Like has been said above this isn't the end all cure all to the problem but it is a something we can do as sportsmen to help a little. It doesn't increase the survival rate that much but any increase is a plus. I also agree that it doesn't have to be single barbless, Siwash hooks do a lot of damage from being longer shanked and getting further back in the fish's mouth. I have seen many more fish that have a hook coming through and eye or back into the gills with siwash hooks. you are better off with a barbless treble in my opinion over a siwash if you are going to be releasing fish. I have never noticed a significant increase of lost fish due to barbless, I actully think you get better hookups because there isnt that extra piece of hook that has to penetrate. The hooks slide out a lot better and that makes release easier in my opinion. We turned loose a lot of springers in the columbia last year and once we went to barbless it was a lot quicker and easier. This is a hot issue as always and we will all have different opinions on what is the best way to go.

[ 12-27-2001: Message edited by: Firedog ]