Barbless hooks?

I was thinking of going to an area that requires Barbless Hooks, does flattening the barb down with a pliers work for this?

It does on the Red River in Canada.

It may make a difference in the area/state your fishing.

If you have a Dremal tool it makes quick work of this chore.
Now where ya going???

We just used pliers to flatten down the barbs up on Lake St Joseph in Ontario, Canada.
By the way folks…Lake St Joseph is a fantastic drive to fishery for walleye and big northerns. Great place.

Whitewater State Park

In WI, for our early trout season, pinching the barbs down is all that is required.

We did it for Northerns last week on Lac Seul. Actually adds to the fun. Really don’t think we lost any that were hooked up. Sure is much better on the fish.

Pinching down the barbs will work. After your finished crimping the barb down, lightly run your finger over it and if it catches anything sharp do it again.
This is one way the DNR will check your hooks.
I have been meaning to get down there this year so let us know how you do.

Good Luck,
Ron

Those Rapala pliers have slots on them for doing this.

Makes unhooking a human much more humane, too!! I don’t think you will find catch rates to be much different. Always keep a tight line though!!

Kirt,

I Trout fish there quite often and crimpping with pliers is all that is required.
Have fun and good luck,

Terry Filkins
NPAA #180

Crimping is perfectly legal… I fish the area alot, thats all i do. And I’ve been checked by ther C.O. so i know it ok… Keep ur lines tight tho… those browns seem to have it down to a science on how to throw a barbless hook!!!!!

Just watch out on pinching down barbs, as you can break off the point as well and then the hook/fly is useless…I tie, so I bend the barbs at the vise before even tying. Just be careful pinching them down.