In
fishing, a
gaff is a pole with a sharp hook on the end that is used to stab a large
fish and then lift the fish into the boat or onto shore. Ideally, the hook is placed under the
backbone. Gaffs are used when the weight of the fish exceeds the breaking point of the
fishing line or the
fishing pole. A gaff cannot be used if it is intended to release the fish unharmed after capture, unless the fish is skilfully gaffed in the lip, jaw, or lower gill using a thin gaff hook.