Just Gaff It!
How a Fishing Gaff Can Be More Than a Fishing Gaff
When it comes to using items for their intended purpose, I’ve always found myself straddling the line.
On one hand, I firmly believe that a tool should be used as it was designed.
But on the other hand, I also believe in using whatever you have at the moment, especially in an emergency situation.
This brings us to my story.
This is a 100% true story and is just one of many where I used things in ways they were absolutely not designed for.
This one took place a long time ago, deep in the Everglades, as so many of my stories do.
I remember it like it was yesterday.
My buddy called me up and asked if I wanted to go to the Glades with him and his parents.
I, of course, said yes and slept over at his house so we could just get up and go.
The next morning arrived before I knew it, and we were loaded up and on our way to the Everglades.
We usually launched the boat from a small island in Everglades National Park called Chokoloskee.
It’s just a blip on the map, but it was the world to me.
After about an hour of driving, we reached our destination and launched the boat.
We decided to fish the backcountry that day and started our journey.
I was operating the boat that day and noticed the steering was acting a little weird.
Some turns were really tight, and others were very loose, but I didn’t think much of it because there was always something wrong with the boat.
The boat was a late 70’s knockoff of a 17’ Mako and had seen lots of work on both the motor and hull.
We did a lot to make it as close to a genuine flats skiff as possible, but it still had some problems.
We wrestled our way along, fishing some spots en route to our destination.
I remember catching some good trout, little snook, and, for the time, a very nice Goliath Grouper.
When we reached our spot, we caught a few nice redfish. It was a great day.
By the time we knew it, it was late afternoon, and it was time to start heading back.
My buddy and I weren’t happy about it, but we knew there wasn’t much choice.
So, we packed up and prepared for the run back to the dock.
After everything was situated, we fired up the outboard, jumped up on plane, and started our journey home.
To get to where we were fishing, we had to navigate quite a few winding creeks and rivers, some with sketchy bends.
Everything was going great, and we were about halfway back to the dock when, on a particularly sharp bend in the river, I felt a pop in the steering and lost control.
Luckily, I had just come out of the turn and was able to throttle down and slam it into reverse before hitting the bank.
That would have been extremely ugly.
At the time, I was studying marine mechanics, so I was comfortable with all things boating.
The only two things I had working against me were no real tools and absolutely no spare parts.
So, I did my best to troubleshoot the problem and quickly discovered that the helm had failed.
It was a combination of the steering cable rusting out and the helm snapping it.
I could move the motor side to side with my hands.
It was a fairly big engine for the boat, so our options were limited.
We tried calling for help on our VHF radio, but the mangroves blocked our signal.
And, of course, this was 1990 or 1991, so cell phones were not an option.
My buddy’s dad kept trying to get someone on the radio, but it never happened.
After a few minutes of scratching our heads, I happened to look in the rod holder and saw our way out: a gaff!
I know what you’re thinking, “What the hell are you going to do with a gaff?” I’ll tell you.
I took the gaff and a dock line and tied the gaff to the engine cowling and turned it into a tiller handle.
It looked like a nightmare, but it worked like a charm!
Given that the engine was a 115, it was a little tough to steer at full speed, but it was totally doable at lower speeds.
Because the gaff was only about three feet long, it wasn’t long enough for me to steer and operate the throttle simultaneously.
So, my buddy took over the throttle, and I managed the steering.
It took us a little longer than usual to get back to the dock, but we arrived before nightfall and in one piece.
We got a few strange looks from the people at the dock, but we didn’t care. We had taken a bad situation and made it a good one.
This experience solidified my belief in using whatever is available in a pinch.
I used to get upset when things like this happened to us, but in hindsight, these were the best experiences.
They taught me how to take lemons and make lemonade.
They taught me that there’s always a way out, and if you keep your wits about you, you can overcome just about anything.
So, if you ever find yourself in a similar situation, stop what you’re doing, take a breather, and see what’s around that you could use to better your situation.
You never know, your gaff could be right in front of you.
The Lesson of the Improvised Gaff
Reflecting on that day, I realize it taught me more than just how to navigate a tricky situation.
It taught me the value of resourcefulness and the importance of staying calm under pressure.
When you’re out in the wild, far from immediate help, you have to rely on your ingenuity and whatever tools you have at hand.
Making Do with What You Have
Fishing in the Everglades, or anywhere remote, often means dealing with unexpected challenges.
Whether it’s a malfunctioning boat, a sudden storm, or a mechanical failure, you need to be prepared to think on your feet.
Having a well-stocked toolbox is ideal, but sometimes, all you have is a gaff and some dock lines.
The Importance of Preparedness
While improvisation is a valuable skill, it also underscores the importance of preparedness. Before heading out, always check your equipment thoroughly.
Ensure your boat is in good working order, your radio is functional, and you have the necessary tools and spare parts.
This can save you a lot of trouble and make your adventures more enjoyable.
Teamwork and Communication
Another key takeaway from this experience is the value of teamwork and communication.
My buddy and I worked together seamlessly to steer the boat back to safety.
Clear communication and trust in each other’s abilities made a significant difference.
Whether you’re fishing with friends, family, or clients, fostering good teamwork can enhance the experience and ensure everyone’s safety.
A Story to Remember
Stories like these are not just about the adventure but also about the memories you create and the lessons you learn.
They become tales you share with others, each retelling bringing a smile or a chuckle.
They remind you of the challenges you’ve faced and overcome, making you a better angler and a more resilient person.
A Symbol of Resilience
That gaff, improvised as a steering mechanism, became a symbol of resilience.
It showed that even when things go wrong, there’s always a way to make it right.
It’s a reminder to stay resourceful, think outside the box, and never give up, no matter how daunting the situation may seem.
Final Thoughts
The Everglades are a place of mystery and beauty, offering endless opportunities for adventure and discovery.
They can also be unforgiving, demanding respect and preparation.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or a novice, the lessons learned in these wild places are invaluable.
So, next time you head out for a fishing trip, remember the story of the gaff.
It’s not just a tale of ingenuity but a testament to the spirit of adventure.
Keep your wits about you, stay prepared, and don’t be afraid to use what you have in unexpected ways.
After all, every trip into the wild is an opportunity to learn, grow, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
About the Author
I’ve spent countless hours exploring the waters of Florida, from the Everglades to the open ocean.
As a licensed captain and avid fisherman, I’ve encountered my fair share of challenges and adventures.
Through my stories and experiences, I hope to share the joys and lessons of fishing, inspiring others to embrace the great outdoors and all it has to offer.
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