[617110]

I have two quick questions for the offshore veterans here.

1) How many of you are using both a fighting belt in conjuntion with a harness?

2) What are the advantages and disadvantages between the use of a flying gaff and a harpoon?

Thanks, somoan

 

[B.Attitude]

Brian,
I can't speak for anyone else but I don't use a harness,just use the belt.I have the harness and I would use it on a monster tuna but didn't get that lucky yet.As far as sharking I don't use one because its much easier to pop a rod out of the belt if the shark managed to go straight down under the boat.Then you hold the rod up-side down and let him swim out before you put it back in the belt.
I perfer the fly gaff over the harpoon because of the fear of a harpoon pulling out.It happened to us on our first mako,guess we didn't nail it in a good spot.With the gaff head it can only sink in deeper as he trys to pull away.
Just my opinion and it works for me.
paulie

 

[617110]

Sounds good

Paulie,

You make some good points. It looks like I have some more thinking to do. I knew the belt was a definite, but I was thinking about going for the harness as well...keep the arms out of the fight as much as possible. As you stated, I guess there are other issues as well to be considered.

Thanks,

Bry

 

[reelfun]

All

The Gaff and harpoon thing was kicked around in depth about six months ago. You might want to look back and see if you find it. Everybody made some very good points.

In general I think all have their place.
I wouldn't leave any of the mentioned items on the dock.

The right fish will let you know what you have to do or should have done.

Fishing is fun, catching is better.

Capt Larry H

 

[MakoMike]

Somoan,
Hareness or not? It depends on how your built and what kind of shape you're in and how big is the jerk on the other end of the line. If you're not in great shape and if you're not built like Mighty Joe Young, you'll need the harness if you get a good one on. So I always keep two on board, even though most folks don't bother with fish under 50 lb.
For darts vs gaffs go back and read the other thread, where we beat this subject to death.

 

[Makoman16]

harness.....

I like the harness on any fish that might take more than 30 minutes or so...to give the arms some needed rest!

 

[MBill]

I find that using the harness makes the fight more enjoyable. It's easier to control. You need to be aware of how to handle a large fish though. If you do it wrong and/or your setup is bad you can be pulled overboard.

 

[617110]

Mighty Joe Young?????

I do not know if I am showing my age by asking that question.

Thanks for the replys.

MMike

I am 28yrs, tip the scales at about 230, and I would say I am in average shape.

Still, I have a feeling if the fight takes about 20 minutes or longer I will wish I put a harness on.

MBIll

quote:
You need to be aware of how to handle a large fish though. If you do it wrong and/or your setup is bad you can be pulled overboard.

Can you go into more detail?

 

[B.Attitude]

Brian,
its good to have one on the boat.If you have a nice shark on and your arms get tired,pass the rod.Let everyones arms burn too.Like I said, I won't use one for sharking,things can happen real fast but if your using it for tuna you'll be ok.You will have time to release yourself from the rod.Also,use a safety line connected from your rod setup to a cleat.
paulie

 

[MakoMatt]

Somoan, as far as the harness is concerned, for tuna it would depend on the size of the fish, I guess above 50lb. is about the point where the harness goes on.

Shark fishing is a different story, if I know I have a shark on, but, don't get a visual on it to size it up, the harness is on. Big Mako's can start off feeling like small fish, the other way around, sometines you think it's a Blue Shark only to find out it's a Mako, etc., etc., etc.

You should not really be using your arms when fighting a fish with stand up gear except to guide line back on the reel, and crank. You primarily pump the fish with your legs and without a harness your arms arm simply connecting your body to the rod so it does not go overboard. Wearing a harness is a VERY EASY way to learn the proper technique. When you are strapped in, you can, (assuming you have a right handed reel) put your left hand on TOP of the reel to guide the line with your fingers, and crank with your right. You can fight the fish without touching the rod, without using your arms. It's all in the legs, and the harness will teach you how to use them properly if you try what I say.

Just my $.02

MakoMatt

 

[617110]

Thanks BA....Thanks Matt

Really appreciate it!

 

[617110]

Paulie (BA)

I was going to send you a PM but figured I'd do it here.

The safety line you are talking about. Is it to retrieve the rod and reel in case it goes for a swim?

What size line? How and when do you rig it?

Thanks,

Bry

 

[B.Attitude]

Brian,
my safety lines are made of 3/8"line with a brass clip on the end.Its about 5' long. Its just in case someone makes a mistake and drops a rod.
Matty,
I'm not a big fan of harness' because while sharkfishing montauk a few years back on the Daybreaker I popped two ribs when the strap on one side of the harness let go.Then the ribs let go,ouch!I told Capt. Mike Brumm to change the name of the boat to Rib breaker.Since then I use my arms more.
paulie

(This post edited by B.Attitude on 04/07/2003)

(This post edited by B.Attitude on 04/07/2003)

 

[617110]

LOL

Sorry about your misfortune that day Paulie.

The name you suggested however is funny.

 

[reelfun]

When your arms begin to burn you will wish you had a harness. If your serious about catching big fish have a properly adjusted harness at the ready.

 

[MakoMike]

Somoan,
Mighty Joe young was a big gorilla in a movie made originally in the 40s and remade in the 90s. Now aren't you sorry you easked?
The safety lines run from some strong point on the boat to the bottom lug on the reel. On my boat the lines are always on the reels if the outfits aren't in the rocket launcher. Too much money invested in those outfits to have some clutz drop one over the side.

 

[MBill]

Samoan -

About safety and the harness: You're basically locked into the fish through the rod/reel. If you overtighten the drag and the fish runs (or suddenly becomes a bigger fish!)you can be dragged if you give before the drag does.
A friend of mine got impatient with a big blue shark, wound up the drag, and was pulled through the ****pit like a pinball. The crew grabbed him as he went over the transom.
I've never had a problem myself but I'm always careful.

 

[reelfun]

interesting from TV

I saw some guys shark fishing on TV. The angler was tied to stand up gear. When the fish was wired the angler relaxed. The fish bolted and the wire man released his grip. The angler was pulled over the stern head first. His friends reacted and got a grib on his legs holding him upside down. Realizing they were drowning him they released their grip. Lucky for him they got him back in the boat alive with no bites. It was funny because everybody was OK. It did show what can happen if you do not stay alert.

There is a lot of potential for bad things to happen out there. So, be careful and stay alert.

Fishing is fun, catching is better.

Capt Larry H

 

[Hipshot]

Not that anyone listens to me-just ask my wife, BUT I'll add my .02 cents. I keep 4 belts on board (by the way I only fish for shark and school tuna on my boat) and one harness. My crew and I fish with the belts only until we feel it is necessary to alleviate (you like that word?) some stress on our arms or back! I don't like the harness due to the fact I'm a skinny a-- and only 150# and with 24# of drag with a misstep a shark can pull me overboat. (It almost happen a couple of times) A safety line to the rod and reel combo is a great idea! I've also thought about putting one around myself! I make mine long as possible so I can easily move about the boat if nessary, but not so long that they/it can wrap around my foot/leg!
Hipshot

 

[617110]

Thanks everyone

For all the ideas and safety concerns.

Brian