Unfortunately I'll not be making a Quetico trip this year. 
Mrs qp put her foot down shortly after getting wind of my FL paddle in Dec, that will not be including her due to her not getting off work.  Plus a few other areas I'll be paddling yet this year State side. 
Anyway, I was wondering how the new barbless hooks were doing for you guys this year?  Are you catching just as many as before or less.  "Remember catching means getting them in the boat."

My thought's were that the bass and walleyes would be lower totals.  Lakers and northerns I suspect it wouldn't matter as "for me" they tend to swallow the darn hook anyway.

Thanks qp

Now that the season is over, I have been thinking about my final feelings concerning barbless fishing.  I've looked on different message boards and have found little dialogue regarding barbless fishing, whether pro or con.

Like I had posted earlier in this string, I didn't see too much difference using barbless hooks, however we didn't catch the numbers we usually do, and now that the shock of going barbless in Quetico is over, it will be just another rule and a non issue in the coming years.

Since returning from Quetico, I have fished for smallies here in Arkansas several times.  I have gone completely barbless and I have to say that I will always fish that way, and there are several reasons why.

One---Releasing fish is very easy, which causes much less injury to the fish.  Even if the hook is deep, hooks can be removed and the fish swim away from a potentially deadly hook-up.  Makes you feel good to see them swim away insetead of flop around and become turtle bait.

Two---barbless hooks are easier to remove from your bags and equipment when they dig themselves into your gear in the canoe.  Nylon bags, ropes, clothing; we've all gotten a hook deep into our stuff only to be snagged, ripped and torn trying to get a hook with barbs out.  No problem with barbless hooks, even treble hooks.

Three---Barbless hooks remove easily when imbeded into your body.  Enough said.


Here in Arkansas, Smallmouth populations need to be improved, and in my opinion, going barbless would help if everyone fished for them this way.

I never thought I would ever be an advocate for anything, but I am thinking about starting a grass roots movement here for barbless hook fishing in Small Mouth Bass rivers. 

Hmmmmmmmm.....maybe I'll even print T-shirts that say,  "Go Barbless or go home."

Well, you didn't ask for it, but that's the way I feel.

Terry