Are barbs essential for bass fishing?

WTL · 05-24-10, 10:18 PM

I don't know the answer to this, and I don't remember this topic ever coming up...

Whereas we have some members who are prone to hooking themselves, and whereas it aids in catch and release, I was wondering if anyone wanted to discuss the topic of bending barbs down for those reasons. I know it is done often in some other areas of fishing, what about bass?

nofearengineer · 05-24-10, 10:32 PM

I am very tolerant of those who choose to bend their barbs down, or cut them off, etc. Oddly enough, a lot of them are not very tolerant of my use of them. I kind of get the feeling they would ban them if they ever got the chance. At that point, I would have to start filling my shotgun with barbless hooks, so they'd be easy to remove from their liberal butts.

cassidyta · 05-24-10, 10:33 PM

I have stated doing that on all of my finesse techniques. I have found that I have too many fish swallow the hook when drop shotting or split shotting.
We have a couple of lakes here that require it. For those lakes, I have my bigger "barbless" hooks in a seperate container.
As far as essential, I think that most would agree that it is not essential, but in a tourney, I don't want to take that chance on jigs, spinner baits, and cranks. I have enough issues with fish comming unbuttoned in those situations

TN_Bassin · 05-24-10, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cassidyta

I have stated doing that on all of my finesse techniques. I have found that I have too many fish swallow the hook when drop shotting or split shotting.
We have a couple of lakes here that require it. For those lakes, I have my bigger "barbless" hooks in a seperate container.
As far as essential, I think that most would agree that it is not essential, but in a tourney, I don't want to take that chance on jigs, spinner baits, and cranks. I have enough issues with fish comming unbuttoned in those situations

If I had to shave the barbs off of my spook i would probably just go to jail...

zooker · 05-25-10, 01:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TN_Bassin

If I had to shave the barbs off of my spook i would probably just go to jail...

i agree the barbs on single worm hooks are not really needed just pressure keeps them hooked up. how ever spinnerbaits buzzbaits and crankbaits i would REFUSE to use barbless..

zooker

brushhog · 05-25-10, 07:24 AM

If i read the question properly, you want to know if i would bend down barbs to avoid hooking myself or aiding in catch and release? For myself, even no I would not. For my children, especially the younger ones i do, to avoid exactly what you stated.

Mac2 · 05-25-10, 07:43 AM

I've had good success on single hooks, bending the barb down gently, and not flattening out the hump at the base of the barb....aiding both in the hook penetration and helping in keeping the hook in the fish while fighting as well as making it much easier in hook removal. It's simply insuring the edge of the pliars doesn't ride up on the hump when mashing the barb done.....doesn't take much pressure at all. Makes a smaller opening when the hook point enters the fish as well.

Jrob78 · 05-25-10, 09:19 AM

I've never had any reason to bend down barbs and fortunately I live in a state that doesn't get too involved in how I fish (yet). I can see where it would be useful in certain soft plastic techniques where deep hooking is more likely. Like Zooker said, for cranks, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and the like, I wouldn't do it.

tarpon120 · 05-25-10, 09:40 AM

I have had an experience with no barb while fishing a texas rig worm, unknowing to me a buddy of mine removed the barb while we were firshing a small pond at our office which was well stocked. The only problem I had was once I got the fish to the bank, any reduction of tension I would loose the fish, much to his amusement.

BassinNC · 05-25-10, 06:38 PM

I lose to many fish as it is. I def don't want to remove the barb.

RichZ · 05-25-10, 11:25 PM

I fish stripers all winter, and mash down the barbs on the jighead I use on the plastics I use for them. A week or two back, I was at Champlain, bass fishing, and wanted to throw a swim bait on a bit heavier jighead. Didn't think about it, but the one I pulled out had a mashed down barb. Caught a bunch of largemouth on it, and never lost one. Made me wonder why I don't do it on all the jigheads I use with soft plastics for LM & SM

Rebbasser · 05-25-10, 11:57 PM

Essential? I seriously doubt it. Do they help land fish? Absolutely.

Bassboss · 05-26-10, 08:15 AM

I do the same thing as cass. When I'm fishing with finesse stuff (other than shaky heading), and I'm even starting to do it senkos, because they seem to swallow the hooks so dadgum much. Also it's makes for easier penetration.

and nofear, I'm sure they have more important things to worry about.

