Posts: 32
Location: Sherry, WI | I don't worry about the "barblessness". With exception of single-hook lures on rigid frames (spinnerbaits, buzzbaits), all my lures are barbless.
I've lost fish on barbless hooks, and I've lost fish on barbed hooks. While I never tracked numbers, it's my opinion that my land to strike ratio is better with barbless.
The main reason I fish barbless is to A) facilitate release, as I usually fish alone; and B) to allow removal of all hook parts from fish. I've twice left barbed points/bends in eyesockets, and I didn't think that was fair to the fish. Now, I can remove all parts of a hook, and I'm happier for it.
Now, if a wild fish goes airborne, swinging her head from side-to-side, and the only hook in the fish is the barbless tail hook on a 4 oz. jerkbait, well, you may rethink the barbless issue... |
