SAFE Tackle #1: Barbless Hooks
Switch to barbless hooks
- It’s safer for us anglers – when you hook yourself, it’s not as traumatic
- Taking kids fishing is important, and you want to protect your kids from barbed hooks
- It’s better for fish, and you really don’t lose any more fish, once you figure out how to keep a tight line
- Your hooks don’t get caught in nets and boat carpet and clothing as badly
- Unhooking fish is faster, which means release comes more quickly, reducing air exposure time
- Deeply hooked fish have better survival rates with barbless hooks
- Barbless hooks have outstanding penetration – hooks sink deep, fast, baits never hang on the barb
Here’s how to go barbless: barbs on wire hooks can be flattened with pliers
- Large hooks and saltwater hooks might need to be filed down
- Pinching leaves a little "bump" which is like a semi-barb, kind of a happy medium
Back to S.A.F.E. Tackle List
On to S.A.F.E. Tackle #2 - Single Hook Lures
