Lastchance, that is exactly what I would have said two years ago. Hit a fish on the head and he'll for sure spit the hook or you'll knock it out of him. Not only that, the gaffer must first use the gaff to corral the line and guide the fish along-side the boat, then use his other hand on the line to maneuver the fish into a position to deliver the 'smack'. Kenny (Fish Myster) has not lost a fish doing this in my presence. I know he makes it look easy, having done it all summer long for 19 years, but... I'm a little fed up with net screw-ups; there must be a better way and I think working on the gaffing technique is probably it.
One thing I did notice, that is a properly delivered 'smack' never resulted in a thrashing or bolting fish; it was truly stunned, monetarily.I wouldn't suggest too much hesitation before using the business end of the gaff tho. I think one of the secrets to success is to have a hand on the line, at least while or when the fish is docile and along side the boat. I noted that if it ever got rambunctious, Kenny was quick to let the line go and let the fisherman continue with the rod.
I have retired my net for now and I have unleashed "THE GAFF"[8D] I may lose a few learning but learn I will[8D]. And, since I already have a couple in the freezer, what the heck?
As an edit to this, I also noticed that once the fish was smacked, Ken quickly lifted up on the line, slightly, to bring the fish's head up so that the gaff could be inserted at an effective angle.
Cheers, Tom