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Using Barbless Hooks

Making a hook barbless by using pliers to crimp down the barb Barbless hook

If you are using bait, either live or dead, always use non-offset circle hooks.

Unlike the standard "J"-style hooks, circle hooks are designed to roll as a fish takes the bait, thus resulting in the hook becoming lodged in the corner of the mouth as opposed to the gut or throat.

Barbs can easily be crimped flat with a pair of pliers, and an offset circle hook can be bent back to a non-offset angle.

Using a non-stainless hook ensures that it will eventually rust out if it is unable to be removed from the fish. Without a barb, the hook can be removed from the fish much more efficiently.