM Summer Collection?

Which one do you want? You can just PayPal me or pick up when you come see me for conjugal visits 

You know how it works fool ... it'll cost you in commissary. 

Is that the CDM Summer Collection?

Which one do you want? You can just PayPal me or pick up when you come see me for conjugal visits 

You know how it works fool ... it'll cost you in commissary.

BJ for a fruit cup right........you're getting expensive

Acually I thought the original shape would have worked well for how you described. You could slip it in the gills and turn it up. pin it against the hull and unhook or woop on it.

Actually I think you might be right. I wish I had tried it before bending, but it works okay.

You guys crack me up with all your prison talk.

I'm not a big fan of nets while ocean fishing, except when required of course.

Just an FYI:  a net of at least 18" diameter is always required when fishing in the ocean.

Best of luck with your new Wagner Power Gaffer.   

Not a good idea. The metal part of that roller is not securely anchored to the plastic handle frame. I know this because i fabricate one to use as a reacher tool for my truck bed. It kept coming off even after I JB weld it. You will lose fish this way. Gaffs arent that expensive. I picked one up from outdoor pro shop for less than $20. It has a solid wood handle so it doubles as a bonker. Or you can just buy the hook itself and attach it to any handle you prefer. Hope that helps.

Herb

I got this one off amazon under 10 bucks and it works great. KUFA Sports Stainless Steel Gaff Hook, 10-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006VYHOOE/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_5ai0vbA06K67A