Video · DIY Builds & Mods
How I Build a Hawaiian Kill Spear Fish Gaff for Kayak Fishing
I show how I build a Hawaiian kill spear fish gaff, also called a kage, from stainless threaded rod, PVC and a paracord wrapped handle.
What’s in this video
A Hawaiian kill spear, or kage, is a tool kayak anglers have used for years to stun and subdue a fish before hauling it in. You can build your own for a lot less money. Mine is about 36 inches long. I used 5/16″ stainless steel threaded rod (3/8″ works too), a 20″ piece of 1″ PVC, two end caps, two 3/4″ plugs, nuts, PVC primer and cement, and paracord for the grip.
I walk through the build, then switch paracord colors on a second one. The first took me about 30 minutes and the second only 17. Because the center tube is sealed, the handle floats. Credit to John Sims from the KayakDIY Facebook group for a similar build. Mine is different because I finish it with caps and a paracord grip.
Key moments
Quick takeaways
- Sealing the PVC center tube makes the handle float if you drop it.
- 5/16" or 3/8" stainless threaded rod both work for the spear.
- Plan on about 30 minutes for the first one, the second goes faster.
- Glow in the dark paracord makes the handle easy to find.
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