Q&A | #35 - Let's Talk Barbless Hooks, DELIVERY vs PRESENTATION and Using Split Shot CORRECTLY!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for tuning into our first Q&A of 2020!

[@deanhayes2224]

Hi my name is Dean I fish barbless hooks and the fish always comes off have u any tips for me

[@iantyers2086]

Whoever edits these is absolutely KILLING IT!!! Such a good job, unbelievably tight edit!!!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks. She just got a raise so stay tuned. Should get better.

[@aduplati]

@@Madriveroutfitters that running clip deserves a one year Bonus instant... im dead :DDD:D:D:D:DD

[@rcflyer7788]

I used round nose pliers to crimp the barbs down BEFORE I start tying a fly. That way I can make sure the hook is 100% perfect before I spend the time tying the fly. Great video, as usual!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@chrishenke4310]

The picture of Brian with the butter is amazing. Just casually hanging out in the back hahaha

[@Madriveroutfitters]

He likes to honor his closest friends and partners.

[@ericbruni536]

The education I'm getting from your channel is amazing, as a rookie I have come a long way in a short time....great work and thank you !

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here and please stay tuned.

[@christianherrington1456]

Hooked my self this year while trout fishing and it was DEEP. It was barbless and pulled right out.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

We always fish barbless hooks!!!!

[@charlesmurray1220]

Your production guys are hilarious - hands down.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@shawnbarry3893]

Nice to see you back 🇺🇸

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Back who?

[@OpportunityFishing]

Your channel and Q and A sessions have really helped me up my game!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks a ton. We really appreciate that and are happy to help. Stay tuned.

[@ncsandman8468]

Sounds like 2020 is gonna be great...... Brian #2, can’t imagine myself or anyone else getting tired of new videos or gear.... keep em coming, we’ll be here!!👍

[@Madriveroutfitters]

NC Sandman Stay tuned! The best is yet to come.

[@scotteldridge3740]

Wait a minute... I think you should film all the videos w the "enlarged lead head!!!" That was HILARIOUS!!! Love it! Great job Brian...you had me rolling on the floor laughing my --- off!!!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Scott Eldridge We’ll run it by him and see what he says. Stay tuned and thanks for watching.

[@edbosley1138]

As always a other good helpful video. I debarred my hooks before I tie and resharpen and ones I buy. You might want to mention about wearing some kind safety glasses I have glasses for my grand kids that they wear when we're out fishing. Thanks again and tight lines

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here.

[@brianmichalkow9353]

The new studio set up is GREAT! Love the overhead shots on the whiteboard. You and the stick of butter is CLASSY!!! Love the vids...

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching and please stay tuned.

[@jamescooper2618]

I have found that my pair of Leatherman multi tool needle nosed pliers are also very good for mashing barbs well. I mash every barb on every fly or lure I tie on. I do not lose fish because I keep the line tight. It's so easy to get hooks out! @16:55, OMG, LMAO!!! You guys are the best!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

James Cooper Thanks for watching. Like he says here, fight properly and it won’t make any difference.

[@teddyshomie]

Your videos have been my main source of learning from a total beginner! This episode is awesome because most places I fish require barbless hooks

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here.

[@teddyshomie]

Mad River Outfitters Thank you for the knowledge!

[@DerekPetersonLives]

LOLed so much at the editing on this one XD

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@farmerbob4554]

I never thought about barbless hooking more fish but it certainly makes sense. Thanks got the informative video.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Finally.....Brian makes sense to somebody. Thanks for being here.

[@farmerbob4554]

Mad River Outfitters Good one! Sorry Brian. But he makes a lot of sense, less cross-section should relate to how easy it is for the hook point to penetrate resulting in fewer missed hookups. I can see a big advantage especially with dry flies where I miss a lot of strikes to begin with. I do lose more fish with barbless but not significant. I like Brian’s take on keeping the rod butt perpendicular to the fish’s movement to keep the hook buried. I fish small trout a lot and barbless is certainly easier on the fish when releasing. All told a very informative video.

[@terp53]

Loved the ending with your twin. 👍🏼

[@Madriveroutfitters]

terp53 Clone.

[@kelvinabrown]

I hope one of your big announcements will be your book launch!! Too much suspense. Love your videos.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

One of many huge announcements coming soon. Stay tuned.

[@garystrach8249]

Awesome what you guys did at the 20 min.mark!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@borealisgelidus4427]

Absolutely right!!! Important content to know!!! 👌

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here!!!

[@johndonovan7334]

Always informative videos, at my age I'm still learning from you.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here and please stay tuned.

