So, Harpoons are out since you need a commercial license to use one. I was wondering if a flying gaff was legal even if you put a float at the end? Does anyone know for sure? My only search brought me to Bloody Decks and I forgot my login, so no more access.
Anyone know offhand?
You can use harpoons on anything except billfish. So practically makos and bluefin and ocean sunfish.
I am quite certain flying gaffs have no restrictions. Chris used one on his inflatable swords, put it on the internet, and that wasn't what made people mad. So you're good on that if you want the universal big game subduer.
Flying gaff no issues
The wording for harpoons is kind of confusing If you take it at face value.
You cannot even have one on board if you land a billfish, unless of course you have a commercial license.
You can use one to assist in landing pacific halibut (this is what confuses most people, this is here because there are rules against spearing pacific halibut so they make sure to mention it is OK to harpoon one to LAND it)
You can use a harpoon to TAKE sharks and rays. This means you can actively hunt them with a harpoon and do not need to hook them first.
Everything else is ok to land with a harpoon just like using a gaff.
Per IGFA rules the buoy on a flying gaff is a no go and harpoons are a no go but for normal recreational use a buoy is OK. I use 100ft of rope to mine and have it daisy chained for storage and its supposed to unravel on its own. It worked for the first sword but I had the first loop too tight against the butt of the gaff for the second and it didn't but the system still worked as designed and floated the fish.
I got push back when I suggested something along these lines. Did you inquire to them about this Chris? Before I take a harpoon out, I want to be 100% sure.
BTW, it's great seeing your pics down in Florida. Maybe one day you could put a pictorial review up here.
Cheers!
Go flying gaff no issues. Get the tail out of the water and you can put in a tail rope. Harpoons require a bunch of rope cause the fish will not die right away and less you punch thru the heart or spine. Also, need a gaff to get a tail rope on the fish.