Gaffs, Flying Gaffs, Tailers & Flying Spear

Gaffs, Flying Gaffs, Tailers & Flying Spear — Landing Kit for Big-Fish Anglers

Sharnbrook Tackle has been supplying anglers since the 1970s, when founder David Watts — then serving in the military — began sharing his love of fishing with fellow service personnel during their downtime. What started as a way to pass on a passion has grown into a trusted tackle business, but one thing has never changed: a genuine belief in kit that performs when it truly matters.

And with landing gear, the moment of truth arrives all at once! You've played a big fish carefully, worn it down, and brought it within reach — and now everything hinges on getting it safely to hand or deck. A flimsy gaff, a poorly made tailer, a spear that fails at the crucial second — any of these can turn triumph into heartbreak in an instant. That's exactly why this collection exists.

We don't stock this gear simply to fill a shelf. Every gaff, tailer, and spear in the range has earned its place because it does the job properly — holding firm under load, standing up to saltwater punishment, and giving you the confidence to land the fish you've worked so hard for.

The right tool for landing big fish

Gaffs

The traditional gaff is the mainstay of serious boat and shore fishing for larger species. At its simplest, it's a strong, sharp hook mounted on a sturdy handle — used to secure a big fish that's too large or too powerful to lift by hand or net. When you're dealing with conger, large cod, or hefty flatfish over the side of a boat, a good gaff gives you the reach and holding power a net simply can't match.

Our gaffs feature strong, corrosion-resistant hooks paired with dependable handles that give you a secure grip even when things are wet and hectic. Length matters here — a longer handle extends your reach over a high gunwale or down a steep rock mark, while a shorter, stouter gaff offers control when a fish is thrashing close in. Choose the pattern that suits your fishing, and you've a tool you can rely on when the pressure's on.

Flying gaffs

For the biggest fish of all, the flying gaff is a specialist piece of kit worth understanding. Unlike a fixed gaff, the hook detaches from the handle once it's set into the fish, remaining attached to a strong rope or line. Why does that matter? Because when you're dealing with a truly powerful specimen, a fixed handle can be wrenched from your grip or snapped clean in the fight. A flying gaff lets the fish take the strain on a secure rope instead — keeping you in control and safely connected.

These are built for serious big-game and deep-water boat fishing, where the fish you're targeting have the weight and power to overwhelm ordinary landing gear. If you're heading offshore after something substantial, a flying gaff earns its place in the boat.

Tailers

Prefer a more humane, fish-friendly approach? A tailer is the answer! Rather than penetrating the fish like a gaff, a tailer uses a strong wire or cable snare that slips over the tail (or "wrist") of the fish and draws tight, securing it firmly without a hook. It's a superb choice for species you intend to release, or where a cleaner method of landing is preferred.

Tailers were long popular with salmon and pike anglers, and they remain a brilliant tool for landing powerful fish quickly and safely. The snare closes around the narrowest part of the fish, giving you a secure hold while causing minimal harm. For catch-and-release fishing especially, a tailer is well worth having in the kit.

Flying spears

The flying spear is another specialist landing tool, working on a similar detachable principle to the flying gaff. The spear point sets into the fish and separates from the shaft, leaving the fish held securely on a strong line. It's designed for large, powerful species where a conventional gaff or net won't cope — giving you a reliable connection that won't be torn free during those final, frantic moments.

Like the flying gaff, a flying spear is specialist gear for demanding situations. If you fish for genuinely large quarry and need landing equipment that can take real punishment, it's a tool that repays the investment many times over.

Using gaffs, tailers and spears safely

Landing gear demands respect — for your own safety, for those around you, and for the welfare of your fish. A few practical pointers that hold up across most situations:

• Mind the point at all times. A gaff or spear point is sharp and dangerous. Keep it covered with a point guard when stowed, and be constantly aware of where it's pointing — especially on a crowded, rolling boat deck.
• Gaff cleanly and decisively. Aim for a firm, confident strike into the shoulder or head area of a fish you intend to keep. Hesitant, repeated stabbing is both ineffective and unkind. One clean, well-placed stroke is what you're after.
• Only gaff fish you're keeping. A gaff wounds the fish, so it's a tool for the table, not for catch-and-release. If you plan to return your fish, reach for a tailer or a landing net instead — it's the responsible choice.
• Choose a tailer for release fishing. For fish destined to go back, a tailer holds them securely without penetrating, giving them the best possible chance on release. Position the snare over the tail wrist and draw it firm, then support the fish properly in the water.
• Rinse and dry after saltwater use. Salt is merciless on metal! A thorough freshwater rinse and a good dry-off after each session keeps hooks, snares, and fittings in top condition for years.
• Check your gear before every trip. Inspect ropes, fittings, and points for wear or corrosion. A flying gaff rope that fails at the vital moment is exactly what you want to avoid — a few seconds of checking saves a world of frustration.

