Lateral view of a Female Hexagenia limbata (Ephemeridae) (Hex) Mayfly Dun from the Namekagon River in Wisconsin

Hex Mayflies
Hexagenia limbata

The famous nocturnal Hex hatch of the Midwest (and a few other lucky locations) stirs to the surface mythically large brown trout that only touch streamers for the rest of the year.

My then-girlfriend, now-wife took this picture with my camera.

From Toughannock Creek in New York

Stream photos

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Limnephilus (Summer Flier Sedge) Caddisfly Larva Limnephilus (Summer Flier Sedge) Caddisfly Larva

Case view of a Limnephilus (Limnephilidae) (Summer Flier Sedge) Caddisfly Larva from the Yakima River in Washington

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27" brown trout, my largest ever. It was the sub-dominant fish in its pool. After this, I hooked the bigger one, but I couldn't land it.

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filing vs. smashing

Mcjames
Cortland Manor, NY

Posts: 139

Mcjames on May 1, 2009May 1st, 2009, 5:51 am EDT

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

LittleJ
Hollidaysburg Pa

Posts: 251

LittleJ on May 1, 2009May 1st, 2009, 9:16 am EDT

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

Martinlf

Moderator
Palmyra PA

Posts: 3047

Martinlf on May 1, 2009May 1st, 2009, 1:48 pm EDT

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

Shawnny3
Moderator
Pleasant Gap, PA

Posts: 1197

Shawnny3 on May 1, 2009May 1st, 2009, 1:54 pm EDT

What Jeff said.

-Shawn

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