The need to own a strong fishing rod is a critical part of gaining that elusive success in fishing. This is especially true if you aim to engage in game fishing. Most often than not, the target fishes during these events are strong and huge. Some are even strong enough to break a fishing rod if you do not carefully handle the pressure of tackling your target.
Remember though that even professional anglers break their rods. So, there is no need to be frustrated. Instead, like professional anglers, you ought to know how to make a gaff for fishing.
But what is a Gaff for Fishing?
A gaff is a pole that has a sharp hook attached to its end. This is used for fishing. Gaffs are used to stab large fishes before they are lifted as the final catch.
Often, gaffs are used to support the fishing rods in lifting heavy catches. The gaffs are put in place to make sure that rods do not break
If you intend to release the fish that you caught, using a gaff for fishing is not advisable. This is why the attachment between the hook and the pole plays a critical role in identifying the performance that the setup is expected to accomplish.
Here are some tools you need to make a gaff for fishing”
- Hacksaw
- Cutting wheel
- Elbow grease
- Hobby knife
- Flathead screwdriver
- Drill bit
- Tape measure
- Vice grip
- Grinding stone
- Marker
- Needle
Other materials that you may need to make a gaff for fishing:
- Rod Blank
- Tarred cord
- Gaff hook
- Black spray paint
- Epoxy
- Superglue
- Rod finish
- Masking Tape
Here is the step-by-step guide on how to make a gaff for fishing:
FIRST: Strip your rod
Once you have stripped your rod inspect it and see if you want to keep any of the parts that are already installed. When making your inspection, you ought to make sure that the ones you are living behind are strong enough to handle the pressure.
This often depends on the known quality of your rod and the different parts that make it up.
Strip the rod with a blade. Stick it parallel to the black then guide it to cut enough to expose the rod and bare it. Repeat the same process to bare all the rest of the guides.
If your rod has already been exposed to weather elements, check if it is still sturdy enough to handle the pressure of fishing for large fish.
In removing the tiptop, just make that twist and pull motion. If this strategy does not work, you can also heat the tip to melt the glue and then pull it out. If pulling is not that easy, try to use a pair of pliers to pull it off.
Remember to remove all the weak parts of the rod and take note of what needs to be replaced. Using a flat head screwdriver, start tearing the rod apart. Also, look through the EVA foam grip and remove it if it is already too slipper to even work for your fishing activities.
Clean whatever is left of the rod especially the reel seat; this also includes polishing the wheel.
SECOND: Prep the Blank for the Gaff Hook
Bend the shank up to 90degrees. Attach the shank to a gaff hook. Make sure the bond is decent which will make a sturdier build to help you accomplish your fishing goals.
Keep tightening the shank at 90 degrees until the setup is steady.
As you do this, take note of the connection between the tip of the fishing rod and that hole that is drilled to the side of it should be practically fit for the rod to sit comfortably in your hand as you tackle with your catch.
To make a fine fit, using a ¼ inch bit to drill a hole into the first part of the blank. Mark an angle to cut out on the opposite part of the hole. This will make it easier for you to create a cleaner finish. Doing this will make it easier for the tarred cord to reduce in circumference.
Once you are done with this, check for any gaps in the setup that may render it weak. If you see, even just a small gap, make sure to wrap it not just to make it less visible but to strengthen the capacity of the rod to handle the pressure of tackling with large game fishes.
THIRD: Wrap the Grip
Wrap the grip properly to help you make that tackle more effective and strong enough for you to reel in the fish fast and easy. Make sure that if you make some knots to connect the different parts of the rod, wrap them together to create a cleaner look thus making it easier to handle the rod when fishing.
To make sure that the wrap was strong enough, it is best to start with masking tape as a warp underneath.
When assuring the sturdiness of your grip, make sure to remove all the excess strings and ropes in your fishing rod. As you finish the setup, secure all the connections together with super glue.
FOURTH: Secure Your Gaff Hook
If your gaff is not lying flat, it is best to use a grinding wheel to adjust the contact areas until everything seats evenly. The position of the gaff hook is critical to the setup especially in the manner by which they practically create a steady take on the way the rod performs during the tackling process.
Clean the hook using alcohol to remove the oil and other smaller debris in the finished setup. Any imbalances in the setup may create a distinct impact on the overall performance of the rod when in a tackle.
