Lateral view of a Male Baetis (Baetidae) (Blue-Winged Olive) Mayfly Dun from Mystery Creek #43 in New York

Blue-winged Olives
Baetis

Tiny Baetis mayflies are perhaps the most commonly encountered and imitated by anglers on all American trout streams due to their great abundance, widespread distribution, and trout-friendly emergence habits.

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Coleoptera (Beetle) Insect Larva Coleoptera (Beetle) Insect Larva

Lateral view of a Coleoptera (Beetle) Insect Larva from Sears Creek 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.

Troutnut is a project started in 2003 by salmonid ecologist Jason "Troutnut" Neuswanger to help anglers and fly tyers unabashedly embrace the entomological side of the sport. Learn more about Troutnut or support the project for an enhanced experience here.

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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