Fishing Gaffs
A bit about boat gaffs.
When it comes to boating fish that are too large for a net, gaff hooks become necessary. In its simplest form, a fishing gaff is a pole with a sharp hook attached to the end that is used to grab and pull a fish out of the water and into the boat. The pole can be made out of aluminum, fiberglass or carbon fiber. The hook is usually made of stainless steel, has a very sharp point and often a barb.
For very large fish, a different type of gaff, called a flying gaff is used. Flying gaffs consist of a very sharp detachable hook (usually made of stainless steel) that is affixed to the end of a pole which can be aluminum, fiberglass or carbon fiber. A line is attached to the hook. The procedure for using a flying gaff involves bringing the fish (frequently a large marlin or other billfish) alongside the boat at which point the hook is set into the fish. After setting the hook, the “gaff person” jerks the hook free of the pole and the line (which remains attached to the hook) is made fast to a cleat. West Marine offers a variety of conventional and flying gaffs by manufacturers such as Blacktip, AFTCO, Cuda, Danco, Sea Striker, and Bubba Blade.
Related: Deep Sea Fishing Gear Guide