I do not know if barbless hooks will really help but it sounds like a good idea that could be checked out a little more. I sure don't see any point in making offensive comments about the idea. Seems like in the last few days I read a lot of post from a lot of people that were so upset about big bass caught at Choke that died. Now a suggestions is made that might help save fish, and that idea is getting ripped apart.

if my hooks do not kill them im sure the hot grease will

A lot of the trout streams I fish say barbless only but they are very hard to find. It would take the tackle companies to start making more barbless hooks baits. Personally other than bluegil and catfish on live bait I rarely have a foul hooked fish. Small bass (5"-9") that hit say a grasshopper popper with two trebble hooks can be tough to unhook the others not to bad. I have been using more circle hook for wacky rig fishing and all fish have been caught and released what seems in good condition.
An important point somewhat lost is handleing of the fish.

Just for clarity of point I fish for food or money for the most part. Fishing for fun this is something I would seriously consider. Just gotta remember to change the hook before tournament day.

Mashed down barbs will cost you fish and in a tournament that can cost you more than a fish. On the other hand most of the lakes I fish for bass have more fish than ever except that they seem to be getting smaller on average. Catch and release has already done wonders for bass but on lakes like Joe Poole where many folks go and keep everything they catch for consumption it can be devastating. Will a barb less (or mashed down barb) hook save a few fish? No doubt but on many lakes it probably wouldn't hurt to take a few out and on the others the hot grease will kill exponentially more than my hooks. I have lost maybe 2 fish in the live well or at weigh in the last two years. One of them my partner caught and the other hardly fought coming to the boat and in retrospect I think it already had issues. I think the important things in the hot weather is to land them quick, handle them as little as possible, keep the weigh in line moving, put as much water in the weigh in bag as possible and get those fish back in the lake ASAP.

I for one hope they dont make barbless hooks a requirement!

I have WAAAAY to much $$$$$ invested in hooks with barbs and I dont need anyone telling me how to catch fish!

you are one of the true geniuses i knew would really consider the thought before responding....... thanks einstein jr., we all love hearing from you, the density is entertaining.

I appreciate the thought but its not just live bait fishing, and not just gut hooked fish. these guys catch tons of smallies, pike, and muskies fishing barbless. You think they hook more than a few smallies on jig heads rigged with grubs or tubes? those jig heads are barbless. what about the soft jerk baits? they are rigged barbless....to address the issue of mouth hooked fish, how do you know if you are going to mouth hook them or not?

to agree with some of your comments,however, cutting the hook as close to the barb as possible is a great idea. thanks

as far as fishing for food, my grandfather fished for food because they lived in a tent on the side of a road during the depression.He also ate squirrels and turtles as well as opossum(he's still alive 93 years old and says they're greasy by the way). He still scolds me for throwing fish back. But in todays world you spend 3.00 a gallon on gas, 30000+ on a boat and 7 bucks for a crankbait to catch fish to eat? you can buy all types of wonderful fresh fish at the market for 5 bucks a pound. are there places where small bass need to be harvested for the overall good of the bass polulation? absolutely... if that is where you are fishing and what you are referring to, I accept that and support it as well, otherwise with regards to bass fishing for something to eat...doesnt make sense to me, financial or from a conservation standpoint.

as far as tourney fishing... different story, there would have to be agreement that it is best for the sport and everyone would have to abide....it would almost be a livewell then hook check. not fun but if it protects the species so your kids can catch big ones in tourneys..... should it be considered? a whole country that loves to fish has already adopted it.They have tournaments too.

thus the comment I would like to see this come from fisherman not government regulation

It will shoot the trap out it's mouth like a bullet leaving a gun

About one head shake and that's all she wrote..........

Is there a shortage of bass that is driving the 'release only' and 'no barb' discussions? Wikipedia states bass fishing was an established sport in North America by the early 1900s indicating there was a singificant presence targeting the specie. I am sure they used barbs then, we still use them today and the bass population still appears plentiful. Limits, slots, etc seem effective (better enforcement would do wonders but at what cost - different thread).

No change needed...

so we are discussing ways to help sustain the species and your main concern is they might shake off of a rattle trap? sheer genius and some long range thinking there. if your worried about one getting away, blow them up with dynamite and they wont escape that way either einstein.

how many summertime bass tournaments were there in the early 1900's? because there isnt a problem now means there never will be? we arent talking about just numbers of fish here, we are talking about trying to keep the genetics of big fish moving along the same positive track they are on now.

Relax and laugh a little. I thought,.......by reading the initial post that he was looking for the "commie" comments?????
My bad. He is talking about applying rules that are used in a part of the world where it freezes half the year and they have a season for fishing. I think it is a little quick for you to take my comment out of context. If killing or possibly harming fish is a concern I offered an alternative. I also offered perspective that would be applicable today with all that the Government is doing to take over our daily lives. If you continue dialogue that even hints that you are less of a conservationist by harvesting fish or even that the hooks most fisherman use to enjoy the activity of fishing, you give PETA a foothold to chip away at what I love doing.

Those who are in favor of barbless hooks please feel free to lead by example. In fact while you're at it feel free not to fish the spawn or water over 80. I appreciate anyone willing to lead by example.