Change in use of BARBED HOOKS:

[LadyFisher]

FISHING RULE CHANGE
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
December 22, 2010

NOTE: The department issued a news release announcing its decision to make this change on Dec. 7.
Barbed hooks allowed on Columbia River
Action: Allow the use of barbed hooks for recreational fishing.
Effective dates: Jan. 1, 2011 until further notice.
Species affected: Salmon and steelhead
Location: Columbia River, from the mouth to McNary Dam
Reasons for action: Washington?s sport fishing rules in this area of the Columbia River are not similar to Oregon?s. To avoid confusion for sport anglers, the implementation of the barbless rule will be delayed.
Information Contact: WDFW Region 5 Office, 360-696-6211, TeamVancouver@dfw.wa..gov
Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license. Check the current WDFW ?Fishing in Washington? rules pamphlet or the Fishing section of the WDFW webpage at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/ for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing regulations are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500; press 2 for recreational rules; call the Shellfish Rule Change hotline, (360) 796-3215, or toll free 1 (866) 880-5431.

[LadyFisher]

I'm really not thrilled to see this - I don't care what Oregon does or doesn't do. It sets a very bad precedent.

[jeffw]

I concur. Perhaps Oregon should make a change and go barbless.

Jeff

[sagefisher]

I would love to see barbless be the common law everywhere. Maybe in time. Maybe.

Larry ---sagefisher---

[Bass_Bug]

Most people don't realize that barbs were added to hooks just to help hold the bait on. It had nothing to do with catching or releasing the fish. At least that what I read somewhere. Now if that has any truth to it, any self respecting fly angler would never even think about using a barbed hook on the 'bait' premise alone.

[fishdog54]

I like that hooks come with barbs, especially streamer hooks. I do pinch the barbs down which leaves that bump. The bump helps keep the hook in the fish, but also allows for a smooth release. I'm thinking that it would be nice to have hooks manufactured with bumps instead of barbs, but that may not be feasible/cost effective. Some times, with larger streamer hooks, with the larger barbs, the barbs will break instead of bending and you have to file it a bit to get a smooth bump. Fish seem to be able to throw streamer hooks easier than other type hooks, at least thats been my observation. YMMV!

Best regards, Dave S.