catch and release

san dimas

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 20, 2012
Messages
369
I usually catch and release my fish. With trout I flatten the barbs on the hooks. Should I flatten the barbs on my hooks for bass fishing?
 

foodfisher

Captain
Joined
Feb 18, 2009
Messages
3,756
It will do less damage to the fish, but there will be less catching and more releasing.
 

dingbat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
16,317
I remove treble hooks from lures and replace with singles. Use circle hooks when bait fishing.
 

san dimas

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 20, 2012
Messages
369
I think I will flatten them. Changing treble hooks for singles sounds like a good idea. If I don't get the fish to the boat, that's OK with me:)
 

jkust

Rear Admiral
Joined
Aug 2, 2008
Messages
4,942
I've only barbless fished one time on a guided fly fishing trip in the mountains of Colarado for tiny little trout. Wow it was a challenge to get those guys into the boat. I can only imagine how challenging fishing for bass would be without a barbed hook.
 

crb478

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Dec 6, 2006
Messages
1,036
I second the there will be less catching and more releasing. I fish for bass and throw them all back. This spring I probably have caught 40 bass and was able to release all of them with no real damage, often the treble hooks had them snagged on the outside of their mouth. To me it is more important to be prepared with pliers and a hook remover to release them quickly.
 
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