Re: Don't be that guy Stop using Gaff and throwing back the fish almost dead!
Lip gaffing is a better choice than gut, side or back, but I agree, NO gaff is the best bet.
I have caught a lot of fish over the years with basically no mouth left, even a few with no lower jaw at all, so fish can survive some very serious mouth wounds.. however, if I were going strictly catch and release with no intent on taking a fish home, I would never consider using a gaff on them anywhere.
Also, one could crush down the barbs of a few lures and simply not worry about them coming off, just enjoy the battle and if it it comes unpinned, big deal, it was going back home anyway.... Stripers these days are under intense pressure, and every single one thats going to be released must survive.. leave the gaff home, and seriously consider going without a barb if playing catch and release only... .... bob
Last edited by bulletbob; 05-08-2019 at 02:40 PM..
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