I picked up a mudhole gaff hook kit for some ice fishing lake trout friends of mine. I turned my own grip out of block EVA foam. Im not real thrilled with an EVA grip. Under extreme cold conditions I am concerned pieces will chip off when the grip gets knocked around when it is well below zero. Anyone have experiences other than EVA that they can share? Cork tape? Flocked heat shrink tube?

I will still put on the door knob butt cap but am looking for different grip material. What have you found that works? thanks - Buzz

Hypalon maybe? Sure would be tougher.

DR

that's a thought. I can't use preformed grips because I have to take way too much material off to get them to fit, even with greasing the inside of the grip with epoxy. I can not ream a straight hole in a preformed grip, especially 12" long. So I have to either use a block of foam or different material.

Cord/rope will work. The larger the diameter, the thicker the grip. It can be sealed, or not, as desired.

Buzz,
Why don't you make a cord grip on the Gaff. Virtually can't be destroyed, looks nice and the rope gives a nice grip in all conditions.
Also, not costly.

Quite a few links around on instructions for making such a grip.

Basically wrap the gaff handle with cord, seal it and you are done.


Take care
Roger

[www.rodbuilding.org]

Buzz ; heres a hand gaff I made for a friend

Barry., can you send me the actual address for the photo? For some reason I can't view all pics even though I am logged in. Guys, I think I will try the cord wrap idea. Never done it before. This will give me a good excuse to try something new.
Buzz

Barry,

I have built several gaffs for charter boats, and I use tarred twine/cord. I usually "half hitch" it, which gives it a knotted spiral look and provides better grip. Cork tape also works real well. If you need pictures I can send them to you.

Kris

buzz, are you registered to view the photo album? the forum and album both need registration...username and password...