[Fishfish]

I appreciate the point of the "hook in the eye" on "swung over the rail" 20lb fish, but the same happens with all species large and small fish swung over the rail - flying hooks and lead. Still no reason to gaff an unwanted fish. If you are using light tackle / fluke tackle, then simply take a hand wrap on the line when the fish is boat side and bust him off! Sorry if you dont want to lose a 50 cent wire and hook. I my self use a five foot leader of 60 or 80 lb mono uni knotted to my main line. Reach over and and hand wrap the leader and haul the fish up over the rail. many times I dont even use wire, but a circle hook or long shank J hook and get a lot more bites. If you dont want them any way, who cares if you get bite off a few times. Gaffing and throwing them back should be illegal and at least PB captains should not allow it to happen on their vessel. Good thread Capt Ron! Abuse needs to be stated.