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Congratulations to Rat-L-Trap!
For those who haven't spin or bait-fished, Rat-L-Trap makes crank baits.
What?
On a fly fishing website?
You bet, and for good reason. Rat-L-Trap is one of the most popular crank
baits, with a huge variety of baits. Now, here's the big one - they have introduced
BARBLESS hooks. Yes, they are treble hooks, and the baits work just like they
always have - but the barbless hooks are a new concept in the crank bait business.
Ken Chaumont at Rat-L-Trap said the new "Freedom" barbless hooks are having
great acceptance with guides as well as members of the B.A.S.S. pro team, (and in
truth the pros on the tournament circuit mash the barbs down on their own hooks)
but the most resistance is from anglers who think barbless hooks make it harder to
land fish. They are working on educating those folks to understand the barbless
hooks actually make catching easier since the hook goes in easier and holds the fish
on the bend of the hook - they have even coated the hook with Nickel Teflon for
easy removal.
Quoting Ken, "There is a growing trend towards more catch & release fishing.
It makes good sense to release healthy fish, to enjoy catching another day. Because
some species are more fragile than others, they require better handling with a quick
release. The new Freedom hook slides right out with minimal stress and really
has little impact on your catch ratio.
It's also going to be a big hit with kids. Parents will like it because it's a very
safe hook to fish with. If you happen to get stuck by this hook, it will come
right out reducing the discomfort that's associated with the removal of a barbed
hook."
Rat-L-Trap is the FIRST traditional crank bait manufacturer to come
forward and offer barbless hooks. The Freedom series is available in their six
best selling colors, in 1/4 and ½ oz sizes. Ken says they intend to offer more
in the future - including a salt-water series.
A tip of the FAOL hat to Rat-L-Trap for stepping ahead of the industry on the
use of barbless hooks on their Freedom series. By the way, it is more expensive
to produce the barbless hooks, and there is no price increase on these baits.
Nice going!
And if those spin and bait fishers decide to fly fish? Barbless hooks won't be a new idea.
~ The LadyFisher
If you would like to comment on this or any other article please feel free to
post your views on the FAOL Bulletin Board!
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