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[fishseeker]

I was out flyfishing the other day and found myself into a lot of fish.  A very rare event for me and it was a tremendous thrill.

Anyway, after landing four I realized (oops!) that I had forgotton to remove the barb from my hook so I dutifully went ahead and removed it.  After that is was maddening, I was into just as many fish but I just couldn't get them into my net (I think I managed to hook into another five but only landed one ).

I was maintaining tension in my line and keeping my rod tip up so that it would absorb the fast runs but they would get off either by jumping and throwing the hook or by making sudden twists.   It seemed to be more difficult when I got them in close.  Maybe I was trying to get them in too fast because I was doing catch and release and I didn't want to exhaust them.

Any of you experts out there know the best way to deal with that? 

[TrophyHunter]

can't wait to see the replies to this post lol
TH

[bbronswyk2000]

Sharpen your hooks. When I start to lose lots of fish I check the sharpness. Its usually due to the hook being dull.

[Sterling C]

It sounds like your doing things right with keeping the tension.

One thing to consider is the hook your fishing with. Did you check to see if it was still sharp and was unbent?

Also, certain styles of hook are more prone to popping out. For example, stay away from scud style hooks if you can. A lot of people tie chronies on this style of hook when a straight hook will suffice.

[BwiBwi]

Another way is instead of trying to net the fish with rod keeping the tension, try pulling in the fish on the line when close to your boat.

[fishseeker]

Yep, you guys are right about the hook. The hook was not bent but it could definitely be sharper - I have used that fly on previous outings and I guess I must have snagged it a few times. 

Now for my next question:

What's the best way to keep it sharp?

[BwiBwi]

Okay this is going to be a bad joke but....  Skunk everytime the hook would be sharp 

Other than that, sharp often.

[mastercaster]

can't wait to see the replies to this post lol
TH

If you're referring to a barbed hook it doesn't sound like he was fishing in a stream..... in a lot of lakes you don't have to have a pinched barb...just makes it a whole lot easier if you plan on releasing fish.

[fishseeker]

Well, thank you all..and yes I was on a lake.  I thought the hook had to be barbless for all situations, I will check the regs again.  Even if barbed is allowed I would like to a) get lots of practice with barbless for situations were barbless is mandatory and  b) I like to release fish with as little harm as possible if I don't intend to keep them.

Anyway, I am going to put this all to the test again tomorrow morning - I can't imagine I will see anything like the action I saw last time but with luck I will be able to play around with different options.

[troutmuncher]

I am still looking for the uniquely shaped old model Mustad 3257B barbless hooks especially size 8 no longer made.If anybody knows where I can get them please let me know.This hook would keep the fish hooked in well.I have not found a source for this hook yet but Im dying to test these out fishing and post my results.I have the Partridge CS-27 roman moser size 10 and less small dry fly hooks barbless but I want the 3257B for the heavier wire wet flies.