A gaff can turn a fish that is beside the boat into a landed fish - or create a dangerous mess on the deck if it is the wrong tool for the job. Knowing how to choose fishing gaffs comes down to the species you target, the height of your gunwale, how you fish and whether the catch is being kept. A compact gaff that suits snapper work is very different from the long, heavy-duty option needed around a game boat.

A gaff is not a replacement for a landing net, lip grips or good fish handling. It is a purpose-built tool for securing a legal fish you have decided to retain, particularly when its weight, teeth, spines or final bursts of power make a net impractical. Choose it with the same care you give your leader, hooks and landing gear.

Start with the fish and fishing style

The best gaff starts with a simple question: what are you realistically expecting to put beside the boat? Match the gaff to the fish you commonly encounter, not the one trophy fish you hope to hook once a season.

For inshore boat fishing around Adelaide, a short fixed gaff is often enough for legal snapper, king george whiting by-catch of larger species, salmon, mulloway and medium tuna. It is easy to store, quick to reach and gives the crew plenty of control when the fish is at the side.

Offshore anglers chasing kingfish, bigger tuna, samson fish, mackerel or billfish need more reach and a stronger hook. These fish often need to be controlled clear of outboards, trim tabs and propellers, while a short gaff may force the person handling it to lean too far over the side.

Land-based anglers can also use a gaff, but handle length matters even more. Fishing from a high rock ledge, jetty or breakwall may call for a long telescopic or rope-assisted gaff. Check local rules and site conditions first. A long tool is not automatically safer if swell, wet rocks and a heavy fish can pull you off balance.

Choose the right handle length

Handle length is one of the biggest practical decisions when choosing fishing gaffs. Measure from where you can safely stand to the waterline, then allow for the fish sitting just below the surface. You need enough reach to make a controlled shot without stretching over the gunwale.

A short gaff, generally around 60 to 90 cm, works well on small trailer boats with low sides. It is fast, manageable and less likely to foul on rod holders or cockpit gear. It also suits situations where the angler has already worked the fish close alongside.

A medium handle of roughly 1.2 to 1.8 metres gives useful clearance on larger centre consoles, cabin boats and higher-sided vessels. It is a versatile choice for anglers who regularly fish offshore but still want a gaff that stows neatly.

Longer gaffs offer reach for high gunwales, flybridges and certain land-based positions. The trade-off is reduced accuracy and leverage. The longer the shaft, the more difficult it is to hold steady in wind, chop or a moving boat. If you need a long gaff only occasionally, a quality telescopic model can save storage space, but inspect its locking mechanism carefully and rinse it after every trip.

Fixed, telescopic or flying gaff?

Fixed-handle gaffs are the dependable all-round choice. With no moving sections, they are strong, simple and ready as soon as a fish appears. For most recreational boat anglers, a fixed gaff is the most reliable option.

Telescopic gaffs suit boats where storage is tight or anglers who need variable reach. Buy one with a positive, solid lock rather than relying on friction alone. A telescopic shaft that twists, slips or collapses under load is not suitable for serious fish.

Flying gaffs are built for large, powerful fish. The hook section detaches from the handle and remains connected to a rope, allowing the fish to pull against the line rather than the person holding a rigid pole. They are specialist game-fishing equipment, not a general-purpose deck gaff. If you are chasing heavy tuna or marlin, the hook, rope, splice and attachment points should all be matched to the expected load.

Match hook size and gape to the catch

A gaff hook needs enough gape to take hold securely through tough flesh, without being so oversized that it is difficult to place accurately. Small hooks are more precise on modest fish. Large hooks are intended for big-bodied fish with heavy shoulders.

For typical reef and inshore fish, a smaller to medium gape provides control without excessive damage. Larger pelagics require a heavier hook with a wider gape and a shaft that will not flex when the fish surges. Look beyond the hook point alone: the hook shank, weld or mounting collar and shaft connection all need to be substantial.

Hook sharpness matters. A sharp point penetrates with a controlled, deliberate action; a blunt point can skid across scales, resulting in repeated attempts and a distressed fish at the boat. Protect the point with a cover when the gaff is stored. It prevents damage to tackle bags, upholstery and hands.

Avoid the temptation to use a huge hook for every job. An oversized gaff can be hard to place in a small target area and is unnecessarily awkward around a crowded cockpit.

Pick materials that suit saltwater use

Saltwater exposes every weak point in fishing gear. Aluminium shafts are light, corrosion-resistant and common on everyday boat gaffs. Fibreglass can provide strength with a little flex and is often used in longer handles. Stainless steel components should be marine-grade, but they still need washing and drying after use.

The grip is worth checking in person where possible. A non-slip rubber or EVA grip gives control with wet hands, sunscreen and fish slime about. A wrist lanyard can be useful on a boat, but never wrap it around your hand or wrist while gaffing a large, green fish. If the fish lunges, you need the option to let go rather than be pulled towards the water.

For a flying gaff, the rope deserves the same scrutiny as the hook. Use a purpose-made, high-quality rope with sound splices and no sun damage, chafe or stiff sections. Store it coiled so it can run freely, not tangled under tackle boxes and deck gear.

Consider storage before buying

A gaff is only useful if it is accessible before the fish reaches the boat. Think about where it will live: under a gunwale, in a vertical rack, inside a side pocket or secured along the cockpit wall. Measure the available space, including the point cover.

Keep the gaff where it can be reached without stepping over rods, eskies or fuel lines. On offshore trips, assign one person to handle the gaff before the fish is near the boat. Last-minute scrambling is when hooks end up in feet, hands or inflatable tubes.

A short gaff is easier to store, but do not choose one so short that it compromises your posture. The right setup lets the gaff handler stand stable, keep their weight inside the boat and reach the fish without kneeling on the gunwale or hanging overboard.

Use a gaff only when the decision is made

Before the gaff comes out, confirm the fish is legal to keep and that you genuinely intend to retain it. If you are measuring it, photographing it for release or unsure of the species, use a landing net, cradle or other release-friendly method instead. A gaff wound makes release far less likely to succeed.

When the fish is ready, keep it in the water and under control until the gaff handler has a clear shot. Aim for solid shoulder muscle behind the head on most fish, avoiding the belly where possible. Make one committed, controlled placement, then lift with assistance for heavier fish. Never use the gaff as a crane for a fish beyond what the handle, hook and crew can safely manage.

Once aboard, secure the fish promptly and keep the gaff point covered or positioned safely. A fish can keep kicking long after it looks spent.

Build the right landing setup

A good gaff is one part of a complete landing plan. Keep a suitable net for release fish and smaller table fish, pliers or a dehooker for hook removal, gloves where appropriate and a clear deck space ready before lines go in. For larger offshore fish, make sure the crew knows who is on the rod, who clears lines and who handles the gaff.

Choose the gaff that fits your usual boat, target species and storage space, then maintain it like any other essential piece of tackle. Reel ’N’ Deal Tackle can help anglers put together practical landing gear that is ready for the next inshore session or offshore run - because the right tool should make the final moments safer, cleaner and far more controlled.