Gaff

[Guppy]

The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries has implemented two new striped bass conservation regulations aimed at reducing release mortality:

· Effective immediately, it is unlawful for any fisherman to gaff or attempt to gaff striped bass measuring less than 28 inches total length, and for a commercial fisherman fishing on an open commercial striped bass fishing day to gaff striped bass measuring less than 34 inches total length.

Circle hooks next yr.

Hope it helps

[redlite]

The net manufacturers must have gotten a ringer of a lobbyist to get this done. Won't stop the morons from Gaff and release technique
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[Guppy]

Originally Posted by redlite

The net manufacturers must have gotten a ringer of a lobbyist to get this done. Won't stop the morons from Gaff and release technique
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

This

[beamie]

That is reasonable

I thought they were going to eliminate gaffing bass totally

Anyone gaffing and releasing should be fined etc. no excuse for that.

I am glad they wrote it like they did. Netting a big fish that you intend to keep when your alone with a big net is not easy imo.
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[piemma]

I never used a gaff in the surf or on my boat. I have landed fish over 40# in both venues without a net or gaff. What happened to grabbing the fish by the lower jaw? If I were to keep a fish, that's the way I learned to land fish. Must be a lost art "old school" thing.

BTW, if I were not keeping the fish I never took her out of the water. That's what pliers are for.

[bassballer]

Originally Posted by piemma

I never used a gaff in the surf or on my boat. I have landed fish over 40# in both venues without a net or gaff. What happened to grabbing the fish by the lower jaw? If I were to keep a fish, that's the way I learned to land fish. Must be a lost art "old school" thing.

BTW, if I were not keeping the fish I never took her out of the water. That's what pliers are for.

Same here Paul, Ive never used a gaff or net for striped bass. Pulled fish up to high 40lbs no issue by throwing my hand on its jaw. Never got the use of a gaff for bass fishing.

[Cool Beans]

I have bee considering getting a gaff to be dual purpose for fish and to hook lobster buoy lines. I currently use a skinny board with a nail pounded in it to grab the lines.

I have been told the gaff is better to use for fluke than a net....?

[Rockfish9]

I haven't gaffed a fish since 04, I've netted plenty of big ones...alone,not that hard, but nets are a PITA,and probably not great for the fish I've also grabbed many by the lower lip, works good until you get one that someone live lining with a treble hook breaks it off and you catch it,I've got 2 ugly scars on my middle and trigger finger of my right hand..these days, I'll release them in the water when I can, I have one of those ARC dehookers that works pretty well

I see a 2020 mandate on in line circles, I've been using them for a few years now, not sure how much they save, I do know they have cost me a few fish..but I can live with that.
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[beamie]

Originally Posted by Cool Beans

I have bee considering getting a gaff to be dual purpose for fish and to hook lobster buoy lines. I currently use a skinny board with a nail pounded in it to grab the lines.

I have been told the gaff is better to use for fluke than a net....?

Go to a lobster gear supply place and buy a gaff with just a rounded point, therefore you don't have to pay attention to the point.....well worth it.