How to Rig a Flying Gaff

A flying gaff is used by the "gaffer" on deep-sea fishing excursions. This tool consists of a long metal-handle with a sharp and barbed hook on the end. As a large sportfish is brought in close to the boat -- via the fight and retrieve of the angler -- the gaffer hits the fish with the gaff hook. The fish is snagged, lifted from the water and brought on the boat. Correctly rigging the flying gaff is crucial for efficiency and safety.

Things You'll Need

  • 30 feet of marine rope
  • Utility knife
  • Metal file
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut a length of marine rope no longer than the cockpit of the boat. This is the fishing deck. Tie the rope to the back end of the flying gaff, typically at the eye loop on the underside of the gaff's handle. Coil the rope. Keep it flattened -- in the coil and on the deck of the boat -- until the gaffer is ready to use the tool.

    • 2

      Clip the flying gaff along the back transom of the boat's deck. Keep the gaff out of the way until it is needed. If the gaff is longer than the boat's width, store it along the inside edge of the boat deck. Keep the rope coiled and on the deck.

    • 3

      Sharpen the gaff hook before each use. A dull or ineffective gaff hook often leads to the loss of the fish. Use the metal file to hone the barb and hook before heading out for a day on the water. Keep a cork over the sharp hook while the gaff is stored. Pull it off when you are ready to hook the fish.