Barbless hooks?

[SageBoy]

I'm sure this is a topic that is probably just a matter of opinion but I am going to throw it out there anyway.

Do you think that a barbless hook decreases your chances of loosing a fish? I have heard some people say that it does and others say it doesn't. What is your opinion? I would like to hear what the Reel-Timers out there think.

[capemike88]

Without a doubt you will loose more fish with barbless hooks, with one exception maybe hard mouthed species where you need to punch it in as far as it will go (#$119)

Anyways thats my story and im stickin to it

[albacized]

I'm only going to try this for the first time this season although I've heard that there isn't much difference in the landing ratio. However, later in the season when bones and albies show up, I'm going back to keeping the barb. BTW, I don't know if you mean to actually purchase barbless hooks or simply mashing down barbs on hooks you already own. But just incase you mean the former vs the latter, save your money and either mash or file the barbs on hooks you already have.

[dcobbett]

Do you think that a barbless hook decreases your chances of loosing a fish?

No, but I fish from a aboat, and that could make a difference in that I can move that first few feet faster than someone that is wading. I also don't think fishing barbless really increases my chances of losing a fish.

[teflon_jones]

I think it definitely decreases your chances of landing certain fish, especially ones that jump and shake their heads a lot. They have a good shot of getting slack in the line so the fly will come out. For species that just bull you, like carp, I don't think it really hurts your chances since it's easy to maintain constant pressure on the fish to keep the hook in.