Northwest Fishing Reports

I fish all of my silver fish gear single hook & barbless. I was wondering about doing the same with my bass stuff. What do you do for bass as far as pinched barbs and switching out trebles?

I never pinch the barbs out.

A bass will inhale a lure,and exhale a lure,the barb keeps this from being exhaled unless you don't want to see the fish. Keep your barbs!!

Bass don't die like silver fish. They can take the extra 15 or so seconds for dehooking out of water. The hooks themselves don't really hurt the bass. Once in a while I catch one with a hook scar through the top of the head or eye, so they survive.

What was your reason for wanting to pinch the barbs?

Personally, i would leave em them.
But I do think switching from trebles to single point hooks works well on cranks...i dont do this myself, but i think Sam K posted something about that...im not exactly sure though...

Barbs stay:thumleft: As usual, thanks for all your responses.

leave the barbs on it makes life a little easier................LOL

iPodrodder wrote:Bass don't die like silver fish. They can take the extra 15 or so seconds for dehooking out of water. The hooks themselves don't really hurt the bass. Once in a while I catch one with a hook scar through the top of the head or eye, so they survive.

Most true, Bass are hardy fish. They can take abuse, a lot more than salmon/trout. I've caught plenty of one eyed blind fish and they're doing fine.

There is one thing I read about damaging a bass, is that you should not hold a big bass horizontal by it's jaw. Especially largies, it can damage their jaw. If you do hold it horizontal, make sure you have a second hand supporting it's remaining weight.

Nice reply kzoo,..that makes alot of sense,..hey gringo,..about the only thing I have done as far as hooks go is swap them out for red,..haven't seen a huge difference but it makes me smile,..I'd leave the Trebles!

BB