Barbed or Barbless

[Common 40]

Big Debate last night amongst a few mates as to which is the most fish friendly? what are your thoughts?

[Bigfishy]

:confused: I'm not sure which is the most ' fish friendly ' but I prefer to use barbless simply because they are easier to unhook both from the fish and landing net

[Common 40]

several oppinions were, barbed hooks cause less damage due to the fact of being a much firmer hookhold thus preventing less hook movement enlarging the hole in the lip whilst playing a fish?

Other oppinions suggest that the barb itself does more damage and also the unhooking can cause severe damage if not done correctly?

 

I am unsure, however I allways use barbed or at the very least micro barbed if the fishery allows, simply because I get fewer hook pulls resulting in lost fish.

 

Should the fisheries welcome barbed hooks if its the case that they are kinder to fish?

[UK-Fishing-Tackle.co.uk]

I think some fisheries are starting to say micro-barbed only (or microbarbed preferred).

 

Really though proper research needs doing including looking at wider gap / circle hooks to see if they minimise the risk of deep hooking, rigs (i.e. fixed/safety), etc.

 

If we had an independent fishing comission who got the rod licence money (instead of the EA) perhaps this sort of thing can be investigated!

[*Ant*]

"most fish friendly?" - I don't know the deffinative answer, but for me it's usually barbed hooks with the barb crushed.

[edd]

truthfully i just dont know

[John S]

Depends on what you're fishing for, and how big the fish is. I know Steve Burke bans barbless hooks between a certain size because they can seriously injure or even kill perch. Whilst barbless hooks are easier to remove, they do not hold as good as barbed hooks, and in perch especially they can damage organs close to the surface.

 

Tight lines

[Common 40]

John S:

Depends on what you're fishing for, and how big the fish is.

 

Tight lines

Ok, I am ON A SPECIMEN LAKE WITH CARP TOLD UP TO 40LB AND CATS UP TO 70LB, I am fishing for my personal best as most of us do, and like the majority of us we have no idea how big the fish will be, "barbed or barbless" no rules restrictions... I am talking "fish friendly" to clear a certain point thats been haunting me for a long time and also friends of mine.. all I am asking is anglers preferences and why?

 

[ 11. September 2005, 03:12 AM: Message edited by: Common 40 ]

[Norfolkdan]

I think micro-barbed are the safest

[Bankside]

Barbed......without a doubt for fish that size!

 

Bankside