[@kevintebo3736]

Love the new office and or studio

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks. It's a studio office.

[@hle3740]

Great info as always really looking forward to the entomology series

[@Madriveroutfitters]

H LE Soon, very soon. Stay close.

[@JRR821]

Great explanation brother

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching!

[@robinred1851]

Nice to see your twin-brother !!!! 🎣🎣🎣😂😂😂👍👍👍

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here.

[@thibod07]

There is currently a river in Bonshaw in Prince Edward Island Canada where catch and release is mandatory and using barbeless hooks is also mandatory. They have placed a sign informing the fishermen of those rules and they have a little plier by the sign which instructions on how to flatten the barb! So this is likely coming your way, extremely good idea to get used to it.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Always crimp those barbs!!!!

[@midwesttreasureandrelicrec7914]

I'm new to fly fishing got my fly set up today but I know from bass fishing and Pan fishing that if you pinch as small rubber band between the line and the split shot You'll not compromise your line by pinching it directly with the metal and also it stops the split shot from sliding up-and-down as easily.

[@midwesttreasureandrelicrec7914]

By the way I love these videos thank you so much you're the reason why I took the dive in to fly fishing today

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Good idea. We'll give that a try!!!

[@justinmcquaide4862]

Great video as always I fish barbless only definitely the way to go . I've had a few mishaps over the years with barbed hooks and it's not pleasant lol . Also it's way easier to remove the hooks from a fishes mouth especially on small hooks.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Agreed, agreed and agreed. Thanks for watching.

[@davidveilleux6370]

Absolutely agree. Barbless only way to go . I find that i don't lose anymore fish going barbless than i did with barb hooks. I have gone totally barbless better for the equipment, the fish and for removing them from my fishing partners :)

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for the support!

[@mountainvalleyrealty]

Ha!! Loved the ending of this vid!!! Move over, Brian. Brian is coming in.........

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Totally caught off guard there. Didn't see him coming.

[@TheSavagederek]

I only tie, buy or use barbless hooks now, on older flies, I crush the barbs with pliers or Hemostats before fishing. A lot of my local fisheries only allow barbless. I also fly fish for Pike and the barbless hooks are so much quicker and easier to remove. Also, if you hook yourself or clothing, it pops right out, without tearing the jacket, hat, even net etc...

[@Madriveroutfitters]

As stated, we always recommend barbless hooks. Thanks for backing us up here and thanks for watching.

[@OscarOverlanding]

Thank you!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@johnnylightning1491]

Something I saw a few days ago about barbed vs. barbless hooks was that barbed hooks will sometimes trap an air bubble in the bend of the hook where barbless does not. Yes there was visual evidence. Just another reason to go barbless. I'm still looking for the end of the line!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching and thanks for sharing. We'll let you know when we find the end of the line.

[@ThePorpoisepower]

There's a video (available on youtube), I think it's called "The Underwater Life of Trout", That show barbed and barbless flies from under water, how a fish might see it. The barbed hook had a little bubble of air, and the barbless did not. So it would appear the fly presents better barbless too.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Cool. Thanks for sharing. Was not aware of this.

[@livinginorangevilleontario4246]

Lmaoo I want to see more big head Brian! The editing on these videos are amazing

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching and please stay tuned.

[@nathancottrill1363]

Grew up fishing for bass, trout and native Muskellunge in West Virginia. I was throwing a very big swim bait and hooked into a massive 36”+ Muskie ( any musky at 36” is massive in the creek I was fishing.) Upon a very excited and sloppy release 2 of the 3 barbed treble hooks embedded deep in my palm and wrist. I had to go to the hospital to get them removed and ended up with half a dozen stitches….. it was miserable. I still have a hard time moving my middle and ring finger to full capacity to this day because of it. I now fly fish trout in Western Colorado, usually the Gunnison River. Barbless is the way to go without a doubt.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Always! Especially with that many hooks.

[@granthondo]

Isle Royale, 2009. Some guys were fishing pike rigs on McCargoe Cove and one of them pulled in too hard. He got a good sized treble hook stuck right into the meat of his hand between his thumb and index finger. There was no way to push it further to bring it out and trim the barb. We were all at least a days hike from the nearest dock, which upon radio contact with the ranger station would be another half day to the nearest American hospital in Calumet. We wrapped his hand and he was on enough painkillers to knock over a horse. I hope he made it out alright.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Can be dangerous stuff. Better to be safe.

[@dereklandseidel2580]

When my cousin hooked my eye lid while he was screwing around on an MN fishing opener more than a decade ago...I took barbs off all my hooks. An EMT fortunately was around to help me get it out.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Sounds lucky.

