Ice fishing: To gaff or not to gaff?

[sib]

[sib]

My intention is not to start a flame war, but to find out if gaffing has it's place in ice fishing. I haven't gaffed, but could see gaffing a wall hanger. What about those large fish, to big to eat, to small for the wall? The ones we throw back, can a fish be gaffed safely and be released?

Any thoughts?

Thanks for the information.

[Pitts]

My gaff is no more than a large barbless treble on a rod that is used to hook the fish in the mouth just like a hook does. Yes it does poke another hole in the mouth but on any multiple hook baits there is just as much if not more damage done just by hooking the fish.
The smallest fish I have gaffed is about 5 lbs and would not turn its head up the hole.
Big slimers are almost a must unless you have 30 lb test line.

Pitts

[rcoffel]

I moved to saginaw bay about four years ago from Indiana where gaffing is illegal. I've landed many nice walleyes on the bay as well as a couple wall hangers. I have never gaffed a fish. In addition, I think we mostly enjoy fishing for the thrill of it. Watching a huge walleye swim under the hole and trying to delicately pull her threw is the most thrilling part. I can honestly say I don't think I have lost a single walleye due to not using a gaff. Once they're in the hole vertical the fight is nearly over anyway. Stick your hand in the water and scoop them out. Except for the monsters which fill the hole you might have to mouth them. Who wouldn't bloody a couple fingers for a monster? rc

[SLIPKNOT]

What's the problem with gaffing, if you are going to keep the fish anyway?