I read so much on this board about "flossers" and the obvious dislike many here on ifish have for this method of angling. At the same time, I can't help but notice several of the people I know that fish beads and yarn and are (possibly) lining fish are some of the most ethical, conservation minded anglers I know, releasing nearly 100% of the fish they hook unharmed. Then I think of a plug puller that has trebles hanging off of the back of his plugs, or maybe a single siwash hanging back on a swivel, and the damage these hooks can do to a fish. Or a fly fisherman that has his glo bug inhaled by a fish which leads to bleeding from the gills when the hook is set. Or a drift fisherman throwing bait that hooks a fish deep and leads to a bleeder. Or a spoon chucker that with a large single siwash that hooks a fish in the eye. All of these are likely mortal wounds for the fish. Then I think of a someone lining fish...with a single small octopus hook, usually barbless, and nearly 100% of the time hooking the fish on the outside corner of the mouth at the gums or just inside, where it will (coincidentally) do the least amount of damage and chances for fish survival post-release are very high.

So why all the hate towards lining fish? Why is someone who lines fish less ethical than someone who mortally wounds fish using one of the "ethical" methods above? Some on here like Eyefish have seen the merits of focusing on the impact to the fish - not the method used - when deciding what is "ethical." His "hangback method" is a great example of keeping an open mind in an attempt to limit the impact on fish survival.

Not trying to start the flossing debate here - been hashed out waaayy too many times already. Just wanted to provide a different point of view and some food for thought on a quiet Tuesday afternoon. Peace.