How to Sharpen Pole Gaffs

Pole gaffs are used to hook large and heavy fish, then pull them up and over the side of the boat. A gaff pole uses a long shaft with a metal hook at the end. As the fish gets close in to the boat during the fight, the gaffer punches the hook into the fish and then pulls it up into the boat. A gaff hook is much more efficient when sharp. To sharpen a gaff hook, use metal files and get the tip back up to the piercing sharpness needed to retrieve fish.

Things You'll Need

  • Metal file
  • Sandpaper
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Place the hook between your knees so the hook point is facing up and away from your head. Place the metal file onto the conical tip and move it around the tip in a circular fashion.

    • 2

      Blow off the metal shavings every few file strokes to inspect the tip of the hook. Make the cone even all the way around, bringing the tip to pin-point sharpness.

    • 3

      Wrap the sandpaper around the filed areas when the tip is sharp. Sand down the areas to smooth it out and remove any barbs or loose shavings.