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Plug a Tourney Win

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I use a foam earplug to plug the gaff hole in fish to prevent weight loss due to bleeding. Excessive blood loss can mean the difference between a first-place fish and a fish that takes a lower place. Most gaff points are around 5/16″ in diameter, while foam earplugs expand to a 1/2″ diameter. Simply squeeze the foam earplug and insert it in the hole. The plug expands to produce a snug, leak-proof fit to stop the bleeding. Ice does not affect the plug and allow it to shrink. Do not insert the plug so far that is difficult to remove, and be sure to take it out at weigh-in time.

— Richard M. Easterling, Jacksonville, Florida

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