What is a gaff on whaling ship?

A gaff on a whaling ship is a long handled hook used to haul the dead whale alongside the ship. It consists of a long wooden pole with a barbed metal hook on the end. Gaffs are typically about 15-20 feet long, and are used to pierce the whale's blubber and flesh, and then drag it to the ship. Gaffing is a dangerous task, as the whale may still be alive when it is struck, and the gaffer must be careful not to get caught in the whale's tail or teeth.