Quote:
Originally Posted by Wulfespirit
With that said, there is at least one significant study out there that shows only a miniscule percentage difference in release mortality when using barbed vs. barbless hooks. I'm sure there are others that show a more significant difference. Perhaps more science is required to firm up your numbers.
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The study I read in great detail (but haven't been able to locate again), also indicated a very minimal difference in mortality rates between barbed and barbless hooks.
The study did indicate that the fish are more inclined to suffer ocular damage with the use of barbed hooks.
I did a heck of a lot of damage to a fish this weekend with a single barbless hook . . . more damage than I've ever done to a fish before: even when I used nothing but barbed treble hooks. At least it was legal to keep it. I don't think it would have survived.