Landing Fish When You’re Fishing Alone

[Aces]

I’ll start gaffing my punching bag for practice.

One good whack with the gaff between the eyes slows them right down and then gaff 'em!

I usually end up gaffing the 2nd fish of a double header too

 

[Canso]

I’ll start gaffing my punching bag for practice.

I practiced while bleeding the fish next to the boat. I was surprised how hard it is to go threw the gill plate with the gaff.
Usually just lift under the chin with the gaff no big swing.

 

[Gong Show]

Practice makes perfect.
Gaffing, like many things with boating and fishing, is an art.

 

[RiverBoy]

I fish alone a lot; I don’t know what it is, i’m so much more calm and in control. no barking orders or pissing off the wife; if the fish gets off it gets off. i know what i need to do. net comes out and it’s in the bag.

 

[trophywife]

still working on solo ing a tyee. it will be gaffed.

 

[Highliner]

One good whack with the gaff between the eyes slows them right down and then gaff 'em!

I usually end up gaffing the 2nd fish of a double header too

Have you ever knocked the fish off the hook doing it this way?

 

[trophywife]

Have you ever knocked the fish off the hook doing it this way?

yes of course !!i always give a quick look at how it is hooked.. and this bonk is not a power bonk, it is a quick, accurate snap of the wrist to the space right above the eyes.. the fish gets the quick wiggles when stunned properly.

 

[tubber]

...quick wiggles...

Where is that boat names thread?

 

[Aces]

Have you ever knocked the fish off the hook doing it this way?

Not very often once you practice.

Best to practice when the bite is really on and you’re using artificial gear. Not the end of the world if you knock a couple off

 

[gungadin]

I have two nets, one 6 ft when fishing with a partner and one 9 ft when alone. both use a scotty net minder set up. I very seldom fish with flashers, but use dummy flashers quite a bit. when fishing alone, I prefer multiplier reels to reduce the chance of a backlash. I do not take the engine out of gear and may speed up a little. I leave the non catcher down in the forlorn hope of a double header, but bring the released side up and lift the cannon ball into the boat with the dummy flasher. I will slide the net over the stern and slip it under the tired fish, as soon as it enters the net I lever the handle until the scotty net clip releases, then release the drag, drop the rod and lift the fish into the boat. Did I mention I carry a spare rod?

 

[CVmike]

Ive gaffed my fair share of salmon out of necessity... just a word of caution... make sure you have your deck brush on hand. It’s messy buisness!

 

[wayne marwood]

When I am by my self and it is a bigger fish I will gaft it and you would see the looks from other boat,I did a 35 pound and 32 pound springs at camper creek people said I was crazy I said maybe I am lol

 

[Stizzla]

When I am by my self and it is a bigger fish I will gaft it and you would see the looks from other boat,I did a 35 pound and 32 pound springs at camper creek people said I was crazy I said maybe I am lol

Wow, that looks good on the resume! Do you just grab the leader when it’s really tired?

 

[ILHG]

@Stizzla we will make sure to give you lots of practice next summer. You will be a gaffing machine. You can learn on a crazy a$$ Coho, once you get that down anything else seems easy!.

 

[Stizzla]

Hahaha deal! Watch out Haida Gwaii... Here we come!