Jim80 · 05-28-10, 12:01 PM

I have a couple spinnerbaits were the barbs are bent down because it was needed to unhook a toothy critter . That being said I still use trailer hooks on them so there is no loss in the ability to stay hooked up . Have not tried barb less worm hooks but would give them a shot if i had the chance .

jim

keithdog · 06-01-10, 06:21 PM

I'm wondering what bamabassman would have to say about all this.

Actually I can see the benefits of going barbless, but if your fishing for cash or to put a meal on the table I'd want barbs.

WTL · 06-01-10, 09:07 PM

In general I dont bend them down, but I cant help but think, in fishing where technology is king (x point and chemically sharpened hooks for instance), why have barbs not been improved?

What if, instead of a barb, there was just a rough area on the backside of the point - one that with human manipulation could be traversed, but would provide resistance to the wild shaking a fish does?

Snake2715 · 06-10-10, 02:15 PM

I am sure some of the folks around here have seen them but I bought some nice barbless treble hooks at a fishing show a couple of years back. They have a nice hump on them, but are barbless.

I figure that could also translate into a single large gap hook as well, but have not seen those before.

I used to bend them down and did lose a few more fish. It just depends on what is happening and how the bite has been. If I find they are swallowing due to me not realizing they are on, then I try to bend them down. If not I leave them be.

Justin2729 · 06-11-10, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TN_Bassin

If I had to shave the barbs off of my spook i would probably just go to jail...

haha i loved that comment!

screwballl · 06-14-10, 03:03 PM

nah I lose enough as it is so I need every edge possible... good thing I live in a state that sees that as a useless practice and doesn't have the nut jobs claiming we need to save the poor little fishies. If they swallow it, it doesn't matter if it has barbs or not, it is deep and less likely to come out without hurting the fish anyways.

dave0943 · 06-23-10, 01:29 PM

There has been talk of Michigan requiring barb less hooks when fishing out of season, before and after the waters open for keeping the catch. There are always rumors about our hunting and fishing rules here in Upper MI. Most of the time, when rumors are heard enough,they do become law within a few years. Do any hook companies sell barb-less Bass hooks? I have mixed feelings on the subject. I guess I can put up with it during off season, but kind off skeptical during open waters, especially when fishing tournaments. Man that would worry me!
Dave

05-24-10, 10:18 PM	#1
WTL BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Huntsville, Al Posts: 7,466	Are barbs essential for bass fishing? I don't know the answer to this, and I don't remember this topic ever coming up... Whereas we have some members who are prone to hooking themselves, and whereas it aids in catch and release, I was wondering if anyone wanted to discuss the topic of bending barbs down for those reasons. I know it is done often in some other areas of fishing, what about bass?

05-24-10, 10:32 PM	#2
nofearengineer BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southwest IN Posts: 5,630	I am very tolerant of those who choose to bend their barbs down, or cut them off, etc. Oddly enough, a lot of them are not very tolerant of my use of them. I kind of get the feeling they would ban them if they ever got the chance. At that point, I would have to start filling my shotgun with barbless hooks, so they'd be easy to remove from their liberal butts. __________________ Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing it is not fish they are after.

05-24-10, 10:33 PM	#3
cassidyta BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 2,928	I have stated doing that on all of my finesse techniques. I have found that I have too many fish swallow the hook when drop shotting or split shotting. We have a couple of lakes here that require it. For those lakes, I have my bigger "barbless" hooks in a seperate container. As far as essential, I think that most would agree that it is not essential, but in a tourney, I don't want to take that chance on jigs, spinner baits, and cranks. I have enough issues with fish comming unbuttoned in those situations __________________ If you have ever wondered if you should retie, the answer is yes.

05-25-10, 07:24 AM	#6
brushhog BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Whitesboro, NY Posts: 1,222	If i read the question properly, you want to know if i would bend down barbs to avoid hooking myself or aiding in catch and release? For myself, even no I would not. For my children, especially the younger ones i do, to avoid exactly what you stated. __________________ 3/4 of the Earth's surface is water and 1/4 is land. Clearly god wants me to fish, not mow the lawn.

05-25-10, 06:38 PM	#10
BassinNC BassFishin.Com Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: albemarle, NC Posts: 788	I lose to many fish as it is. I def don't want to remove the barb. __________________ 138 bass in 2K10. Biggest 4LBS 14oz.

05-25-10, 07:43 AM	#7
Mac2 BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 389	I've had good success on single hooks, bending the barb down gently, and not flattening out the hump at the base of the barb....aiding both in the hook penetration and helping in keeping the hook in the fish while fighting as well as making it much easier in hook removal. It's simply insuring the edge of the pliars doesn't ride up on the hump when mashing the barb done.....doesn't take much pressure at all. Makes a smaller opening when the hook point enters the fish as well.

