id go with home made gaff hook too, ive had barbed gaffs given to me from my grandfathers estate when he passed. he used them for sharking although i never got to go...from what i understand it was common back in the day to use a barbed gaff to ensure a shark didnt shake itself loose while it was being tagged, but now they use barbless anyway as its better for the fish and easier to release...also common to use a barbed gaff for fish being retained for food as its not going to matter if you damage the mouth of a fish you are about to knock on the head and fry up.
Just a large bait hook for shark and other large species, instead of an eye for knotting to, the line would have been secured to the shank and the 'nail head' prevents slippage. As in how mackerel feathers are attached.