The Case For Barbless Hooks
I was going to write an article about how important barbless hooks are for fishing with kids, but the use for barbless hooks goes way beyond just fishing with kids. In our book, there is a case for fishing with barbless hooks all of the time. They are better for the fish, safer for anglers and legally required in some waters. They may be a little more challenging to hook a fish, and they may loose more fish than barbed hooks, but thats okay. Its worth going the extra mile and using barbless hooks. I think of them like seatbelts. Sure, you can drive without a seatbelt. Most of the time it will be just fine. But if you get in an accident, the outcomes can be tragic. Every once in a while, a barbed hook will fatally injure a fish that you wanted to release, or you’ll hook your fishing partner on the back of their neck while casting. At that point, it’s too late to swap out for a barbless setup. So we will take the risk of missing a few fish if it avoids emergency room visits or having to remove a hook in the field.
Big Fish and Little Hands. Barbless hooks are easier for kids to release their own catch!
One thing you’ll notice when you’re looking at fishing tackle, is that most of it will come barbed. Today, you’re seeing more barbless options out of the box, but its not as common. The good news is that you can easily take care of those barbs with the pinch of your forceps or fishing pliers. By pinching the barb down, or breaking it off, you’re left with a barbless hook setup. It’s an easy step for any angler. Even if you’re fishing with treble hooks. The simple act of bending down the barb will make it much easier to un-hook your fish, dislodge a snag, or remove the hook from your skin. Think of it as your insurance plan! Ive never hooked myself too badly, but I know that its in my future. Its all a part of the fishing game.
Beyond the safety factor, anti-barbless-hook anglers will say that you’ll miss more fish. And there is no question…they’re correct. Hooking into fish with barbless hooks adds another layer of challenge, over and above an already challenging activity. However, if you refocus your perspective, fishing with barbless hooks will make you a better angler. A textbook hook set as well as maintaining a tight line is paramount. Neglecting these will all the fish to easily shake the hook free. As an angler, the extra challenge is welcomed. Simply put, catching fish with barbless hooks provides a more rewarding experience. Upto and including the release. Removing a barbless hook is much easier and can usually be done without even touching the fish.
As a fisherman, its up to you to check the regulations of the water that you’re fishing in. Since barbless hooks is better for the angler and the fish alike, some waterways adopt the rule of using barbless hooks as a conservation tool. Many fisheries have some level of catch and release rules. In our area, native Cutthroat Trout tend to have this restriction. But were happy to have the opportunity to catch these beautiful fish. In Rocky Mountain National Park, the fishable waters that are designated catch and release, are also required to use barbless hooks. Needless to say, its important to be aware of all of the regulations where you wet your line!
Whether youre worried about hooking your fishing buddy, the health of the fish you’re after, or if you’re simply minding the rules, the use of barbless hooks simply makes sense. We make a real effort to de-barb our hooks and urge you to do the same. Most of my fishing is done with my kiddos. Hooking them badly is not an option. I don’t want to be the innocent bystander either. For that reason we keep them barb free. The fish are all the better for it too.
Tight Lines and Happy Trails,
The Trails to Trout Family