[@FlyTyer1948]

Re: barbless hooks. Many years ago, Lefty Kreh gave a presentation to our fly tying club & suggested tying & fishing with barbless hooks to improve hook rate & safety for released fish. He was quite convincing & included a video of hooking fish, then putting his rod down on the shore for a few minutes. Every time he picked rod up, the fish was still hooked. The only times I’ve had a fish lost from a barbless hook was when I played it incorrectly, especially if it’s was leaping. Now I debarb all hooks, including those on my large saltwater plugs. I also now tie on primarily debarbed circle hooks for fresh & saltwater. One suggestion: please don’t debarb your hooks using your vise. I also use a Regal. If you put the hook too near the tip of the vise fine jaws for small hooks, you can break it at the tip. There are so many good alternatives, why risk your vise?

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for chiming in. That vise right there that Brian has was purchased in 1992 and he debarbs thousands of hooks per year in it. Never a problem. Pretty sure Lefty taught him to do that as a matter of fact.

[@alcal74]

Love the snap.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here.

[@bobmcstuffins8194]

BTW, some regions do have laws that require barbless hooks. For instance, in the Eastern Sierras of California, there are particular bodies of water that require catch and release and the use of barbless hooks.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

This is true. Always check your regs. Thanks.

[@bobazevedo5958]

Hi Brian, great content on fly fishing. You,ve mentioned your book, The end of the line. Is it out yet?

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Don't believe it's out yet but you can check with him directly through the shop. [e-mail] is fine. Thanks.

[@robertfusco3884]

When the barb is smashed it leaves a small hump which will aid in keeping the hook in the fish, yet still allow easy removal.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@sidewaysrain7609]

FYI.. an ER doctor simply pushes the hook through the wound and snips the Barb off. Then they just back the hook wire out without the Barb sanitized the wound and send you on your way with an $800 emergency room bill!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Ouch!

[@martinkane3812]

Re the use of split shot ,and or tin ..I prefer to use lead putty as used by Carp fishermen .

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@JohnDrach]

Have you guys created the entomology series yet?

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for checking but that got put on hold with the pandemic. It's on the schedule starting in early March 2021 so let's keep our fingers crossed!

[@vernonbice732]

I thought the bad on lead sinkers was the same reason as the ban on lead shot for shooting waterfowl. The lead sits on the bottom and the ducks eat it, according to the wildlife folks. But, I am with Brian, I almost always use lead shot.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Very well could be. It's probably not the most environmentally friendly product out there.

[@davidbarham9113]

Barbless hooks are a positive thing in my opinion also. And as an FYI, there are areas in Arkansas where barbless hooks are mandated, especially in some tail waters where trout fishing is done.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Always fish barbless.....for many reasons.

[@theflytyer2742]

I am the first comment but I love your guys videos

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here. Alot to be said for being first!!!!

[@coreystoner4129]

I buy barbless comp hooks from the dealer but all my flies have tungsten beads. Presentation is everything in fly fishing as well

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for sharing.

[@shiddyangler]

The Nintendo switch sound of the glasses 😂. I laughed my ass off

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here. Not sure about the Nintendo thing though? What is that?

[@shiddyangler]

Mad River Outfitters first second of this video, it’s a distinct sound and I think what the editor was going for lol. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5vXeX-la5WUfNU

[@derekspace]

Dude, there at the end I thought I had dropped a little too much acid tonight! Good stuff bro.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

No such thing. Never enough.

[@nickkerr5714]

Have you ever used an Owner cutting point hook?

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Please send your questions directly to Brian through the shop and he’ll get back to you there. Thanks.

[@dannsgamingfails8899]

I crush the barbs for two reasons 1) I suck at removing hooks and 2) I ONCE got myself hooked in the back of the arm with a barbed hook. Since then if I catch myself it’s quick to release myself

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Pretty much sums it up. Thanks.

[@alcal74]

When's that Mad River Fishing Guide Book going to be republished?!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

You'd have to check with Brian directly. He doesn't come around here much and we don't know the answer.

[@douglasrandall6737]

And, it helps me to release the fish without so much drama of a fighting fish in the net.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Nobody wants drama. We fish to get away from it!! Thanks.

[@desperado3551]

When is the end of the line book coming?!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Desperado Not sure. Send Brian an email at the shop or call him. He would know one would think.

[@justinwarren2866]

How do I get a few hat and fly box?!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Well you can of course buy them from us or send a question over to e-mail. If it gets used in a video, we do send out a hat and a fly box as a thanks.

