Sooner or later, your ear, neck, fingers or someone elses skin is going to meet the point of a hook. Whether it meets a hook with the barb still in place will determine whether the removal process is simple or more painful may depend upon whether you took the time to use barbless hooks or crimp the barb down when tying the fly or crimping it streamside as you tie it on.
The simple process of removing the barb will hugely facilitate removing the hook from flesh or clothing (much more common spot for the hook to snag into).
These links are similar to many others out there that suggest how to remove a hook with barb from flesh…it might be easier to use barbless hooks to start with or crimp the barb down. (Removal) or (Removal)
Ouch!! know the feeling still got one imbedded in my finger after it snapped off trying to get it out.
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Those hurt even after they are out. Hope no infections!
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got hooked in the leg the other day good thing it didnt go deep that would have hurt , i seen a good video on yuotube about this looks like it worked great
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Ouch! This photo reminds me of a time my sister went to cast a fishing line and ended up with the hook in the back of her head (we were kids – and not paying attention). Too bad we didn’t have your recommendations then!
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Gary, I have become besotted with barbless hooks, they have virtually no disadvantages other than easily falling out of one’s hat. They hook more fish, do less damage to the fish and you the angler if you are unfortunate enough to sink one into your hide. They allow one to fish lighter tippets and softer rods and still hook up properly. I have used barbless or de-barbed hooks exclusively for well over a decade and I honestly cannot find a downside…other than the loss of those flies from my hat of course.. For many anglers it is just a “security blanket” mental issue, but I assure everyone that you will hook more and lose less fish on barbless hooks because they offer far better penetration. For the sake of your own skin and the fish too, barbless really is the only way to go, I would fish them even were I fishing for the pot.
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I agree. It just simplifies everything from releasing fish to taking that misquided hook out of clothing and flesh…be it your own or some unfortunate soul nearby.
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Ouch!!!
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