US Patent 7444779 Fish handling device

A hand-held fish handling device includes a shaft having one pointed end, useful in entering the mouth of a fish and then retrieving a swallowed hook from the stomach of a fish. The other end of the shaft has a multi-purpose tool fastened thereon; the tool is able to be used as a pithing device, as an external hook remover, and as a gaff. A hand grip enclosing the center of the shaft may be brightly colored and of high buoyancy to aid in retrieving a dropped device. One version of the device employs a wooden shaft and the attached multi-purpose tool is made of a bent metal rod, sharpened at both ends.