FISH HANDLING BASICS

[WanderingBlues]

And don't forget to pinch the barbs. Obviously, there's waters where it's the law. But it's a good thing as well for smaller trout. I'm bad to remember this, especially after I've re-tied a few times. I actually have it written in sharpie on my fly box now.

[Wildman]

Ain't that the truth, Mike.

I would like to steal the C&R poster for use in other places. I think it really makes the point.

[Flatsix]

And don't forget to pinch the barbs. Obviously, there's waters where it's the law. But it's a good thing as well for smaller trout. I'm bad to remember this, especially after I've re-tied a few times. I actually have it written in sharpie on my fly box now.

And when you do pinch the barbs make sure you pinch them down reeeeally good. I tried to back a hook that I'd debarbed out of my finger a couple of months ago and realized that it'd be less painful to push it all the way through, smash the barb correctly and then remove it instead of pulling it back out and taking a lot of of meat with it. Either way it was painful and bloody, lesson learned.

[briansII]

And don't forget to pinch the barbs. Obviously, there's waters where it's the law. But it's a good thing as well for smaller trout. I'm bad to remember this, especially after I've re-tied a few times. I actually have it written in sharpie on my fly box now.

And when you do pinch the barbs make sure you pinch them down reeeeally good. I tried to back a hook that I'd debarbed out of my finger a couple of months ago and realized that it'd be less painful to push it all the way through, smash the barb correctly and then remove it instead of pulling it back out and taking a lot of of meat with it. Either way it was painful and bloody, lesson learned.

Yes and no.

Even a barbed hook can be removed the way it entered.

http://www.bishfish.co.nz/articles/general/hookout.htm

Don't watch if you have a weak stomach.

I can attest to this method, as I have done it to other people, myself, and had it done to me. It's not always "painless", but my guess it's it's less painful than pushing the hook through, and snipping off the barb. BTW, no fly enters my boxes until they have the barb smashed. It is a bit of hassle, but I can tie a fly on without ever worrying about mashing barbs. One less thing to worry about when you are surrounded by rising fish.

briansII

[Flatsix]

Is Makers Mark the approved surgical anesthesia for the procedure?

[briansII]

Is Makers Mark the approved surgical anesthesia for the procedure?

Absolutely! In straight form, and prescription quantities, it's very effective.....another thing I can attest to.

briansII