To finally furnish the gaff hook setup, it helps to use cement to secure the connections. Let the cement cure for a few hours. After the cement has been cured, you can start applying paint to improve the overall appearance of your rod. It is best to use spray paint for a glossier finish and a slick design.
Wrap the gaff hook from the top and run the cord through the side as it seats parallel to the blank and gaff shank. Wrap the gaff at least five turns until it tightens. Thread the cord as needed and secure it with super glue as you clip the cord into the setup.
FIFTH: Test Your Rod
To know if the gaff you have made for fishing works, you need to test it.
What better way to test it than to get out there and start fishing. Start with small fish first. Observe how the gaff behaves and how it connects with the whole rod and the way it interacts with the line and the reel.
Feel the vibrations coming from the contact of the line with the water and observe if your DIY gaff for fishing is doing the trick.
Here are the different types of gaff for fishing used by anglers today:
ONE: Flying fishing gaff
These fishing gaffs have moving heads. The moving head is designed to move along with the fish as it tries to escape. As the fish moves, the hooks dig in deeper making it harder for the fish to get off from it even when it pulls the gaff in full force.
Massive catches during a game fishing event often need teams of fishers to pull the catch. A strong gaff such as a flying gaff could help to make that pull easier and the process of fishing more effective.
If you are a beginner in fishing, remember to practice using a fishing gaff properly before you head on to the event. Doing so will make it easier for you to go through harder tackles and understand the power of your tools and what they can do to make sure you do not lose the fish that you caught no matter how strong, how agile, or how big it may be.
TWO: Fixed Fishing Gaff
Unlike the flying fishing gaff, the head of the fixed fishing gaff is not movable. They are permanent and are often used by beginners. They are easier to manage and easier to handle especially when you are not yet used to maneuver your wrist around a flying fish hook.
When practicing how to use a gaff for fishing, remember to start with small fishes. This will help you get used to the wrist motion necessary for you to consider without breaking a joint. The more accustomed your hand and wrist are to the motion of using a gaff for fishing, the more likely that you would be able to use larger types of a fishing gaff to catch larger fishes in the open water.
When Picking a Fishing Gaff to Buy:
- Examine for buoyancy. When you are already tackling with a big fish, your fishing gaff must have a floating capacity in case you mishandle it during the tackle. Among the best floating fishing gaffs are made up of carbon fiber. If you happen to have another type of fishing gaff made up of another material, you might consider attaching a piece of pool noodle into the pole to add to its floating capacity.
- Examine the covering. It is best to pick a fishing gaff with a stainless still cover since it will be able to resist rust as it contacts with the water. This means that you can use this fishing gaff for a much longer time. Remember to get a gaff that has a cover for the tip at its hook for storage. This will keep you safe and secure as you travel through the waters and the fishing gaff is not yet in use.
- Examine the Grip. High-quality fishing gaffs are made with an easy-grip design. Remember that if not handled properly, a fishing gaff may put you in danger instead of helping you out with your fishing adventure. This is why you must choose a fishing gaff that has a full and strong grip. Tackling with a big fish is not a joke. It will secure your strength and work on par with the agility of the fish that you caught. A fishing gaff with a weak grip will only cause harm to you and will make you lose your catch.
Investing in a good fishing gaff can save you more as it will help in securing your safety when it comes to tacking with a big fish during your fishing trip. Anglers often use strong and sturdy fishing gaffs. Some attach their gaffs to the rods to have easy access in case it is needed to secure their catch.
Key Takeaways
Fishing gaffs are important tools for fishing. Game fishers and anglers often find it useful to pick a fishing gaff that will certainly ensure they of securing a big catch from their fishing games.
While you may try to learn how to make a gaff for fishing on your own, you may also opt to buy available fishing gaffs in the market that have been tried and tested by experienced anglers.
There are different types of gaffs fit to provide the kind of support that you need when you are fishing. Taking into consideration the different steps noted in this post if you opt to create your fishing gaff can help you understand the make and the purpose of this tool better.
Remember to not go out and immediately use a fishing gaff if you are not yet well trained or if you do not have enough experience to do so. Instead of doing it on your own, it may help to have someone, an experienced angler, to provide you with notes and tips on how to properly maneuver your hands and wrists as you use a fishing gaff to tackle with a big fish. This way, you are safe, and you can adapt to what experienced anglers are already doing.
