Gaff Wrap

Fin Addict Joined: Oct 27, 2008 Posts: 164

Amanda got some new pretty Blue Cord today, so I got the request to repost the half-hitch gaff wrap that I wrote a while back. Good luck Amanda and remember to wear gloves!

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It really makes those metal gaffs easy on the hands in the winter (or in slimey conditions). I think I did this original post back in '06 and have had a bunch of folks tell me how well it has worked for them over the years.

This gaff wrap is a simple series of half-hitches, using either rigger cord or in this case I used masonary string. West Marine apparently also has several colors that will work. You want something relatively thick so it makes a nice ridge. This works wet or dry, hot or cold.

I wrapped the gaff in the picture many years ago and short of a little sun bleach, you can see its still holding up well. I have bent a few, but never lost one.

Just a tip: Use Gloves when you do this, because tightening each one will tear your hands up. Each one probably takes an hour or so.

Starting the wrap.

I had put this up a while back and these were done by one of the guys using the technique.

Works on harpoons also. Here is mine with the halibut dart upgrade.

Cheerio,
Jim
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Site Admin Joined: Mar 07, 2008 Posts: 1636

Thanks!! This is my project for tomorrow!! If my hands arent sore, I'll post pics of my gaff wrap attempt tomorrow Razz

Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 4:38 am Post subject:

Thanks Jim you da man!!!
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Formerly Spineyman

Site Admin Joined: Mar 07, 2008 Posts: 1636

I can't figure out the wraps. I need dummy idiot instructions from start to end knot lol

Site Admin Joined: Mar 07, 2008 Posts: 1636

We've got it going but I think my pretty blue rope cord is a bit too big. the "knots/ twists" don't cinch down pretty....sorta bulky... :S I shoulda went with that thin line marking roofers string or whatever from home depot instead... hmmmm...

Fin Addict Joined: Oct 27, 2008 Posts: 164

When you pull on it hard, you should see the knot flip over and half hitch. Thats what you need the gloves for. If the cord it too thick, it won't work right. Just a thin 1/16" cord is all you need.
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Site Admin Joined: Mar 07, 2008 Posts: 1636

Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2010 4:01 am Post subject:

Amanda when you are done, can you do mine?
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Formerly Spineyman

Site Admin Joined: Mar 07, 2008 Posts: 1636

spiney, you'd have to wait a few months til my hands recooperate from these LOL!!

Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2010 4:15 am Post subject:

I'm just messin with you. First I would have to buy a good gaff.
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Formerly Spineyman

Fin Addict Joined: Oct 27, 2008 Posts: 164

Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2010 6:56 am Post subject:

Site Admin Joined: Mar 07, 2008 Posts: 1636

haha! Congrats on the progress ET... You're not longer Master Baiter Razz

PS- still working on the FIRST one! It has taken me 2 days- off and on- and I'm not finished yet. I stopped by HD this morning and got a spool of hot pink and a spool of gold mason line & it is working grrrrrreat! The 8' gaff is black (leftover outrigger line) + gold, for the SAINTS... the 4' & hand gaffs are getting hot pink Very Happy

Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2010 10:03 am Post subject: Gaffs

Amanda, I would like to order two of the gaffs(8") in the Saints pattern!!! Great idea!!
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Bert
18' Key West/90 HP Yamaha
LuckyLady


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