barbless hooks

[mrcarp]

hi is it better to use barbless hooks when pike fishing i catch and release only. will it hurt my catch rate and can i just pinch them down or do i need to file them down. thank you.

[shamalex72]

It shouldn't affect your catch rate much. I just pinch the barbs down with a needle nose and it seems to work fine.

[Mike Wallace]

I suppose it could hurt your catch rate...but, it will increase your release success and if, on the off chance you get the hooks in you, it will be easier to release yourself.

All of my hooks have been pinched or filed.

Good luck!

[delmuts]

i pinch the barbs down on everything that has more than a single hook( jigs or spinnerbaits) as long as you can keep constant pressure on the fish you will lose very few from having the barbs pinched down, and a lot easier to release fish.

[bubs]

like they say pinch the barb down. set the hook hard to drive the hooks in deeper and keep the line tight. Watch your line if it starts to come up, dive your rod into the water this will help keep the fish from jumping. also buy a file and keep the hooks sharp. there is a chance of loosing a few more fish but then again I have lost plenty with barbed hooks too.