Thread: Making pier gaff

Martin, I forgot you had one of those. I will never part with mine and I have a feeling everyone who owns one feels the same way.

[quote author=john g link=topic=599.msg6044#msg6044 date=1330216102]
BINGO!!!!!!.Total weight is 3.3 lbs, but needs to be a pound heavier,and is 18" tall with a 4" gap between lead and point.5/16 was used but 3/8's is whats needed.I think the lead mold was made out of a cone shaped cardboard thread spool but I'm sure you could fab one up.The lead needs to be tapered.I'll be your first customer if you decide to sell some.
[/quote]

John.... I'll try to get one made just for you....for all you do for the pier and people there.....thanks for the picture...dublthret

I hope the scrap yard has more of the 3/8 stainless rod...I did get the only piece at the end of the summer...they had plenty of 1/2in then

Yeah. Otis sold me his 15 years ago. That gaff will never leave my possession while I'm still breathing

[quote author=john g link=topic=599.msg6039#msg6039 date=1330213359]
Who'da thunk a teen age kid who grew up on GSP,hated school,but could build the hell out of a fishing pole would be the owner of what is now one of the largest saltwater stores in the country.Thanks to ALL of you for helping live my dream,once again,thanks!!
[/quote]

Despite what many would have us believe, the American Dream is still alive for those who refuse to concede defeat and accept the government dole. :bow:

[quote author=john g link=topic=599.msg6044#msg6044 date=1330216102]
.I'll be your first customer if you decide to sell some.
[/quote]

I went to the local steel yard and they had a fresh supply of stainless rod....but metric, a truck lost it's load and they bought it for scrap....all in great shape of this ....not quite 3/8, John....a tight 11/32nd and a loose 23/64th that is right before the 3/8 on a drill gauge ....more then half way between 5/16 and 3/8....got 3 sticks @ 12ft each....I'll make one for you if that is heavy enough stainless rod, and have kinda figured out the lead and tapper too....and not for sale..... this is on me....if you want it
would like to know the length of the prong's....those pictured look around 4in or so.....I kind of like them a little longer....but can make any length you might want.... that is if you want it in the first place.... with this rod size

Yes, the tine length could be longer these are 4.25''.The diameter of the lead is 1 7/8" and the total length is 4 1/2".The rod dia. you have will be fine.As far as the free part,no way man,I'll owe ya big time.Thanks man,can't wait to gaff a king for you with it.BTW don't worry about an exact weight,anything between between 3.5 and 4.something will work fine.

would a little less diameter on the lead & longer and longer tines at 5-1/2 in or 6in be ok...and I can make the lead that length too.(5-1/2in to 6)...that should make the weight similar....
I have plenty so I'll make one and post a picture...all though it isn't like in person...give me a few days.... I have a few things going on at the same time.

...if you want the 1-7/8in in the lead that is fine.... I can go get another piece of aluminum pipe tomorrow ...and I like you oweing me big time oke1: :yippee: :banana: :yay:...just kidding

and most likely I won't be keeping any kings this trip unless the boys catch them and want to keep them(I'll be breaking them off)...both will need blood on there face :yay: :yippee:
I hope to slay some fish off shore this trip and have a sword fishing trip in June to the Keys with friends from west Pensacola.....that I fish with when I am down...so I'll need freezer space at the house

Build it how you see fit Bill,I know it will be perfect.

[quote author=john g link=topic=599.msg6110#msg6110 date=1330390836]
Build it how you see fit Bill,I know it will be perfect.
[/quote]

Thanks for the kind words and the confidence.
not perfect.... but usable!!

got most of the stuff cut and bent today, might have to extend the pipe for the lead another 1/2 inch....just seems short, and worried if it will make the weight....so another 1/2in. of lead should do it , when poured in the pipe and cone(that worked out good, the cone end)

John....Can I assume you like pencil points?.....on the prong's....that are right under 6in.....all the stainless weighed in at 2lbs....so 2-1/2 lbs or so of lead is what I am hoping for....we'll see....might get it welded tomorrow being it has warmed some up here and going to rain....so welding in the garage might be the thing to do for a while tomorrow, and maybe get the lead poured too...
pictures hopefully soon to come...for your approval...if things turn out decent ....other wise back to the drawing board...but hopefully this will be in the first shot