Crimp barbs on Rapalas

[dea]

I've crimped the barbs down on all of my currently used Rapalas.

Over the last two weekends, I've landed about 15 fish. During this period I can say that I have lost more fish coming to the boat than when barbs were present - maybe 2-3fish per 10fish.

However, being that I'm not a tourney guy, but rather some dude that likes to fish, my skills are also most likely a factor.

IMHO, I am comfy the barbless nature of these rapalas are only minimally affecting fish catch and that the ease of release far outweighs any lost fish for situations where it is an easy catch.

For more challenging fishing situations, or if I'm deliberately setup to hunt for that tropy ( Deliberate use a larger Rapalas ), I would go with barbs.

[happyshad]

I would tend to agree with almost everything you are saying dea - with the exception of Tourney Guys - I've seen a number of them with lesser skills - fish landing wise - than your average die-hard dude! LOL Most fish that are lost due to a lack of pressure on the line - or too much. I've found that fishing monofilament line - or at least a leader of @ 6' really makes a big difference.

Your post has me thinking about fishing more with barbless hooks!!!! As well as better barbed hooks in "important" situations!

[jpkawalski]

Depending on where you live.. I have to (LAW) crimp all my barbs on my raps. keeping pressure,and reacting,still lands most fish. The barbless rule in certain places, is in effect in order to try to make the survival rate of the fish higher, after release.

[jmcfish10101973]

in some rivers and lakes i fish you have you use a single hook and i all ways use barbless hooks so i can release the fish more quickly

john

[walter]

i always crimp barbs on hooks and trebles, no matter what lure/bait i'm using or what i'm doing.

since i have problems with my wrists, i find it helps me a lot and also i don't lose much fishes this way