How to make a CUSTOM BAMBOO gaff | FOR $20 dollars

My friend made me a pretty nifty gaff the other day, and we decided to make a video to show others how to make it.
My friend Carlos provides an in-depth; How to, tutorial, video on how to make your own personal and customizable bamboo gaff for your boat or kayak.

Carlos goes through a step by step process that will allow anyone to make their own gaff for $20-25 dollars. A special thanks to Carlos for taking time out to make this educational and informative video. Hopefully you guys can use this information. Make a gaff and land a big halibut with it. Good luck and tight lines --TLA

Video Here:


Gaff Equipment List:
Bamboo 3/4"-1" thick in diameter
Paracord 1/8 or 3/16
Gaff hook 3/0
Clear epoxy
Blue tape
Lighter
Weather proofing

Tools
Sander
Saw

guess ill be making one if I dont win the one off moo's giveaway lol

Great video Keith, thanks for sharing.

Very cool DIY.
Where do you buy a 3/0 Gaff hook and bamboo?

Nice.

I made a gaff using 1” pvc pipe as the handle and it was super simple (no paracord, no epoxy) and it seems to be indestructible. Not as pretty as the TLA model, though.

Curious if it floats because it’s bamboo or would a little foam be needed?

Curious if it floats because it’s bamboo or would a little foam be needed?

Yes sir. We did test it at hmb and indeed it did float so that is for sure and added bonus.

Very cool DIY.
Where do you buy a 3/0 Gaff hook and bamboo?

Check in with Carlos on the video comments area. I think he may have answered that same question from another viewer.

Very cool DIY.
Where do you buy a 3/0 Gaff hook and bamboo?

Bayside Marine SC

Thank you!

Thanks for sharing! I really like the design.

Very cool DIY.
Where do you buy a 3/0 Gaff hook and bamboo?

Bayside Marine SC

for folks near Rohnert park/ Cotati, I used to by mine at Sportsmans warehouse. I've since been purchasing them in 12 packs from (ugh) amazon as they are a lot "cheaper by the dozen".  zinc mustad gaff hooks have held up really well with regular rinsing.
 I like wood handles as, done right, the handle will float the weight of the hook. Plus wood takes decoration well..
As laid out towards the end of  Dan Simmons' "The Terror", a beautiful hunting tool may well attract prey as it represents the hunter's respect and commitment 

Metal sellers like Allen Steel in Redwood City will sell you lengths of steel, Stainless or non-stainless, and then cut it into whatever sizes you want.  Don't go too thick or its really hard to grind down the tip.
I bend to hook shape in a vise. Bend or tap it to shape. Bend slightly, then loosen and, slide forward and bend again. Continue this until you create your desired size and shape.
I cut the bamboo near a joint and drill into the interior  with a bit that matches hook diameter. Drill toward one edge so  the shaft is along the interior wall and when you gaff a fish the interior wall  supports the shaft.
I put expanding gorilla glue into the  hole and insert the hook shaft. you can also drill a smaller hole down the bamboo, along the hook shaft length to insert more glue. you can also put a screw in there to help hold the shaft.
I then wrap 80 to 150# braid on the top of the bamboo and a bit onto the hook shaft. Apply epoxy and wrap again
Paracord can be wrapped on the bamboo for decorative or gripping purposes.
If you are in the Fremont area, I have bamboo I'll donate, if you want to make a couple gaffs

When I looked into making a bamboo gaff, the hard part was finding Calcutta bamboo. You can find it on line but it Wasn't practical to purchase. I ended up making one from wooden dowel and coating it with epoxy to waterproof it.

Great video! Thank you for sharing. I have been meaning to make one and this is exactly what I needed