05-25-10, 09:19 AM	#8
Jrob78 BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 4,671	I've never had any reason to bend down barbs and fortunately I live in a state that doesn't get too involved in how I fish (yet). I can see where it would be useful in certain soft plastic techniques where deep hooking is more likely. Like Zooker said, for cranks, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and the like, I wouldn't do it.

05-25-10, 09:40 AM	#9
tarpon120 BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Bluff Park, Alabama Posts: 154	I have had an experience with no barb while fishing a texas rig worm, unknowing to me a buddy of mine removed the barb while we were firshing a small pond at our office which was well stocked. The only problem I had was once I got the fish to the bank, any reduction of tension I would loose the fish, much to his amusement.

05-25-10, 11:25 PM	#11
RichZ BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 35	I fish stripers all winter, and mash down the barbs on the jighead I use on the plastics I use for them. A week or two back, I was at Champlain, bass fishing, and wanted to throw a swim bait on a bit heavier jighead. Didn't think about it, but the one I pulled out had a mashed down barb. Caught a bunch of largemouth on it, and never lost one. Made me wonder why I don't do it on all the jigheads I use with soft plastics for LM & SM

05-25-10, 11:57 PM	#12
Rebbasser BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 10,141	Essential? I seriously doubt it. Do they help land fish? Absolutely. __________________ It's happened to the best of them: John 21:3

05-26-10, 08:15 AM	#13
Bassboss BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Shawano, WI Posts: 7,761	I do the same thing as cass. When I'm fishing with finesse stuff (other than shaky heading), and I'm even starting to do it senkos, because they seem to swallow the hooks so dadgum much. Also it's makes for easier penetration. and nofear, I'm sure they have more important things to worry about. __________________ If you can't fix it with heavy squats or fish oil, you're probably going to die.

05-28-10, 12:01 PM	#14
Jim80 BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Thomaston CT Posts: 3,862	I have a couple spinnerbaits were the barbs are bent down because it was needed to unhook a toothy critter . That being said I still use trailer hooks on them so there is no loss in the ability to stay hooked up . Have not tried barb less worm hooks but would give them a shot if i had the chance . jim __________________ In memory of Zooker 1/11/73-7/2/2010. You will be sorely missed and never forgotten.

06-01-10, 06:21 PM	#15
keithdog BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: IN Posts: 8,308	I'm wondering what bamabassman would have to say about all this. Actually I can see the benefits of going barbless, but if your fishing for cash or to put a meal on the table I'd want barbs.

06-01-10, 09:07 PM	#16
WTL BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Huntsville, Al Posts: 7,466	In general I dont bend them down, but I cant help but think, in fishing where technology is king (x point and chemically sharpened hooks for instance), why have barbs not been improved? What if, instead of a barb, there was just a rough area on the backside of the point - one that with human manipulation could be traversed, but would provide resistance to the wild shaking a fish does?

06-10-10, 02:15 PM	#17
Snake2715 BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Mid Michigan Posts: 249	I am sure some of the folks around here have seen them but I bought some nice barbless treble hooks at a fishing show a couple of years back. They have a nice hump on them, but are barbless. I figure that could also translate into a single large gap hook as well, but have not seen those before. I used to bend them down and did lose a few more fish. It just depends on what is happening and how the bite has been. If I find they are swallowing due to me not realizing they are on, then I try to bend them down. If not I leave them be. __________________ -Josh

06-14-10, 03:03 PM	#19
screwballl BassFishin.Com Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: NWFL Posts: 654	nah I lose enough as it is so I need every edge possible... good thing I live in a state that sees that as a useless practice and doesn't have the nut jobs claiming we need to save the poor little fishies. If they swallow it, it doesn't matter if it has barbs or not, it is deep and less likely to come out without hurting the fish anyways.

06-23-10, 01:29 PM	#20
dave0943 BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Iron Mountain, MI Posts: 174	There has been talk of Michigan requiring barb less hooks when fishing out of season, before and after the waters open for keeping the catch. There are always rumors about our hunting and fishing rules here in Upper MI. Most of the time, when rumors are heard enough,they do become law within a few years. Do any hook companies sell barb-less Bass hooks? I have mixed feelings on the subject. I guess I can put up with it during off season, but kind off skeptical during open waters, especially when fishing tournaments. Man that would worry me! Dave

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)