Ok I'll bite.
First of all - I'm glad you finally found this post!
Secondly, I prefer using the gaff in the ocean and here is the reason:
When trolling stretch 30's with those double treble hooks......can you guess what happens EVERY time your net a fish? BIG FRIGGIN CLUSTER F***!! Inevitably, we'll have a triple hookup and the net is "stuck" on the first fish for like 15 minutes.
I do not gaff the fish in the side, only the bottom lip to "lift" the fish in the boat. A small hand gaff would be perfect but I don' have one.
So, I say to you sir - using a net with stretch 30's in the ocean - Reediculas! (but no other choice in Va cause the metal pointy thingy is illegal on stripers).
