Fish spikes

[mmayo]

I was contacted via the web by a local person who asked me to produce handles for his fish spikes (the SS metal). It seemed like fun so here is what I made. Know that there were customer size and shape needs factored into this simple handle.

I made one using bubinga as a first case which is pretty, but does not have the shape I wanted. I finally made a bottle stopper-like threaded jig and it came together.

Good news - he thinks he will want 100

 

[Wood Butcher]

Looks like you did a very nice job on the turning and the finish. What are they used for? Never heard of a fish spike. Thanks for sharing
WB

 

[mmayo]

PETA beware.

When big tuna or large fish are brought on the sportfishing boat they can be very active and dangerous. Fish spike is used to quickly stop their activity. It also helps to reduce lactic acid in the fish meat which reduces the taste.

 

[magpens]

Size ? ... what length and diameter is the steel spike ?

 

[mmayo]

The spike is about 7" and has a 5/16 x18 thread; it is 316 stainless I think.

 

[Cmiles1985]

I guess I've never heard of that use! We used to use them for deep water fish (such as red snapper). When you bring them up from a depth of a few hundred feet, their swim bladder expands, and they're unable to swim back to the bottom and avoid being eaten. If you puncture that bladder to release the air, they're able to survive with only a minor risk of infection (as far as everyone knows).

 

[mmayo]

Fish

I guess I've never heard of that use! We used to use them for deep water fish (such as red snapper). When you bring them up from a depth of a few hundred feet, their swim bladder expands, and they're unable to swim back to the bottom and avoid being eaten. If you puncture that bladder to release the air, they're able to survive with only a minor risk of infection (as far as everyone knows).

I agree with bottom fish like this

With bigger tuna, you need a spike or they can be dangerous if left to thrash about. That is a strong deckhand as it is a 170# yellowfin tuna (think ahi at the sushi bar).

One of my larger ones, a bluefin tuna weighed in around 130#

 

[Timbo]

PETA beware.

When big tuna or large fish are brought on the sportfishing boat they can be very active and dangerous. Fish spike is used to quickly stop their activity. It also helps to reduce lactic acid in the fish meat which reduces the taste.

I have not heard of a fish spike either, but I can certainly understand why you would want to quickly incapacitate a decked, large thrashing fish. I'm curious where you stick the spike?

 

[KenV]

PETA beware.

When big tuna or large fish are brought on the sportfishing boat they can be very active and dangerous. Fish spike is used to quickly stop their activity. It also helps to reduce lactic acid in the fish meat which reduces the taste.

I have not heard of a fish spike either, but I can certainly understand why you would want to quickly incapacitate a decked, large thrashing fish. I'm curious where you stick the spike?

In the brain!!! Here in Southeast Alaska, some shoot halibut (ideally before boating it) because people have been knocked overboard by large halibut thrashing..

Fillet knife works instead of a spike too.

 

[mmayo]

Yes a deckhand lobotomizes them quickly for many good reasons.

Good news the guy loved my handles and wants many!

 

[Wood Butcher]

Thanks for the education. Mine are small enough that a 23g nail gun does the job.
WB