TOPIC:

I bought an Aftco 6’ x 4” hook from Bass Pro for $117.00. I think the 4” hook is a little overkill and leaves a 9 MM looking wound on the fish. Thinking if I were to do it over I would have gotten the 3” hook. Just my .02.

Thanks for the info

I saw a guy gaff a chinook a couple of Septembers ago on a nearby boat. First time I'd ever seen that. I've seen lots and lots of salty fish gaffed. Most of the time anything less than about 10 pounds or so it looked to be worse than using a net. I'd be interested in seeing some gaffed fish photos and really interested in some other reports or experiences with using gaffs.

Here is the gaffed King. This is the good side with the opposite having a 2” flesh wound. The meat was fine and the fish cleaned up without issue aside from a hole. I was pleasantly surprised. And I agree for smaller fish the net is fine as it always has been. Sometimes trying to net a fish that gets into a rigger cable or diver is a real challenge. That I got the gaff and I’m 1-1 so far. Lol