WTB fishing gaffs

[Hannibal Mike]

I would like to buy gaffs or books that have information about them. All guidance appreciated. Hannibal Mike

[TampaTarpon]

I have several. Pls contact me.



Matt

[Reeliant]

Please name your specs.

[Hannibal Mike]

Here is my problem. I have found very little info about gaffs, so I have no specific gaffs that I collect. "Interesting" would probably be my spec. and that could include the handle, extention mechanism, or hook. A book or reference to books would be nice. Thanks, Mike

[Reeliant]

The most popular custom gaffs being made right now, are made with bamboo and stainless steel. As some, here, already know, a number of the big boats have used gaffs of this type for decades. What used to be called "Calcutta Bamboo" or "Iron Bamboo" is what some of the best gaffs include in their construction. Fishermen with smaller boats see the gaffs, upon occasion, and decide they want one. As often as is the case, some custom makers will fill the orders or sell a kit. Another maker sees gaffs selling and decides he or she is going to make them, too, only cheaper. Today, there is a price war on bamboo gaffs. I can only guess as to how many of them, now, even vaguely resemble ones the big boats use. I doubt that many truly use Iron (Calcutta) Bamboo, which is as strong as mild steel, in some important aspects. They do not seem to be the correct variety of bamboo, which does matter.

We could have a Gaff built for you, using genuine Iron Bamboo and modern hard stainess steel, like the military uses. We would have a strong handworked Nylon or Hemp Rope Tether (your choice) well lashed to the tail. As for the wraps, we would choose coated Nylon or Hemp rope, in your preference of color, including shining Silver. We would also be open to using other bindings you suggest. Great gaffs are lightweight and strong. You'd receive both of those aspects. I don't have one to show you, yet. It's all on paper. You'd be receiving our Saltwater Gaff #1. You would choose the name to put on it, within reason, or we could install your own name onto the Gaff Shaft, upon a stamped mock Silver metal plate, which would be coated over with the translucent finishing material we would use.

You would specify Gaff length and size of hook. Does this Gaff interest you?

[Hannibal Mike]

Since I live in the midwest, it is rare that I ever use a gaff. Like old saltwater reels, I just admire the construction and condition of them. It was great to hear that bamboo is a good material for gaffs, as I had previously assumed that bamboo was inferior material. Thanks, and even though it would be a display model, I may get one sometime, but I guess that old is more my goal. Thanks again

[john elder]

Here in San Diego, all the tuna boats still use bamboo shafts on their gaffs. You can buy 20 ft lengths of untrimmed bamboo at some of the local saltwater fishing stores. I bought one just awhile back to make tip holders for fly rods in the old tradition. I asked the guy at the store where the 'boo came from and they thought somewhere in India...whether it really did come from there or Santee is unknown. However, I can certainly attest to the strength of this bamboo, which has been fired in the original tradition to harden it...reeks of smoke when you sand it. ...and believe me, it's tough stuff. there's a good reason bamboo is still used as supports in construction in asia.

Sorry for the slight hijack, Mike. If you aren't knee-deep in old gaffs yet, give me an email...I think I still have a few.

[Charged]

You could always make yourself one. I made this one with a dowel rod, a screw in bicycle hook, some fiberglass mat, and some twine for the handle.

I tried to make it so it had a vintage look.

[Hannibal Mike]

Thanks to all and reels are my first attraction, but I shall now study bamboo a bit. I had no idea. It is also hard to imaginge a 20' handle on a gaff. Guess I better save (a bunch) and go to the San Diego area sometime. Get out of the country, so to speak.

[john elder]

ah, sorry, mike...they are long...probably 8-10 ft is the norm...but the 20 ft I referred to was the selling length before trimming to taste...virtually the whole stalk.