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> > filing vs. smashing



McjamesMay 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
LittleJMay 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
MartinlfMay 1st, 2009, 5:48 pm
Moderator
Palmyra PA

Posts: 3233
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
Shawnny3May 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
WbranchMay 3rd, 2009, 2:45 am
York & Starlight PA

Posts: 2733
Catskill fly fisher for fifty-five years.

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