The boatside gaff shot is where fish are lost and hands get hurt when the wrong tool meets the wrong fish. Match the gaff to the class of fish you’re actually targeting — this isn’t a place to default to whatever’s already on the boat.
What We’re Looking For
Detachable heads for genuine big game. A green fish over 150lb can tear a fixed gaff pole right out of your hands on the strike. A flying gaff’s detachable head prevents that — the head stays in the fish while the pole comes free.
Reach. Longer poles keep the crew clear of a thrashing fish at the rail. Don’t undersize reach to save a few dollars.
Stainless, sharp, and rust-resistant. A dull gaff on a fast-moving fish means a missed shot, not a second try.
Our Picks
Run a flying gaff for anything in true big-game territory — giant bluefin, large marlin, anything where a boatside thrash could genuinely hurt someone. For everyday mahi, wahoo, and school-size tuna, a fixed tail gaff is simpler, cheaper, and plenty for the job — no need to overbuy for fish that don’t require it.
Keep both aboard if your target species varies trip to trip. The wrong gaff for the fish in front of you costs more than the price difference between the two.