Abstract: An apertured platen is formed on the end of a handle and a gaff hook component is slidably mounted along the handle and can be pulled into engagement with the apertured platen by means of a trigger at the other end of the handle. A spring normally holds the gaff hook component in the open position so that the platen can be engaged within the mouth of the fish or upon the underside of the nose if the mouth is closed, with the hook engaging the soft underside of the lower jaw. The hook is pulled through the soft lower jaw and latched into the closed position by a spring loaded latch in the handle.