To Barb or not to Barb ; and opinion piece

As a fly fisherman, one of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing whether to use barbless or barbed hooks. While barbed hooks have long been the standard, there's growing evidence that barbless hooks are a better option for both the angler and the fish.
Let's start with the benefits for the angler. One of the biggest advantages of using barbless hooks is that they're much easier to remove from a fish's mouth. This means less time spent struggling with the hook, which can be especially important if you're practicing catch and release. In fact, many anglers find that barbless hooks actually increase their catch rates, since they can set the hook more easily and quickly release the fish back into the water.
Another advantage of barbless hooks is that they're less likely to cause injury to the fish. When a fish is hooked with a barbed hook, the barb can tear the fish's mouth, making it more difficult for the fish to eat and increasing its risk of infection. In contrast, barbless hooks are much less likely to cause this type of damage, which can help ensure the fish's long-term survival.
Now, let's talk about conservation. While fly fishing is often seen as a more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to other forms of fishing, it's important to remember that even catch and release fishing can have an impact on fish populations. That's why using barbless hooks can be an important part of responsible fishing.
First, let's consider the mortality rate of fish that are caught and released. While the exact rate varies depending on a number of factors, studies have generally found that mortality rates can be quite high, particularly for certain species. However, using barbless hooks can help reduce these rates. In one study, researchers found that the use of barbless hooks reduced mortality rates for brown trout from 14% to just 2%. That's a significant improvement, and one that can help ensure the long-term health of fish populations.
In addition, using barbless hooks can help reduce the amount of handling required when releasing a fish. When a fish is hooked with a barbed hook, the angler often needs to spend more time removing the hook, which can be stressful for the fish. In contrast, barbless hooks can be removed more quickly and easily, which means less time spent handling the fish and less stress for the animal.
Of course, it's worth noting that there are some downsides to using barbless hooks. For one thing, they can make it more difficult to keep a fish on the line, particularly if you're targeting larger or more aggressive species. In addition, it can take some time to adjust to using barbless hooks, since you'll need to be more careful with your hook set and fight the fish more gently.
Overall, however, the benefits of using barbless hooks for both the angler and the fish are clear. Not only do they make catch and release fishing easier and more effective, but they can also help promote the long-term health of fish populations. So if you're a fly fisherman who hasn't yet made the switch to barbless hooks, now might be the time to give them a try. Who knows, you might just find that they improve your fishing experience in more ways than one.