Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations barbless hooks

I often do when fishing for BG so I can release them easily without harm. When I'm fishing for CC, no.

I just flatten the barb out with a pair of pliers. It leaves a little hump that partially holds the hook in but still is easily removed.

We fillet lots of BG (and natural hybrids) as well as release the ones we think are nice specimens for breeding. Mashing the barbs down make us lose a fish once in a great while but not really all that often.

Now SMB, that is another story. They will shake a lure from their mouth even with barbs. Without barbs it is more like a "catch momentarily" experience.