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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.

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.

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
Martinlf's profile picture
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
Jewelry-Quality Artistic Salmon Flies, by Shawn Davis
www.davisflydesigns.com
Wbranch
Wbranch's profile picture
York & Starlight PA

Posts: 2635
Wbranch on May 2, 2009May 2nd, 2009, 10:45 pm EDT
Catskill fly fisher for fifty-five years.

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