What is a Barbless Circle Hook?
How to Make a Barbless Circle Hook
Use a small hand crimper (for Mustad 16/0 and smaller hooks) or large bench crimper (for Mustad 18/0 and larger hooks) to flatten a circle hook's barb. A pair of parallel-jawed pliers can also be used in place of a hand crimper to flatten the barb on smaller hooks.
You can use a hand crimper for small hooks (left) and a bench crimper for large hooks (right).
Why Use Barbless Circle Hooks?
It’s better for the fish. It’s easier to quickly release unwanted catch without causing damage to the fish, which means more healthy fish for you to catch in the future.
It’s better for you. Minimize injury to yourself and others, as well as damage to your clothes and gear.
It’s better for our protected species. If an animal is accidentally hooked or entangled, barbless circle hooks release quicker or self-shed, reducing trauma and letting the animal return to normal activities.
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Report hooked, stranded, or entangled marine animals to NOAA at: 888-256-9840
For more information: State of Hawaii's Division of Aquatic Resources Fishing Around Protected Species.
To get FREE Barbless Circle Hooks, contact the State's Marine Wildlife Program at 808-295-6483 or by email.
