WMO, Gaff then measure????

[N2theBlue]

We all know that weights of live white marlin are extremely hard to predict. And in these tournaments you haven't won crap until someone hands you the check - especially in the white marlin category. Unless I knew the fish was over 100 lbs for sure then I wouldn't assume it won anything....That is the biggest mistake made in tournament fishing in my opinion.

doesn't seem like they made a mistake....considering they tied for first

[Mike15]

doesn't seem like they made a mistake....considering they tied for first

Or maybe they did....Maybe without a gaffhole they would have won outright..

[N2theBlue]

and if the fish had thrashed out of there hands as they were trying to lift it over they might not have won anything. The point I'm trying to make is, you are now just searching for any little criticism you can make to these guys, who are obviously well respected, very good fishermen. So how about we let this thread die?

[chubasco]

[hubris 1]

two shots in the head a piece. I dont want my brother comin out with just his gaff in his hand

Try the veal, Best in the city.......

[Phat Mann]

Lobster at the awards Banquet! Much better than Hoarse! The Ma500 is top notch and great people.

The gaff comes out when you think you have a winner, (top 3 as of that am) period! Even after you stick him on the deck, the measuring tape confirms the legality- all proper techniques for following the rules. And heck yea, the girth measurement and chart reference are next. 2" in girth difference is huge! Mrs Phat Mann is the official Chart reader for us.

From what I have heard, men can't judge lengths! ?

I don't know anyone who can tell you that white swimming and thrashing around in the water is 68" or 72". We make it a joint decision, whole crew weighs in; split decisions result in a bill grab! Unanamous and out comes the steel! Not so simple with seconds to decide!

Ever pull the hook trying to Bill a white?

Sorry I couldn't help it. And there is time for high fives and maybe a coors light at the appropriate time.

[#1Gaffman]

Or maybe they did....Maybe without a gaffhole they would have won outright..

you said it franky.. The good old internet lol...

[WahooKing]

Don't blame the anglers/crew...If anything, blame the tournament for their rules...I've fished tournaments (BBC Bahamas) where you have to measure the fish prior to gaffing...biggest fish sets the bar...Future fish must be the same and/or longer than biggest one landed...If you bring in a fish under the bar setting measurement, they subtract points from your team.

[LONGFIN2]

This is stupid. If you've caught enough whites you can tell the difference betweeen the rats and a qualifying fish as soon as you get a hold of the bill. That formula said that our 85# white (excuse me, "roundscale spearfish") from this year's WMO weighed 66#'s....................