ok so whats the scoop? im a neewbie when it comes to bowfishing so....are they needed? I figured you use them so you dont break the arrows trying to pull the fish in the boat...is this correct?

also what size/length gaff would you reccomend if im fishin from a 16 ft jon boat mainly for carp/gar? would i even need one?

thanks to all

Well Tembry15, I also shoot from a 16 foor jon boat. We have found that you normally do not need a gaff for carp or gar. Unless they are really big ones. You defently need one for Big heads or large buffalo. With common gar you just grab the arrow and lift them in the boat. Now shooting from a larger boat or a pontoon I think the guys do use gaff's more often. There are several web sites with lot's of gaffs to choose from. They are relative cheap and nice to have on hand.

I don't bother with one, except for fish handling when it's picture time.
But then again, I haven't gotten into anything ove 20 pounds yet.
I'd bet they are handy on the big ones, or if you have to reach far down to get them in.

We rarely use the gaff. (other than for taking fish out of the fish barrel) If we're worried about a fish getting away, we'll try to get another arrow into it and use the two arrows to lift it.

We do use the gaff for bigheads. They're soft enough that they're easy to gaff. Gar are hard to gaff. Big commons can be tough to gaff too.

If we should be lucky enough to get into those big fish down at the Muzzy Classic, we'll keep the gaff handy. Might be a bit tough lifting a 70lb grassy without it. []

It's like anything else. If you don't have a gaff you'll probably need one and kick yourself for not having it. If you buy one right away, it will probably months before you really need it.

makes sense, since im shooting without a platform for now, and the fish ive seen so far in the areas i will be going arent even near 20 lbs, i think ill be safe. mainly carp round 5-15 lbs, small suckers as i call em on the creek, and spotted and longnose gar by the thousands.

i cant wait to get into this more seriously, but for now im turkey hunting every free second.