07-08-2008, 05:53 PM
always set the hook when you see the bite - whenever you're fishing for species you know you'll catch and release. other things that can help are barbless hooks and a good pair of hook cutters with some length in the nose. most fish will do just fine if you cut the hook and have been careful in handling them so the hook hasn't been tearing up their insides - even when gut-hooked. by clipping the hook the remaining portion will work itself free or simply rust and deteriorate away in time. if it's really deep or twisted just cut the line as close as you can to the hook. it will deteriorate fairly rapidly.
if you don't want to buy barbless hooks you can use heat shrink tubing to cover those barbs temporarily or even use pliers to flatten the barbs.
I still have to watch closely whenever I'm using certain techniques like carolina rigs - don't want those bass getting gut-hooked. g'luck, buddy!
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if you don't want to buy barbless hooks you can use heat shrink tubing to cover those barbs temporarily or even use pliers to flatten the barbs.
I still have to watch closely whenever I'm using certain techniques like carolina rigs - don't want those bass getting gut-hooked. g'luck, buddy!
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