Never been to the Q, but after last years trip, we are done with the BW. I'm starting the trip planning for next year and am curious about barbless hooks. Can someone tell me how you comply with the rule to "Pinch" the barbs? Does that simply mean you can smash the barbs down with your pliers? Do you file them off? Do you buy barbless hooks and replace the ones that came with the lure? How picky are the rangers when checking for barbless hooks?

Thank you in advance for any info!

Yes, you can just pinch the barbs with a pair of needle nose. And you only have to do it to the hooks on the end of your line. You can have barbed hooks in your tackle box so if you decide not to use a given lure for your whole trip, you can keep the barbs.

A second definition is it is what happens when a person in a red uniform finds you with a barb in the water or any other infraction. Good of you to check and be respectful of the park rules. It seems too many people do not appreciate wilderness.

What marsonite said

I just pinched them down until the barb didn't catch my skin as I rubbed across it with my finger. I did all of my lures, and will probably do it from now on. I only had a few fish lost, (seemingly the same as with barbed) and the time saved unhooking fish, clothes, other lures, etc. was well worth any fish I lost. Also, if I get a hook buried deep in myself, it will be easier to remove as well.

Thanks very much for the information. I try very hard to make sure we follow the letter and spirit of any rule. There are several guys who are no longer welcome to come with me because they couldn't, or wouldn't do the same.

Last year I buried a hook in my hand. First time in 53 years I had one go in past the barb. It was actually stuck in a tendon and it wouldn't go backward and going through the tendon wasn't a lot of fun, but it was my only choice. I think Gymcoachdon just gave me a good idea I never thought of and I'll probably follow his lead.

Thanks to all for the help.

quote gymcoachdon: "I just pinched them down until the barb didn't catch my skin as I rubbed across it with my finger. I did all of my lures, and will probably do it from now on. I only had a few fish lost, (seemingly the same as with barbed) and the time saved unhooking fish, clothes, other lures, etc. was well worth any fish I lost. Also, if I get a hook buried deep in myself, it will be easier to remove as well."

Yep!!!

quote marsonite: "Yes, you can just pinch the barbs with a pair of needle nose. And you only have to do it to the hooks on the end of your line. You can have barbed hooks in your tackle box so if you decide not to use a given lure for your whole trip, you can keep the barbs."

I use a pair of pliers and just where the barb starts, I pinch it down, and then roll the pliers and it really makes a good CLEAN pinched barb. So clean that when it goes into your thigh 1/4 inch deep it comes out really, really nice, with zero pressure.

I strongly advise you don't attempt to "test" my pinch methodology.....It does leave a mark.

:):)

quote gymcoachdon: "I just pinched them down until the barb didn't catch my skin as I rubbed across it with my finger. I did all of my lures, and will probably do it from now on. I only had a few fish lost, (seemingly the same as with barbed) and the time saved unhooking fish, clothes, other lures, etc. was well worth any fish I lost. Also, if I get a hook buried deep in myself, it will be easier to remove as well."

You can have barbed stuff in your gear, just none tied on. NO WAY, NO HOW am I pinching down all, since I fish around locally and there is no such requirement.

I understand the pros and cons of barbed versus no barbs, and I still prefer barbs when allowed.

After a few Q trips, I now pinch all of my treble hook barbs, except for Lake Superior spoons. It is SO much easier to release fish, get your lure out of the net, etc. With 6 and 11 year old boys, it is way safer, too.

Count me in for pinched barbs at all times. I also carry a set of fish grips and heavy duty cutters that are capable of cutting bigger size hooks.

2 years ago I had 3 hooks in my hand on different occasions. That is when I went to the grips. I also carry 11 inch long nose pliers. With the grippers and the pliers I can grip the fish boatside and remove the hooks while leaving the fish in the water. Better for me and my catch.
~JOE~

It seems to me that certain styles of treble hooks (round bend) are quite prone to unanticipated releases and that has me looking at single barbless hooks as replacements. Gamakatsu has "big river" barbless hooks which seem perfect as a replacement.