Well, FJ15, I guess I'm one of those "stupid people" then, as I fish the short side of holes many times, catching those fish that guys fishing the "right" side can't reach because of depth and water speed.

I guess I could use a wool glove or a cable-tailer.....just kidding, but you can bet you're going to see more of that kind of thing.

Salmo G and Rich....I use barbless hooks almost exclusively. I don't mind cutting my line. I use the cheapest of gear, so that's not a problem. If I'm close enough to snip my line though, I'm most likely close enough to just unhook the fish. (You know guys with $3 spoons or spinners aren't going to be cutting any line.)

I think maybe my only option is to use an unhooking tool....man, I can see the "high sticking" rods breaking now.. Geez, guys, this "keep 'em in the water" rule really is not a good one, in my opinion. One-man drift boats are going to be in a tough spot too. Oh well, maybe someone will reconsider....thanks for the responses.