Pug x Smallmouth Bass Hybrid

[Steve S.]

 

OUCH!

 

Its amazing how these guys can make do after an injury like this, or possible multiple injuries.

 

I have been fishing barbless flies since I started fly fishing this season. I've experienced cleaner hook-ups, quicker releases with no damage (to date). All hooks have popped out fairly effortlessly. Obviously a hook point can do damage regardless of whether or not it is barbed, but I feel I've experienced a significant reduction of risk for damage while fishing with single, barbless hooks. I will also add that my hooking ratio has been much better, with not too many bass being lost.

[ronk]

Steve,

Were you and your bro using barbless exclusively on the Wis. R. trip?

[Steve S.]

I have used barbless since my first day of fly fishing and haven't stopped. I don't think my brother was but I'm not sure.

[skjordan]

I switched to barbless hooks early in my fly fishing career and eventually on my spinning tackle also.

 

I dont see any advantage of using barbed hooks.

The single biggest disadvantage is you hook a freind and you have to drive them to the hospital to get it removed. That makes for one long ride. Oh did I mention she was a nurse.

[Steve S.]

I dont see any advantage of using barbed hooks.

 

That is my experience as well (surprisingly).