How to Make and Use a Keyhole Gaff
Assemble the items needed to make this gaff., With the jigsaw, cut the keyhole and the slot on the side., Use this device for landing fish that weigh more than the breaking strength of your fishing line., To use this device, reel the fish until it...
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Assemble the items needed to make this gaff.
These are listed below in the "Things You'll Need".
If you are 30 feet (9.1 m) from the water (rather than 15 feet), your cord must be longer and the plywood must be heavier in relation to the cord, to easily slide this device down the main fishing line and over the swivel. -
Step 2: With the jigsaw
The slot on the side is where you will place the gaff over your main fishing line.
The thin slot, in the keyhole, is where you will snag the swivel, so this slot must be thinner than the swivel.
With the drill, make a hole that is big enough to pass the cord through. , For example, if the fish weighs 10 pounds and your main fishing line is 8 pounds test, your main line is going to break.
For bigger lines, even if your main line's breaking strength is bigger than the fish's weight, it is easier to use a cord to pull the fish up.
For example, if your mainline is 18 pounds test and the fish is 10 pounds, your hands are going to hurt grasping such a small diameter line. , Let the device slide down until it is past the swivel.
Snag the swivel, by lifting the device somewhat sharply so that the leader slides into the keyhole slot.
The hook and leader must be strong., The short leader line, which is between the swivel and the hook, should be stronger than the main line., For ease of attaching or removing of the leader to the swivel, use a big loop and cow hitch it.
Another option would be to keep using a snap swivel but to have a split ring between the snap and the leader. -
Step 3: cut the keyhole and the slot on the side.
-
Step 4: Use this device for landing fish that weigh more than the breaking strength of your fishing line.
-
Step 5: To use this device
-
Step 6: reel the fish until it is below you and slip the device over the main line.
-
Step 7: After snagging the swivel
-
Step 8: set your rod down and pull the fish up with the cord.
-
Step 9: Do not use a snap swivel because it might come apart from the stress.
Detailed Guide
These are listed below in the "Things You'll Need".
If you are 30 feet (9.1 m) from the water (rather than 15 feet), your cord must be longer and the plywood must be heavier in relation to the cord, to easily slide this device down the main fishing line and over the swivel.
The slot on the side is where you will place the gaff over your main fishing line.
The thin slot, in the keyhole, is where you will snag the swivel, so this slot must be thinner than the swivel.
With the drill, make a hole that is big enough to pass the cord through. , For example, if the fish weighs 10 pounds and your main fishing line is 8 pounds test, your main line is going to break.
For bigger lines, even if your main line's breaking strength is bigger than the fish's weight, it is easier to use a cord to pull the fish up.
For example, if your mainline is 18 pounds test and the fish is 10 pounds, your hands are going to hurt grasping such a small diameter line. , Let the device slide down until it is past the swivel.
Snag the swivel, by lifting the device somewhat sharply so that the leader slides into the keyhole slot.
The hook and leader must be strong., The short leader line, which is between the swivel and the hook, should be stronger than the main line., For ease of attaching or removing of the leader to the swivel, use a big loop and cow hitch it.
Another option would be to keep using a snap swivel but to have a split ring between the snap and the leader.
About the Author
Jordan Ortiz
With a background in education and learning, Jordan Ortiz brings 3 years of hands-on experience to every article. Jordan believes in making complex topics accessible to everyone.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: