Gaff is 29” in length and was made for landing those big “Muskies” or Muskelunge, the largest member of the Pike Family.
This was made by my father with the “hook” that was made by the local blacksmith and is signed …. C. C. Cogar …. May 30, 29 (see attached pictures)
Many people think one has to go to the St. Lawrence River or into Canada for Muskie fishing but the Elk and Little Kanawha Rivers in central WV have always been producers of “record” Muskies up in the 50” and 60” class.
And ps: the back of my Town lot borders on the Little Kanawha and one can toss a rock across it most anywhere from here to Parkersburg except 2 mi. up river from me where the Corps built a lake and flood control Dam. Years ago, before roads and railroads, "paddlewheelers" delivered freight and people between Parkersburg and Burnsville.
In days gone past, many big Muskies were taken from those 2 rivers, not by rod n’ reel, but by carbide light n’ gig and by dynamite.
My dad told me a true story about an ole fellow who was noted for dynamiting fish in the Elk River and an “undercover” Game Warden decided he was going to “nab” in the act so he talked that fellow into taking him with him fishing. Well, they got in the boat and the ole fellow paddled out to a deep hole of water, pulled out a stick of dynamite, lit it, watched the fuse burn for a few seconds ….. and then handed it to the Game Warden, …. which scared the bejesus out of the Warden and he flung it out into the river. And “KABOOM” …. and the fish came floating up to the surface. So the ole fellow paddled over and started gathering up the fish and the Warden said .. … Your under arrest. …… What for? ….. For dynamiting fish. ….. Not me, you’re the one that dynamited the fish, I’m just gathering them up so they won’t go to waste.
Cheers
