The Complete Guide to Hook Em Gaffs — From Squid to Marlin

Whether you're chasing snapper from the rocks, kingfish from a boat, or squid off the wharf, having the right gaff makes all the difference between landing your catch and telling another "one that got away" story. Browse the full Hook Em gaff range →

Why Hook Em Gaffs?

Hook Em is an Australian manufacturer that's been producing heavy-duty fishing tackle for decades. Their gaffs are built from marine-grade stainless steel, hi-tensile alloys, and quality aluminium — designed to handle the brutal saltwater conditions we deal with in New Zealand and Australia. Every gaff in the range is purpose-built for a specific type of fishing, so you're not paying for features you don't need.

At Action Outdoors, we stock the complete Hook Em gaff range — from compact squid gaffs to serious offshore flying gaffs. Here's how to choose the right one.

Fixed Head Gaffs — The All-Rounders

Fixed head gaffs are the workhorses of the range. The head is permanently attached, making them simple, strong, and reliable. Hook Em offers two head styles:

Diamond Head vs Round Head — What's the Difference?

Our pick: If you only buy one gaff, go with a 3-inch diamond head — it's versatile enough for most inshore species and tough enough for decent kingfish.

👉 Shop all fixed head gaffs →

Titanium Diamond Gaffs — Premium Performance

For serious anglers who want the lightest, strongest option, Hook Em's titanium diamond gaffs are the top of the range. Titanium won't corrode, weighs significantly less than stainless, and is incredibly strong.

• 4-inch head — ideal for snapper, kahawai, trevally
• 6-inch head — built for kingfish, hapuku, big tuna

These are investment gaffs — buy once, use for life.

Telescopic Gaffs — Reach Where Others Can't

Fishing off rocks, a high wharf, or a boat with tall gunwales? Telescopic gaffs extend your reach without taking up space when stored. Hook Em's range includes:

• Standard telescopic (2.0m extends to 3.6m) — great for rock fishing and boat use
• Carbon fibre telescopic (extends to 4.5m) — incredibly light for its length, perfect for high wharves and kayaks
• Interchangeable heads — swap between round and diamond heads on the same handle

The interchangeable head system is a smart move if you fish for different species — one handle, multiple heads.

Squid Gaffs — Purpose-Built

Squid gaffs are shorter, lighter, and designed for quick, precise strikes. Hook Em's squid gaffs feature:

• Compact heads designed not to damage the squid
• Telescopic options that pack down small
• Carbon fibre handles for all-night comfort

If you're serious about squid fishing, a dedicated squid gaff is a game-changer versus trying to use a standard gaff.

👉 See the full Hook Em squid range →

Flying Gaffs — Offshore Heavy Hitters

When you're targeting marlin, large tuna, or other serious bluewater species, a flying gaff is essential. The head detaches from the pole on strike, connected by a rope to the boat — this lets the fish run without pulling the pole out of your hands.

Hook Em flying gaffs are built from hi-tensile cast stainless steel and come in diamond head configurations from 3" to 6". The 6-inch flying gaff is designed for marlin and large gamefish — serious offshore gear.

👉 Shop flying gaffs →

Pier & Treble Gaffs

Pier gaffs feature a treble hook design — three hooks instead of one — which gives you a much better chance of hooking your fish when gaffing from height. Available in 3-inch and 5-inch sizes, they're ideal for wharf fishing where you get one shot at your catch.

Multi-Piece & Combo Systems

Hook Em's interchangeable system lets you build your own gaff setup. Buy the handle and heads separately, and swap heads depending on what you're targeting. They also offer:

• Mid-section extensions — add length to any multi-piece gaff
• Net/gaff combos — one handle with both a landing net and gaff head
• Replacement heads — diamond, round, and interchangeable options

👉 Browse replacement parts & heads →

Quick Guide — Which Gaff Do I Need?

Looking After Your Gaff

• Rinse with fresh water after every saltwater session
• Sharpen the point regularly — a dull gaff costs fish
• Store dry — even stainless can develop surface corrosion if stored wet
• Check handles — look for cracks or loose connections before each trip

🎣 Action Outdoors stocks the complete Hook Em gaff range — from compact squid gaffs to serious offshore flying gaffs. All prices in NZD. Free NZ shipping on selected items. Browse all Hook Em products →