IDFG Angler Opinion Survey

Be sure to complete the Idaho Department of Fish and Game's Angler Opinion Survey.  Your opinion matters to the future of fisheries management in Idaho.

You'll want to answer Question #13, which reads, "Scientific study has demonstrated that most hooking related fishing mortality is related to where the fish is hooked (jaw, gills, stomach) and is not related to the use of barbed or barbless hooks. Because barbless hooks are an unnecessary restriction to achieve management and conservation goals, the Department is considering removing barbless hook restrictions in trout fisheries. Anglers could continue to voluntarily use barbless hooks if they desire. Would you support or oppose the elimination of mandatory barbless hook restrictions in Idaho trout fisheries?"

The preface of this question assumes that all hooks are created equally.  By hooking fish after they swallow bait, gear anglers using barbless treble hooks have a much higher mortality incidence than single-hook artficial flies and lures.  The survey question is poorly worded as it "baits" the person taking the survey.  Single barbless hooks slide out of a fish's jaw much easier than barbed ones, there's no arguing that.  Large, barbed hooks (single or treble) do damage to trout, particularly juvenilles.

The IDFG does a nice job of managing quality trout fisheries in the state.  But they are very misguided if they think a sweeping regulation change to allow barbed hooks in all trout water is justifiable.