Rod harnesses???

[Malc]

We have a decent butt pad as a just in case, but if we start actually targeting shark, what is the better option as browsing around it seems that people differ widely in their reasoning. 

Shoulder seems to be better suited to FS reels and popping. Waist and butt seems to be for grappling with real heavy weight fish that may stay deep?

[Odyssey]

Ok it’ll depend on the size of fish…. 
 

I’ve done tuna to 400lb and porgies to 350lb on a butt pad. However, I’m 6ft 4in and 15stone. 
 

If you’re after a harness the gold standard is Black magic. 
 

I use Aftco myself for my customers and it’s the same I use. 
 

https://www.tradeinn.com/waveinn/en/aftco-maxforce-i-fighting-belt/1300122/p?utm_source=google_products&utm_medium=merchant&id_producte=1631839&country=uk&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADsbOdvDxtnGlye7jcIQmV391TrEE&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5e7C39f_iQMVZ5tQBh0nbxt8EAQYCCABEgItuPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
 

Others are available but that’s just what I use 🙂 

[Malc]

Yeah the AFTCO was what I was looking at too, similar to a few cheaper ebay ones but seems better made, thanks for your input. 

Edited November 29, 2024 by Malc

[Odyssey]

1 hour ago, Malc said:

Yeah the AFTCO was what I was looking at too, similar to a few cheaper ebay ones but seems better made, thanks for your input. 

I’m sure the eBay ones would be fine as well, I went Aftco as they get punished over a few seasons 🙂 

[captin slows old outlaw]

you catch 2 many big fish 🤣

[Odyssey]

16 hours ago, captin slows old outlaw said:

you catch 2 many big fish 🤣

I don’t but my customers do 😉 

Id you’ve not experienced big fish then a harness is definitely needed…. Takes away a lot of pain 😂

[Saintly Fish]

59 minutes ago, Odyssey said:

I don’t but my customers do 😉 

Id you’ve not experienced big fish then a harness is definitely needed…. Takes away a lot of pain 😂

Peat hasn't experienced little fish!! 🤣

[captin slows old outlaw]

1 hour ago, Saintly Fish said:

Peat hasn't experienced little fish!! 🤣

so a 18 lb spur isint a a small fish.that is what i am holding in my photo( please look to the left of screen  )

[Saintly Fish]

3 hours ago, captin slows old outlaw said:

so a 18 lb spur isint a a small fish.that is what i am holding in my photo( please look to the left of screen  )

Well yeah, but that was 20 years ago!!

[JDP]

I bought a two piece harness for my daughter when she was young and first catching bigger game species. It's till sitting in my never been used!!!!! I think the fact we moved away from the old style outfits to more parabolic setups that allow large amounts of pressure to be put on the fish and not so much on the angler meant we haven't needed it yet. Also something to keep in mind is being able to get out of the harness gear if you get pulled over the side, which isn't so likely in the UK with all those rails people have around their boats but here we often chase game from small open boats with low gunnels. 

I wouldn't bother with a shoulder harness, just go with the kidney lower back style, which can also be used with spin gear. Black magic are good but incredibly bulky. The one I have is quick to adjust for different sized people and also accommodates both straight and bent butt rods without adjustment. 

 

Edited December 1, 2024 by JDP

[Saintly Fish]

6 hours ago, JDP said:

I bought a two piece harness for my daughter when she was young and first catching bigger game species. It's till sitting in my never been used!!!!! I think the fact we moved away from the old style outfits to more parabolic setups that allow large amounts of pressure to be put on the fish and not so much on the angler meant we haven't needed it yet. Also something to keep in mind is being able to get out of the harness gear if you get pulled over the side, which isn't so likely in the UK with all those rails people have around their boats but here we often chase game from small open boats with low gunnels. 

I wouldn't bother with a shoulder harness, just go with the kidney lower back style, which can also be used with spin gear. Black magic are good but incredibly bulky. The one I have is quick to adjust for different sized people and also accommodates both straight and bent butt rods without adjustment. 

 

Nice fish but doesn't really show off the belt set up Jon!

[Malc]

7 hours ago, JDP said:

being able to get out of the harness gear if you get pulled over the side, which isn't so likely in the UK

That's why we are going for harnesses and we will use hooks rather than clips. There are 3 of us, one to manoeuvre, one fighting and one holding on to the handle and directing. We don't have thrusters which makes us less manoeuvrable so will use slightly longer rods to help.

We only want one shoulder harness just incase we want to use the FS gear. 

[JDP]

1 hour ago, Saintly Fish said:

Nice fish but doesn't really show off the belt set up Jon!

Must of misunderstood, I bought one but haven't ever had need to use it yet. A marlin of that size is a 10-15 min fight if using the boat right. 

[willyhookit]

check out      ( Dennis Braid  Fighting giants )  on you tube  he explains  the different types of harness  & Butt Pads   i use a  Braid     power play   harness & butt pad   for my guests  ive a  waste coat  shoulder harness &  braid  brute buster   butt  pad         The Braid harnesses    use hooks  to  clip onto your reel     i  make a strap  that can be used when using a fixed spool reel        tight lines Alain