Gaffing Short Cod?

[Shark Bait]

OK so I won't name the boat or even post the cell phone video I took but can someone tell me why a charter boat mate needs to gaff short cod? I mean we are talking about a sub 20" fish clearly below the limit. The kid did not even bring the fish over the rail. After he took the gaff out of its gut and then took out the treble he threw it over so he clearly knew it was a short.

No this was not an isolated incident, I watched from 20 yds away as he did this time after time until I finally took a cell phone video.

Does everyone do this? No I am not a bleeding hart liberal but even at the smallest scale wasting fish is wasting period. It was disgusting to watch.

On the flip side we had a great day 4/21 on the NW Corner. 4 guys catching our limit of cod and more Pollock than I want to count.

[seaworm1]

I dont even see the need to gaff a legal cod. Obviously if you have clients on board and need to fill the box, a boatside gaff is a good way to make sure you dont loose the fish just before it gets aboard, but sticking a 3 lb fish??? not neccisary in my opinion. Karma's always watching

[tuna-slayer]

if im paying to go out and catch cod for a day and i have a keeper on the line the mate better be there with the gaff ready to stick my fish. if you guys like swinging and loosing fish go right ahead and keep on doing it but i like to have all my keepers killed and in the box till i have limited out

[tunatamer73]

No need to gaff a cod < 20 lb if hooked well. Pick it out of the water by the jig.

[AlloyToy]

I won't even jig in a pile of shorts....we found a mother load yesterday but all 19"-22" fish...I moved after catching one after another of all short fish......with conservation in mind it's just not worth it IMHO

[On The Edge]

OK so I won't name the boat or even post the cell phone video I took but can someone tell me why a charter boat mate needs to gaff short cod? I mean we are talking about a sub 20" fish clearly below the limit. The kid did not even bring the fish over the rail. After he took the gaff out of its gut and then took out the treble he threw it over so he clearly knew it was a short.

No this was not an isolated incident, I watched from 20 yds away as he did this time after time until I finally took a cell phone video.

Does everyone do this? No I am not a bleeding hart liberal but even at the smallest scale wasting fish is wasting period. It was disgusting to watch.

On the flip side we had a great day 4/21 on the NW Corner. 4 guys catching our limit of cod and more Pollock than I want to count.

Seen it for myself many times in the past few years as well only the boat was keeping the fish without missing a beat or checking, they were gaffed and tossed in the box. It happens. I guess some boats can not catch leagal fish so they have to keep shorts. It is sad really. If you can not do it leagal maybe you should find another way to make a living. I have made note of the boat and discreatly informed friends and other fellow fisherman of what that boat/boats are doing. Word of mouth travels fast and what comes around goes around.

By the way every fish that comes over the rail does not need a gaff in it. I have probably lost less then a dozen market cod to a pulled hook boatside in 25 years.

[rirockhound]

Do different than down here with boats gaff short blackfish.

swing any fish under 8lbs and then net the rest. no need for a gaff.

[gmoney]

As a mate, when I see a fish coming up a few things go through my head.....
how big is it? (keeper/short)
how well is it hooked? (if the treble is buried then your fine, if one hook and hanging in the flesh on the corner of the mouth, stick em')
should I turn and grab the gaff or can I reach for the jig and swing it in?


just my $.02

[Palawanbound]

No need to use a gaff on cod,my 2 cents.

[rirockhound]

As a mate, when I see a fish coming up a few things go through my head.....
how big is it? (keeper/short)
how well is it hooked? (if the treble is buried then your fine, if one hook and hanging in the flesh on the corner of the mouth, stick em')
should I turn and grab the gaff or can I reach for the jig and swing it in?


just my $.02

Thanks.
None of us have landed a fish before