Reply to Thread

Message:: [QUOTE="David Edward, post: 4435897, member: 64940"]I have fished most my life up and down the pacific coast including Mexico most of California and Canada. Most of my experience is from "party" boats but I have been in everything from kayaks to large 120' sportfisher's. I've done my share of Halibut fishing. They are mean fish and range in size from 10# up to several hundred (barn doors). Even the average size 20-40# are extremely strong and are dangerous in small spaces. I've used clubs knives and gaffs to subdue and capture fish like this including sharks and giant squid. Every attempt is made to subdue a fish at the gunwale before you bring it on board. So you are not only hitting the fish with the club but also inevitably hitting the side of the boat and the terminal tackle used to hook the fish. This club doesn't show signs of use. I think it's gorgeous, but had it been used on trips that actually caught halibut it would have numerous impact marks. The handle would have had a strap attached to it and would show character marks. The handle where the strap attaches is too small to me and would not stand up to the stress and pressure of repeated impacts. This is salt water fishing usually in bad weather. Clubs gaffs and knives for collecting line caught fish are out in the elements, close at hand. These items, even in one season, show sun and water damage: pitting fading and overall deterioration.[/QUOTE]