8 Tips for Gaffing a Fish Offshore and Getting that Monster into the Boat

Boca Grande fishing charters explain how to use this common tool for getting your trophy catch out of the water

If you’re fishing for larger offshore species like Wahoo, Dolphin or Marlin off Boca Grande, you’ll probably want to keep a couple to filet, take home and cook up. Boating smaller fish like a Red Drum, Trout or some other inshore species is relatively easy – just reel the fish in and either scoop it up with a net or lift it into the boat.

However, if you’re reeling in large gamefish, you’ll need to use what’s called a gaff to hook the fish and lift it into the boat.

You’ve probably seen videos on a fishing TV show or online of a couple of anglers gaffing a large Tuna or Wahoo and think “Gee, that doesn’t look very hard.” Once you’re out on the water though, you’ll soon learn why it’s more difficult than you initially think. The seas are rocking and rolling and the fish is thrashing about.

One wrong move will cause the fish to get away…

While it does take practice, knowing how to properly gaff and boat a fish will dramatically increase your odds of bringing the fish onto the boat and into your cooler.

Below are 8 tips to keep in mind when trying to gaff a fish aboard fishing charters around Boca Grande and throughout Florida’s Gulf coast.

Tip #1 – Be sure you have the right equipment

Not all gaffs are created equally. Some are meant for handling a fish once it’s on the deck, while others are for hooking the fish in the water and bringing it into the boat. If you have a gaff that’s too small for the job, you’re increasing the chance the fish will get away. Fishing charters in Boca Grande like to keep a variety of gaffs on board. A 6-foot gaff may be sufficient for Dolphin, but a 12-foot one is really needed to properly boat a King Mackerel for example. Many pros recommend using 2 gaffs if the fish is over 50 pounds.

Tip #2 – Keep the hook razor sharp

You wouldn’t try and use a dull knife to filet your fish would you? The sharpness of the hook is critical to ensuring you’re able to set the gaff and lift the fish into the boat. A dull hook will result in repeated missed attempts and the fish getting away. When not using the gaff, be sure the hook is covered with a plastic sleeve or tennis ball to prevent a painful accident.

Tip #3 – Reach across the fish with the point facing down

Many inexperienced anglers make the common mistake of swinging the gaff. However, this approach doesn’t always result in a good hook. Instead, reach over the fish with the gaff hook pointing down and pull it firmly toward you. You should gaff and boat the fish in one fluid motion.

Tip #4 – Ideally, you should hook the fish in its shoulder just behind the gill plate

This spot provides the best control for lifting the fish into the boat while minimizing damage to the meat. If you hook the fish in the center, all of the flopping action will lead to it falling off and swimming away. If you’re using 2 gaffs for a bigger fish, hook one gaff in the shoulder and the other just behind the dorsal fin. If you can’t get a good hook into the shoulder, gaff the fish in its head.

Tip #5 – Keep the fish’s head underwater before gaffing

The angler waiting on the gaff may be tempted to lift the fish out of the water. However, once the fish’s gills are out of the water, he will thrash about and be harder to get a good hook on. Instead, keep the fish just below the surface so your partner can have a steady shot at getting a good hook.

Tip #6 – If a fish is “spiraling,” try to set the gaff when he’s heading toward the boat

If a fish is spiraling, make sure he’s heading toward the boat before attempting a gaff. Be sure you keep the gaff behind the angler’s leader on his fishing pole. This will prevent a break off or a tangled mess should you miss the fish.

Tip #7 – Once you’ve got a good hook, lift the fish into the boat in one motion

After you’ve hooked the fish in its shoulder, lift and swing it over the gunwales and, ideally, directly into your cooler. Make sure there’s a clear path between you and the cooler to ensure you can secure the fish on ice. Also, make sure you swing the fish so it doesn’t touch the side of the boat. Many fish that are slammed into the side of a boat will start thrashing violently and often times shake themselves off the gaff.

Tip #8 –Don’t gaff a fish you’re unsure about or you plan on throwing back

Sinking that large gaff into a fish is, in the end, fatal. Therefore, if you don’t plan on keeping that monster, don’t gaff him, but rather bring him up alongside the boat and try and get your hook out. If you’re practicing catch & release, you should be using circle hooks anyway since they do not damage the fish. Also, if the fish is of questionable size legally, err on the side of caution and don’t gaff it.

With a little practice and more experience, you can be confident you will be able to gaff and boat any fish you wish to keep. If you miss or one gets away, don’t feel too bad despite what anyone may say to you. In the end, even the most experienced anglers have had a few get away in their time.

If you’re aboard fishing charters in Boca Grande or anywhere else along the Florida’s coast, the captain and any crew will be able to help you gaff large gamefish like Wahoo, Tuna, Dolphin and more. You will be able to observe how these experienced professionals handle these situations so you’re prepared if you have to gaff a fish.

To learn more about Boca Grande fishing charters, visit KreweChief.com or contact us with any questions or to schedule an outing today.