[@agooddaytofish2736]

4:49 nice

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Agooddaytofish Thanks for watching!

[@AmIsraelChai85]

I broke jaws smashing barbs. But NOT on my Regal. That Bulldog Bite kicks rumpus

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Nothing like it! Thanks for watching.

[@teg32osu]

Body deformations?! Split screen?! MRO is the new Netflix!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Actually better than Nexflix. Thanks for being here.

[@robgrubb420]

Have you ever noticed that the barb holds a small bubble when submerged? barbless does not.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Interesting yet little known fact for sure. Thanks for sharing.

[@ronaldfisher222]

Barbless becomes a real good idea ,once you hook yourself, you'll think so too.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Ronald Fisher Apparently Brian agrees. Thanks for being here.

[@artbysteve215]

Hooking a fishing partner does happen; my brother in law was with a guy who hooked a tree.. he told the guy not to pull hard.. but the guy did.. and pow.. the lure came back and went through the guy's jaw, they cut of the lure but hook is still hanging out of his face. Bro in law drives the guy to a clinic where the nurse looks at him and says; " we don't fix bad piercings here, you're on your own."

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Always fish barbless!!!

[@ralphsmith8682]

I thought smashing the barb was easier on the fish when you release the fish since the hook can be removed easier.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

It of course is but a secondary reason.

[@DerekPetersonLives]

2020 is going to be a-----BLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP Well glad that's over, so what were you saying about 2021 :P

[@Madriveroutfitters]

No comment.

[@DerekPetersonLives]

@@Madriveroutfitters All in all 2020 was my year to get into fly fishing and I'm glad I took the plunge, your videos have been fantastic!! I've got to decide how I want to split up business between you and my local fly shop because you're both great!!

[@stormysampson1257]

Are hook companies making a barbless hook?

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Some but just as easy to crimp with hemostats.

[@stormysampson1257]

@@Madriveroutfitters I haven''t found crimping is that easy, I guess. I've tried hemostats and jewelry pliers and it takes at least 3 or 4 tries each barb. My hands are fairly weak though. Thanks for the reply. Mad River deserves its great reputation!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Try these? www.madriveroutfitters.com/p-12494-loon-rogue-debarb-pliers.aspx

[@stormysampson1257]

@@Madriveroutfitters I put them on my wish list, thanks! As well as that magnetic fly threader!!

[@EricFishes]

I’ve noticed that it’s a whole lot easier to take out a barbless hook from the mouth than a barbed hook. That being said, you’re going to have a better hook to land ratio using a barbed hook. Really not that hard for a big steelhead to shake a barbless hook, trust me, I’ve lost plenty both ways. Barbed is the way to go for bigger fish, I’d fish barbless for regular trout, the smaller fish.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Pretty much not true, as he says here. If you know how to properly fight a fish, it should not make much of a difference at all.

[@EricFishes]

Mad River Outfitters hey we all have different experiences.. It could be because I know how to fight a fish, but it’s going to be very hard for a big fish to spit a hook that has a barb locked down deep in its jaw.. as it would be hard to take that hook out upon netting it. There are times where its in there so good that I tell myself I’d have a better chance seeing a unicorn than that hook coming out during a fight. Whatever works for you!

[@AdamTew-lt9ew]

I guess I remain unconvinced. If removing the hook from the fish’s mouth is easier when the barb is pinched (which is objectively true, I think we can all agree) then it stands to reason that the hook will more easily come free inadvertently while playing the fish. To be clear, I think folks should pinch their barbs, for personal safety and the well being of the fish. But I also think we should acknowledge the fact that we may lose fish as a result.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@coreylies]

2 Brian's? What witchcraft is this??!!! For the record, I think the Brian with the crab shirt and camo hat is way more relatable.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

It's all about the hat/shirt combos isn't it? Glad you found one that you like. Stay tuned. More to come.

[@mr.lankoumbaboomba1605]

Sent you an email, hope I get featured in the next episode!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

We'll do our best to get to it. Pretty long line though! Stay tuned.

[@commenter4799]

Big things in 2020! Fly fishing, global pandemic, and murder hornets. Tune in to find out how to tie a Murder Hornet Fly. Lol. Good stuff, I'm going to get a lightweight panfish setup.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching. Yes, it's getting bigger from here. Stay tuned.

[@italiantroutaholic8926]

thank god I am not fishing in the Desert

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Need water.

[@jeramyh9344]

Only a person who has never had to take their child to an istacare to have a hook pulled out of their leg or had to have a hook cut out of their own hand would ask why you use barbless hooks.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Good point. Thanks for watching.