Snagly,

I've been using barbless hooks for steelhead fishing since C&R seasons began on the Skagit in 1981. Although I've had my moments when I was sure barbless was costing me landed fish (lost 11 consecutive one year), overall it seems like the % landed has remained about the same, barbed or barbless. Actually, I'm amazed at the number of times I've slack-lined a fish so as to release it without actually having to land it, and the hook wouldn't drop out! Sometimes that barbless hook can get pretty stuck in Mr. Steelhead's jaw.

One thing for sure, barbless hooks are a lot easier to get out of my coat and hat (I flyfish)!

Sincerely,

Salmo g.