Barbed vs Barbless Hooks – Which to use?

Choosing between barbless and barbed hook is often a difficult choice and one that sparks debate among anglers. These two types of hooks will be discussed next in order to choose the right one.

B vs BL

What is a barbed hook?

Barbed hooks have a small and sharp triangular tip that is pointed in the opposite direction of the sharp end. This triangular tip is called a barb.

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What is a barbless hook?

Barbless hooks are hooks without barbs. Barbless hooks have just the pointy and sharp tip, with no triangle.

sld2-patriot-standard-dry-barbless-hooks

Advantages and disadvantages of a barbed and barbless hook

1. The advantage of the barbed hook

1)Keeps the fish hooked in one spot.

2)Less chance of losing fish.

3)No worries about crimping barbs before you head out.

2. The disadvantage of the barbed hook

1)Using barbed hooks will increase fish mortality. A barb on a hook makes a larger entry wound upon penetration and then makes an even larger more traumatic wound as it is being removed. This affects the fish's ability to feed, the wound may also become infected and the fish will eventually die.

2)When you accidentally stick yourself, it can be difficult and very painful to get them out.

3. The advantage of the barbless hook

1)Barbless hooks are less damaging to fish tissue, and the degree of hook damage and bleeding was generally light, especially for sensitive fish such as trout whose skin is prone to tearing and cracking.

2)Barbless hooks penetrate the tissue inside the fish mouth easier. Using them will increase the chance of successful hooking.

3)Removing a barbless hook is less time-consuming.  Nothing will get stuck, cut the fish, or even your hand.

4)Improved fishing skills. By using them you will have to learn to sense every motion of the fish and handle the equipment precisely.

5)Obeying the rules. Many areas and bodies of water actually prohibit the use of barbed hooks.

4. The disadvantage of the barbless hook

1)Easier to lose a hooked fish.

2)Potential to unhook and rehook the same fish.

3)Fishing is more challenging.


Post time: Dec-14-2022