Barbless hooks are easier to remove, and generally cause less damage to the fish, and are less likely to get caught in nets or clothing. For beginners, that makes things simple, safer and easier.

Dr. Christopher Patey studied how doctors remove fish hooks from patients — and he'll be using the superior string-yank technique during the recreational cod fishery.

Why Safe Hook Removal Matters for Catch and Release After you've landed your fish, you need to get the hook out. Most of the time it's a simply matter. Just grasp the hook or lure, push back ...