Net or gaff?

I thought I’d start the discussion just to see if this is only me. So...
I have a net and gaff. Why do I even bring my gaff? I only use my net...big fish, grab the net. Small fish, well, no need for net or gaff. Just grab the leader and handline it in.

Does anybody tend to do the same thing?
Who frequently uses gaff? Pro, cons? Input on this is greatly appreciated.

Gaff halibut or you'll be sorry....

Halibut was the only time I've gaffed.

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Halibut was the only time I've gaffed.

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Where is the best spot to gaff it?

Either one can work, depends on what you are comfortable with.
You are legally obligated to carry some sort of net while kayaking, though I've never been asked to show mine by DFW.

I don't like dealing with the inevitable tangles from using a net, and I prefer not to have a big sail-like net sticking up from my rod holder. BUT, I  bring one out if salmon are the target.

I like the gaff for halibut and lings, but that is just my preference. It took my a few years to become confident in gaffing fish as well.


some would say gaff a fish where ever you can. For halibut I like to get them close behind the head but not so close that you try and stick the bony plates of the skull.

Halibut was the only time I've gaffed.

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Where is the best spot to gaff it?

Havent caught enough to know! Lol.
Undetside middle, near the collar

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Lol! Thanks for the honesty. Gotta appreciate that!
When I tell my fish stories at the bar, my fish seems to grow a pound after every beer.

Halibut was the only time I've gaffed.

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Where is the best spot to gaff it?

I use gaff on Hitchiker and Hali, most of the time fish grip.
Here is a good view how PISCEAN gaffs hali

i bring the net to comply with regs.  ive used it once in the bay for a questionable striper.  i gaff, grip, or hand grab, or swing in all my lings rf, and hali.  i feel that gaffing is fun and rewarding, makes me feel good.  i don't net because i don't like untangling the fish from the net.

if you gaff the fish correctly, they will just freeze and cooperate when handling.


for salmon, i always net.  but i have a different net for that,  and is probably used much more than my 18" net.

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Either one can work, depends on what you are comfortable with.
You are legally obligated to carry some sort of net while kayaking, though I've never been asked to show mine by DFW.

I don't like dealing with the inevitable tangles from using a net, and I prefer not to have a big sail-like net sticking up from my rod holder. BUT, I  bring one out if salmon are the target.

I like the gaff for halibut and lings, but that is just my preference. It took my a few years to become confident in gaffing fish as well.


some would say gaff a fish where ever you can. For halibut I like to get them close behind the head but not so close that you try and stick the bony plates of the skull.

+1
Halibut and big lings: gaff, game clip, remove hook then bleed.

Big net only for me.  I have several but haven't taken a gaff out in many years.

For "observed" keepers (off shore), I use a modified (16") hay hook!

That's what I do, but always within the regulations of the target prey (CDF& G rules).

I Zod Out

Big net with handle replaced with longer pvc.
Love it.