Get these basics right and your landing gear will serve you faithfully, safely, and effectively for many seasons.

Who is this range for?

The honest answer? Any angler who targets fish too big for a hand or a net! But more specifically:

• Boat anglers — landing conger, large cod, and other powerful species over the side, where reach and holding power really count.
• Big-game and offshore anglers — needing flying gaffs and spears built to handle serious fish in demanding deep-water conditions.
• Shore and rock anglers — using a long-handled gaff to reach fish below high, awkward marks where a net won't do.
• Catch-and-release specialists — favouring a humane tailer that secures a fish firmly without harming it.
• Experienced hands — who already know that landing gear is never the place to cut corners when the fish of a lifetime is on the line.

Whatever your quarry, the right landing tool gives you confidence at the most critical moment of the fight — and confidence, as any angler will tell you, lands fish.

Trusted tackle, honest advice

We stock landing gear we have genuine confidence in — gaffs, tailers, and spears chosen because they perform reliably in real UK fishing conditions, not because they carry the biggest marketing budget. A gaff that bends, a snare that slips, or a rope that parts under load will cost you the fish of the season — and we simply won't stock anything we wouldn't happily use ourselves.

If you're unsure which landing tool suits your target species, your local marks, or the way you fish, get in touch. We've been helping anglers land their fish safely for over 50 years, and there's little we enjoy more than talking tackle. No jargon, no upselling — just straightforward advice from people who fish.

Frequently asked questions

What is a gaff and when should I use one?

A gaff is a strong, sharp hook on a handle, used to secure and land large fish that are too big or powerful to lift by hand or landing net. It's most commonly used in boat fishing for species such as conger and large cod, and by shore anglers reaching fish below high or awkward marks. Crucially, a gaff wounds the fish, so it should only be used on fish you intend to keep — never on those you plan to release.

What's the difference between a fixed gaff and a flying gaff?

With a fixed gaff, the hook stays permanently attached to the handle, so you land the fish by holding the whole tool. A flying gaff is different — once the hook sets into the fish, it detaches from the handle and remains connected by a strong rope or line. This design is built for very large, powerful fish that could wrench a fixed gaff from your hands or break the handle. The rope takes the strain instead, keeping you safely in control.

What is a tailer and how does it work?

A tailer is a humane landing tool that uses a wire or cable snare rather than a hook. You slip the snare over the tail — or "wrist" — of the fish and draw it tight, securing the fish firmly without penetrating it. Because it doesn't wound the fish, a tailer is an excellent choice for catch-and-release fishing, and it's long been popular with salmon and pike anglers for landing powerful fish quickly and kindly.

Can I use a gaff for catch-and-release fishing?

No — and this is important. A gaff penetrates and wounds the fish, which makes it entirely unsuitable for any fish you intend to return. For catch-and-release fishing, use a tailer or a landing net instead, both of which secure the fish without causing lasting harm. Choosing the right tool for your intentions is a core part of responsible, fish-friendly angling.

What is a flying spear used for?

A flying spear is a specialist landing tool that works on a detachable principle similar to a flying gaff. The spear point sets into the fish and separates from the shaft, leaving the fish held securely on a strong line. It's designed for large, powerful species where a standard gaff or net simply can't cope, giving you a dependable connection that won't be torn free during the final moments of the fight.

How do I look after my gaffs and tailers?

The golden rule, especially for sea anglers, is to rinse everything thoroughly in fresh water after each session and dry it well before storing — salt corrodes metal alarmingly fast! Keep points covered with a guard when stowed, both for safety and to protect the sharpness. Inspect ropes, snares, fittings, and points regularly for wear or corrosion, and replace anything showing damage. Treated well, quality landing gear lasts many seasons.

Are these tools suitable for beginners?

They can be, provided you understand how and when to use each one safely. Landing gear is powerful, purpose-built equipment, and using it correctly matters — both for your own safety and for the welfare of your fish. If you're new to targeting larger species and unsure which tool suits your fishing, get in touch. We're always happy to talk you through the options and point you towards the right choice for your quarry and conditions.

Ready to land the big one?

Whether you're heading offshore after a serious specimen, working a boat mark for conger and cod, or targeting salmon and pike with a humane tailer, our Gaffs, Flying Gaffs, Tailers & Flying Spear range has the landing gear you can trust. Strong, dependable, proven in UK waters, and backed by advice from anglers who've been at this since the 1970s.

Browse the full collection below, or get in touch if you'd like a recommendation based on your target species, method, and local marks. Get your landing gear right, and the fish of a lifetime has nowhere left to go!