Post by 3spots on Feb 3, 2012 14:46:46 GMT -5
Being that one of CGKF members brought it up, let's discuss the use of hooks that play an important role in conservation.
The circle hook
This hook was originally designed to be used by live/ cut bait fishermen while fishing for sport fish. The hooks were developed to be harder to swallow and that would cradle the fishes corner of the mouth as the fish swam off or when the angler applied pressure, thus creating less harm done to the fish. The angler could retrieve their catch, do the high fives, pose for a photo, and release a healthy fish. Recent laws were enacted that required fishermen to only use circle hooks for certain species of fish targeted.
Barbless hooks
Popularized by the fly tiers/ fly fishermen, these hooks are designed to create a solid hook set as long as the angler kept proper pressure applied to the line. The barbless feature allows conservative anglers to wrangle, secure, admire, and release beautiful fish as a part of their fishing experience.
Smashed barbs
Many anglers today fish with normal hooks and lures, but have developed a sense of conservation. To get the best of both worlds, anglers started smashing the barbs on their hooks and lures to limit damage to the mouth of fish they catch. As long as they keep proper pressure on the fish and utilize a landing net they can get their prize in, do a photo op, and then release safely.
Altered lures
Many fishermen around the country have taken a long look at their lures that have treble hooks. These anglers have replaced the trebles with single hooks, thus limiting the damage created when catching a fish that they may release.
**Feel free to continue this thread with corrections or additions to my statements. My disclaimer: I am not an expert at all these techniques. I fish utilizing some of these methods (some of the times), but do enjoy keeping fish to eat periodically.
**
The circle hook
This hook was originally designed to be used by live/ cut bait fishermen while fishing for sport fish. The hooks were developed to be harder to swallow and that would cradle the fishes corner of the mouth as the fish swam off or when the angler applied pressure, thus creating less harm done to the fish. The angler could retrieve their catch, do the high fives, pose for a photo, and release a healthy fish. Recent laws were enacted that required fishermen to only use circle hooks for certain species of fish targeted.
Barbless hooks
Popularized by the fly tiers/ fly fishermen, these hooks are designed to create a solid hook set as long as the angler kept proper pressure applied to the line. The barbless feature allows conservative anglers to wrangle, secure, admire, and release beautiful fish as a part of their fishing experience.
Smashed barbs
Many anglers today fish with normal hooks and lures, but have developed a sense of conservation. To get the best of both worlds, anglers started smashing the barbs on their hooks and lures to limit damage to the mouth of fish they catch. As long as they keep proper pressure on the fish and utilize a landing net they can get their prize in, do a photo op, and then release safely.
Altered lures
Many fishermen around the country have taken a long look at their lures that have treble hooks. These anglers have replaced the trebles with single hooks, thus limiting the damage created when catching a fish that they may release.
**Feel free to continue this thread with corrections or additions to my statements. My disclaimer: I am not an expert at all these techniques. I fish utilizing some of these methods (some of the times), but do enjoy keeping fish to eat periodically.
**