How to Use a Fishing Gaff

What Is a Fishing Gaff?

A fishing gaff is a pole with a sharp metal hook on the end, designed to help you land large fish once they’re reeled close to shore, boat, or dock. Instead of lifting a heavy, thrashing fish by the line (which can snap or bend the hook), a gaff lets you hook the fish securely and land it with control.

Gaffs range from small, handheld tools that fit in an Altoids-tin-sized survival kit to full-length poles used for deep-sea fishing. Some tools even include detachable gaff points, letting you turn a stick or pole into a makeshift landing tool in seconds.

Why Use a Fishing Gaff?

A gaff bridges the gap between catching and landing. It’s not about stabbing a fish—it’s about control, safety, and conservation.

• Prevents line breakage when lifting heavy fish.

• Improves grip and handling on slippery, struggling catches.

• Reduces injury to you and your gear.

• Speeds up landing, minimizing fish stress if you plan to keep or release it quickly.

• Doubles as a multipurpose field hook for survival use.

How to Use a Fishing Gaff (Step-by-Step)

1. Get the Fish Under Control

Before you use the gaff, make sure the fish is close and tired. Reel it in slowly until it’s within arm’s reach. Don’t rush—if the fish is still fighting hard, let it tire itself out a little longer.

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2. Position the Gaff Correctly

Hold the gaff hook slightly behind the fish’s head. Your goal is to make a clean, controlled pull toward you—not a wild swing.

If you’re right-handed, gaff from the right side; if left-handed, from the left. Keep your non-dominant hand on the pole for leverage.

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3. Hook the Fish Firmly but Carefully

Aim for a solid, meaty area like behind the gills or the lower jaw.

• Don’t jab downward—you’ll risk tearing the fish.

• Instead, make a smooth, pulling motion so the hook slides in and holds.

Once it’s set, lift the fish in one clean motion over the side or onto the shore.

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4. Land the Fish Safely

Once on deck or land, lay the fish flat and remove the gaff carefully. If you plan to release it, support the fish’s weight with both hands and minimize time out of water.

For survival use, the gaff gives you full control for dispatching and cleaning the fish efficiently.

Tips for Using a Fishing Gaff

• Keep your hook sharp and rust-free—a dull gaff slips and tears flesh.

• Never gaff in the stomach or side if you plan to release the fish.

• Use the right size gaff for your target species.

• Secure footing before lifting a heavy fish—don’t lean over water.

• Practice control, not strength—the gaff does the work.

DIY & Improvised Fishing Gaffs

In survival or minimalist situations, you can easily improvise a gaff using:

• A straight branch or pole (sturdy, about arm length where it branches off making a hook shape you can carve).

• A metal hook or bent nail, lashed securely with paracord or wire.
  

Even a piece of wire bent into a J-shape can serve as an emergency gaff when fishing from shore or through ice, though be mindful of how easily it bends.

Hidden and Alternate Uses for a Fishing Gaff

A good gaff doubles as more than just a landing hook:

• Retrieve dropped gear from water or tight spaces.

• Pull floating debris or rope within reach.

• Handle hot cookware over a campfire.

• Use as a defensive or survival spear when paired with a long pole.

• Drag game or heavy items across rough terrain.

Safety Tips

• Always keep the hook pointed away from people and gear.

• Cover the point when not in use with a cork, sheath, or paracord wrap.

• Be mindful of wet footing—falls while gaffing are common.

• Clean thoroughly after saltwater use to prevent corrosion.

Complete Your Kit

Pair your Fishing Gaff Tool with:

• Grim Fishing Spear or Gig Tools → All Gear with Fishing Spears and Gigs

• Grim Knife Tool or Firefly Blade for field cleaning → All Tools with Knives

FAQ: Using a Fishing Gaff

Q: When should I use a gaff instead of a net?
Use a gaff for larger or spiny fish that might tear through nets, or when weight makes netting unsafe.

Q: Can I make a gaff from a Grim spear point?
Yes! Grim’s spear and gig tools are designed to attach to found sticks, turning them into compact gaffs or landing tools.

Q: Does a gaff hurt the fish?
It can if misused. For catch-and-release, hook under the jaw or in the lip instead of the body.

Q: What’s the best way to store a gaff?
Keep it covered, dry, and out of reach—a cork, sheath, or tape cap prevents accidental snags.

Q: Can I use a gaff for ice fishing?
Absolutely. Short, hand-held gaffs are great for pulling fish up through small ice holes.

 

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