I de-barb on the water…and only where required. With trout-sized patterns, I have never really found removing the hook to be a struggle. Especially with forceps.
I do not buy in to the damage issue. I feel a barbless hook moves around while playing a fish much more than a barbed hook. Causing just as much damage in many cases. A small barbed hook stays put. Just my thoughts.
I do however feel with larger hooks the damage can be an issue. Mainly do to the size of the barb itself.
[FONT=Tahoma]DNR officers will also use a cotton ball to check for barbless hooks, if any cotton is hooked they consider that NOT barbless.
For those who use a vise to squash the barb flat, have you notice any damage to the vise jaws by doing this???
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Did I read that right? $10 for 1000 hooks? Pray tell, where do you get your hooks, and what kind are they?
No. Not with my Regals. Never had a problem.
Ralph
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Originally Posted by AlanB 
With the exception of TMC they don’t cost more. Last lot I bought cost me about $10/ thousand.
Cheers,
C.
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Did I read that right? $10 for 1000 hooks? Pray tell, where do you get your hooks, and what kind are they?
I would also like to know where you get barbless hooks for $10 per thousand. I’ve been getting mine for a little over $10 per hundred.
They were a job lot of Hyabusa hooks I picked up. Wish I could get a regular supply. Size 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 down eye light wire and 18 & 20 straight eye also light wire. Usually when I spot a deal like this I don’t have cash on hand to take advantage. This time I did, and, as I have a shop to tie for, on barbless, in that size range, I’m very happy I did. They were 57 UKP for the lot including P&P that works out at about $10 a thousand. The best regular supply I have found is from Finney’s Flies at 6 UKP (about $9) per 100.
Cheers,
A.
Thanks for the info.
Thanks. $9 per 100 isn’t too bad a deal either.
Try Hagensfish.com They have what I think are Dai-Riki (same numbers) for about $60/1000. near the end of the catalogue.
Rick
THIS THREAD SEEMS TO WANDER INTO HOOK COST. To add my $.02 worth I’d suggest Eagle Claw from Cabela’s. Thank you guys for the good comments on barbs.
So, Ray, any conclusion drawn?
Those who would, should; those who wouldn’t, shouldn’t, unless required by law.
I have recently started to debarb only because it is easier to remove the hook when the fish decides to take it deep and the fish spends less time out of the water. I have noticed a few more spit outs but it’s all good.
Mortis,
Good point. We do the quick release when we get the fish to us. While having pressure on the trout suddenly point the rod at the fish thus releasing all pressure and the hook often releases from the trout