Barbless hooks?

[eric h]

Later this year I had started to go barbless. What I mean by that is, the last couple of times I went out I would pinch down the barbs on the lure I was using. I have not caught a fish on one yet so I am looking for some opinions before I sit down some night and pinch away. I would have to expect a few to get off now and then, but for the most part I am looking for a faster release without cutting the hooks.
Thanks, Eric

[180FH]

Eric,
what you need to do is get ahold of vol.4 issue 4 of Esox Angler magazine. In the "release 'em right" section is a very informative article on that subject written by Pete Maina...seems that going barbless isn't all it's cut out to be. The jist of the article was quicker release times but more severe hook wounds in some cases....hope this helps
JK

[muskie tamer]

Barbless is the way to go. I've prefered to start with a solid hook then file the barbs rather than pinch them. Makes them like pins, set in the jaw easier and get out quickly. Sure you'll lose some to a slack line and some will stick so well you'll still have to cut or tug on the hook, but overall, the release is easier for fish and fisherman. Good luck, good fishin.

[eric h]

I am a bit confused on how barbless would cause more damage to the fish. I will have to find that issue. Muskie Tamer, do you find this to be the case? When you file your hooks down do you leave a small smooth lobe on there or flush?

[180FH]

eric,
let me stress that this was a "some case" scenario caused mostly by larger hooks that would tend to stab vital organs..the important thing to remember is the quicker release times, which I
i think is what we all are looking for. unfortunately mortality does occur no matter how careful we can be. barbless is definetely the way to go. JK

[Otter]

I've read a couple articles, don't remember exactly where, that barbless hooks do more damage bcause they penetrate deeper.

[Bill Krejca]

Use smaller hooks?

[esoxmn]

I pinch the barbs on my baits,and it makes release time much shorter,but if you filed or grond off the barb it would probobly be better.

[muskie tamer]

A single hook with the barb filed smooth (no bump) will stick like a pin. I've had some trouble with the release when using triples, and seemed to get fewer hook sets. A solid 2/0 or 3/0 single will drag in a nice one without leaving multiple holes or one hole that looks like I gaffed it. Good luck Good fish'n.