filing vs. smashing

Mcjames	May 1st, 2009, 9:51 am
Cortland Manor, NY Posts: 139	What are the pros/cons of filing hook barbs vs. smashing them flat with pliers? Does it make a difference?
	I am haunted by waters

LittleJ	May 1st, 2009, 1:16 pm
Hollidaysburg Pa Posts: 251	I can't see an advantage to filing, it would take waaaaaay to much time. I crush my barbs and have no trouble getting them out of trouts mouths. Plus a lot of hooks have micro barbs, and they crush easily. jeff

Martinlf	May 1st, 2009, 5:48 pm
Moderator Palmyra PA Posts: 3231	I've heard that filing them can weaken the temper and make the points more brittle. On the other hand, you can get a point that looks like a Tiemco SPBL or a Knapek hook, which some think penetrates better and holds better. I'm just buying barbless hooks these days, on the advice of someone who fishes competition. If anyone knows what will hold a fish better these guys do.
	"He spread them a yard and a half. 'And every one that got away is this big.'" --Fred Chappell

Shawnny3	May 1st, 2009, 5:54 pm
Moderator Pleasant Gap, PA Posts: 1197	What Jeff said. -Shawn
	Jewelry-Quality Artistic Salmon Flies, by Shawn Davis www.davisflydesigns.com

Wbranch	May 3rd, 2009, 2:45 am
York & Starlight PA Posts: 2733
	Catskill fly fisher for fifty-five years.

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