Perhaps we need a hook website survey on salt water fishing in Washington, where barbless hooks are required to fish and in some cases have a season at all. Many of the saltys I know are using circle hook, that apparently dont hook too well in the areas that kill fish. I see no reason they could not be used for herring in the CR.

You and SBD often site reports which may prove your comment, but fail to post them. Who paid for the study is also a consideration.