Hook Barb

[irfishing]

Just wondering how many use barbless hooks or bend down the barb on the hook before tying a fly.
I bend them down. Hopefully less damage is done when removing the hook. May loss a few but what the heck, I release all of them anyway.

[jeffnles1]

I always flatten the barb down. The little "nub" still helps hold the hook but it does make them come out of the fish (and me) easier. I don't think I've lost a fish because the barb had been mashed down. With a hook on the end of a tippet flying around my body, I find peace in the knowledge that when I hook myself (when, not if) I won't remove as big of a hunk of my own skin when I remove it.

Jeff

[Plunker]

Fished the HEAVILY regulated and VERY BEAUTIFUL Dukes Creek at Smithgall woods this past week. Barbless only. Caught and landed a few nice ones on barbless hooks, much to my surprise...thought I'd lose everything I hooked. I think they make you a better Fisherman, and steward of our sport.

True, you have to keep your wits about you...but it sure is a lot easier to un-hook yourself after a botched back cast

[mora521]

I always flatten the barb before it goes into the vise.It helps when unhooking little fish,and is easier to get the hook out when the fly gets hooked in my shirt or britches.

[BuckeyeRick]

I always, if I'm not having a senior moment, smash the barb.

#1 - 50% less area to puncture the fish, easier set.

#2 - I have enjoyed the exquisite experience of setting a large treble hook into my hand. Unlike many experiences, once was enough.

#3 - Hopefully, I am doing less damage to the fish.

A Flip Pallot story - He and a friend are heading out to fish for Tarpon when they see their friend Bob's boat, but no Bob. They pull alongside and Bob is laying in the bottom of the boat with a 140 lb. Tarpon laying on top of him. One hook from a big Rapala is in the fish's mouth, the other is in Bob's hand. "Bob, what are you doing?", asks Flip. Bob replies, "Waiting for the fish to die."

[rainshaker]

Originally Posted by irfishing

Just wondering how many use barbless hooks or bend down the barb on the hook before tying a fly.
I bend them down. Hopefully less damage is done when removing the hook. May loss a few but what the heck, I release all of them anyway.

I always smash the barbs before I tie new flies. As noted, the fish are easy to release and does less damage. I get strange looks from time to time when releasing stockers on the Elk or Caney.

Over the memorial holiday, I braved the crowds on the Caney but still did pretty well. As I was heading towards the truck an other angler stopped me and asked about the generation schedule and if I'd had any luck.

I told told him I'd had a good day, catching several good fish......he then looked at me surprised or confused....then after a five-second pause, he said, in a heavy oriental accent:

"Ahhhh you fly rod ....you catch release."

[flyman]

I don't ever have any problem with hook barbs. I just drag the fish up on the rocks or bank, put my foot on it, and jerk up and outwards. The hook comes right out

[Gerry Romer]

Flyman, we have got to hook up sometime...

No, wait... I didn't really say that, did I ??

G

[mmorgan135]

Been barbless since this incident last year....once was plenty for me!

[flyman]

OUCH! I could have gotten that out for you though, see above method for hook removal