Hook removal and hooks

[thekevster]

I have been reading some interesting stuff lately so I thought I should bring it up.Being a c&r angler like most bass anglers I want to release my catch.A few days ago a friend of mine deep hooked a small bass and we were not able to unhook it because of the damn barb and it did not survive
I have heard a old myth that its best to leave the hook in the fish when it swallows the hook into its throat and it will rust out but I am very skeptical about doing such a thing.Here is a couple good articles I have read and I want to know your guys opinions on what works for you and what you do?

http://www.nesportsman.com/articles/article11.shtml

http://www.bassdozer.com/articles/ma...k_in_out.shtml

The second thing I have been considering in the future is using barbless hooks or pinched down barbs to prevent damage to the fish in the event that the fish swallows the hook or its snagged,this would be new to me because my entire life I have used barbed hooks.What is everyones thoughts on barbless hooks vs barbed hooks? In exception to treble hooks.So basically on jigs,spinnerbaits,buzzbaits,soft plastics etc etc.
My biggest concern is would you sacrifice landing more fish and in a tournament that could be costly or is it worth the switch,would it make a difference in landing?
I have also been reading on fish dehookers for the event a bass swallows your hook like the ARC dehooker.

[Rebbasser]

I bought this style hook remover a couple of years back:

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/st..._SearchResults

I have been able to remove the hook from even deeply hooked fish with very little trouble, and it was well worth the investment.

[ohiobassfisher]

I have often found that if you push the hook back further and then lift up and the hook will come right out

[Jrob78]

I use the 'through the gill' method. It isn't fool proof and doesn't work every time but I still feel it's a better option than leaving the hook in. I also remember a study posted here that said if you leave the hook in and release the fish, leave 18" of line attached to the hook. It helps the fish pass food better.

http://www.electric-bass.org/throughTheGill.htm

[walkeraviator]

Nice post Jrob... i actually had this happen night fishin two weeks ago... had to turn a nice 18 inch fish lose with a hook in his gullet that i was afraid to remove... wish i had known this gil method before hand...

[Jrob78]

Originally Posted by walkeraviator

Nice post Jrob... i actually had this happen night fishin two weeks ago... had to turn a nice 18 inch fish lose with a hook in his gullet that i was afraid to remove... wish i had known this gil method before hand...

Like I said, it isn't fool proof and it doesn't work every time. When it does work though, it is amazing how easily the hook just pops out. I feel sick releasing a fish with a hook stuck in it that I know isn't going to rust out anytime soon. Go in through the last gill and flip the hook 180º, more often than not it will immediately pop free.

[BrownHL]

I fish the Tidal Potomac and I started pinching down the barbs two years ago and have not looked back. I also use the smaller version of the hook removal took mentioned above (similar to the one Dance uses on his show). Deep hook removal has never been so easy and my loss rate after hook up is no different than when fishing with barbs. Here is another good article on barbless fishing.
http://www.bigindianabass.com/big_in...val-study.html

[cassidyta]

I throw a lot of barbless. As I had mentioned in other posts, I have several bodies of water where it is required.
The only time where I think that it really matters is that split second where you try to net or lip the fish. This is the one time where I sometimes allow too much slack in the line.
I have had a lot of luck with pushing theh ook through and then cutting the tip/barb. I carry a long set of forceps for that very reason.
I don't worry too much on my jigs or spinner baits. I seldom have one of those too deep in the fish.

[thekevster]

Originally Posted by cassidyta

I throw a lot of barbless. As I had mentioned in other posts, I have several bodies of water where it is required.
The only time where I think that it really matters is that split second where you try to net or lip the fish. This is the one time where I sometimes allow too much slack in the line.
I have had a lot of luck with pushing theh ook through and then cutting the tip/barb. I carry a long set of forceps for that very reason.
I don't worry too much on my jigs or spinner baits. I seldom have one of those too deep in the fish.

Yea I was just thinking about that you really dont need barbless hooks on a jig or spinnerbait because the fish realizes what it is after its in its mouth and it wont swallow it.I will try pincing down the barb for soft plastics and see how well everything goes.

[thekevster]

I would feel pretty bad releasing a fish with a hook in its throat as well,yeah great post I will be using that through the gill method from now on.
Does this method also work on smaller bass?

[screwballl]

I have caught plenty of bass at a lake that has (well had at the time) a minimum 18" keeper limit that had partially corroded hooks in the gullet and even hard top lip. The chemicals inside the bass and the passing fish food help break it down and never seen any dead or unhealthy bass from this happening.