Comments on: Q&A: Barbless Hooks or Barbed? Does It Matter?

By: Larry Tullis

Larry Tullis — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 16:06:13 +0000

There is no definitive answer to the barbed vs barbless debate. Studies have shown that the “stiletto effect” (multiple, deep penetrations from one entry point, that occur during the fight) makes large barbless hooks more damaging than barbed counterparts, which holds the hook better in one position. Using this tidbit, we can choose to avoid large barbless or barbed hooks, perhaps limiting our flies to a #6 or #8 max gap for trout (Smaller if the fish are small. Bigger if you’re after striped bass etc.). Fish handling and experience makes more difference than hook choice. If you choose to go barbless, then get a hook designed for it, with a wider gape and a curled in point. Simply crushing a barb makes a hook that will lose fish easily and may even weaken/fracture the hook wire at the barb. When I de-barb, I also curl the hook point inward some for better holding dynamics. PS: avoid long-shank hooks when possible as the lever arm increases fish loss potential.

By: Domenick Swentosky

Domenick Swentosky — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 17:12:30 +0000

In reply to Sandy Harris.

Cheers

By: Sandy Harris

Sandy Harris — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 16:46:04 +0000

Barbless for me. Sure I have managed to lose a few fish but it’s mostly by not keeping enough tension during the fight but I think it’s a win for both fish and angler to not have to wrestle a buried hook. Unless I want a photo the fish never leave the net so no hands on. As for those buried in me I could include photos but……..

By: Domenick Swentosky

Domenick Swentosky — Sat, 03 Feb 2024 15:43:39 +0000

In reply to Rich (Windknot) Pospula.

I like it. I never cared much for the hex pattern or other grip on hemostats. Debarbing is one reason, and the is it tears up flies when removing them, sometimes.

I love the Dr Slick Spring Creek forceps.

By: Domenick Swentosky

Domenick Swentosky — Sat, 03 Feb 2024 15:40:03 +0000

In reply to Fritz.

I know what you mean.

By: Domenick Swentosky

Domenick Swentosky — Sat, 03 Feb 2024 15:39:11 +0000

In reply to Josh Lawrence.

THANK YOU. I appreciate the correction.

By: Domenick Swentosky

Domenick Swentosky — Sat, 03 Feb 2024 15:38:17 +0000

In reply to Vincent Trzeciak.

Nope. I stopped gigging in December of 2019.

By: Vincent Trzeciak

Vincent Trzeciak — Sat, 03 Feb 2024 15:00:06 +0000

I do this when I bass fish too. Less blood easy removal. I’ll take flies out of tree branches and guess what. Barb still on. Some people never learn. I guess this will always be a thing. Hey Dom, you still play I. A band?

By: Josh Lawrence

Josh Lawrence — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 18:10:29 +0000

Sorry to be that guy, but I think you have one typo in the article. “If we’re good at fighting fish, almost none. A barbed hook is built to keep the fish buttoned up, even when tension is introduced.” I think that should be “when slack is introduced” correct?

By: Fritz

Fritz — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 15:56:43 +0000

I too go barbless. True or not, I judge the quality (carbon) of a hook by whether or not the barb snaps off or just bends