04-28-2014, 06:52 PM
I smash the barb on hooks as well when the full intent is catch and release. I think that is a good practice.
When it comes to casting lures that are meant to be retrieved and sustain action, a treble hook really is a must. The chance of a fish swallowing the lure or something of that nature is almost neal since the lure is in motion, and the target fish is in pursuit. Most fish caught off a retrieved lure gets that back hook, because they short strike after that moving target. Fact is, if you get a facing strike on the retrieve and your lure has circle hooks on it, you're going to loose a lot more fish that you'll ever hook up.
Now, slower worked lures, or targeting fish with small/soft mouths, you can probably get away with a circle hook since you're not banking on that initial set, and can give the fish time to swing before you let them have the elbow grease. I would challenge ANYONE to this. Swap your trebles for circle hooks and go out and target summer time LMB or a similar species. I bet you get your feelings hurt. Part of being a great angler is using the right tools for the job. Sometimes we can substitute the terminal piece of our gear for the sake of being a responsible angler. But other times, you just have to use the right stuff that gets the job done. You can still be a responsible angler, and use treble hooks.
What i don't agree with are people that use treble hooks in a way they weren't meant to be. For instance, like bottom fishing with natural or live bait. It's just a bad idea. I've seen many fish gut hooked with a treble, both fresh and saltwater. It's a
situation. A circle hook just does it better. With a big fish you want that hook in the corner of the jaw, and nothing insures that happens like a circle hook.
I don't agree with banning all treble hooks flygoddess, but I would totally support putting guidelines on their use, Starting with banning their use for bottom fishing situations. [cool]
[signature]
When it comes to casting lures that are meant to be retrieved and sustain action, a treble hook really is a must. The chance of a fish swallowing the lure or something of that nature is almost neal since the lure is in motion, and the target fish is in pursuit. Most fish caught off a retrieved lure gets that back hook, because they short strike after that moving target. Fact is, if you get a facing strike on the retrieve and your lure has circle hooks on it, you're going to loose a lot more fish that you'll ever hook up.
Now, slower worked lures, or targeting fish with small/soft mouths, you can probably get away with a circle hook since you're not banking on that initial set, and can give the fish time to swing before you let them have the elbow grease. I would challenge ANYONE to this. Swap your trebles for circle hooks and go out and target summer time LMB or a similar species. I bet you get your feelings hurt. Part of being a great angler is using the right tools for the job. Sometimes we can substitute the terminal piece of our gear for the sake of being a responsible angler. But other times, you just have to use the right stuff that gets the job done. You can still be a responsible angler, and use treble hooks.
What i don't agree with are people that use treble hooks in a way they weren't meant to be. For instance, like bottom fishing with natural or live bait. It's just a bad idea. I've seen many fish gut hooked with a treble, both fresh and saltwater. It's a
situation. A circle hook just does it better. With a big fish you want that hook in the corner of the jaw, and nothing insures that happens like a circle hook. I don't agree with banning all treble hooks flygoddess, but I would totally support putting guidelines on their use, Starting with banning their use for bottom fishing situations. [cool]
[signature]