Collection: Barbless Hooks

Q: What are barbless hooks and why use them?
A: Barbless hooks are designed without the backward-facing barb found on traditional hooks, making them easier to remove from fish. They cause less injury, promote faster releases, and are often required in catch-and-release or barbless-only fisheries. Barbless hooks also make unhooking fish (and yourself) much safer.

Q: Do barbless hooks lose more fish than barbed hooks?
A: Not necessarily. When fished with proper tension, barbless hooks hold fish just as well as barbed hooks. Their sharper points penetrate more easily and deeply, providing excellent hooksets — especially with high-quality designs from modern hook manufacturers.

Q: What types of barbless hooks do you carry?
A: Drift Outfitters carries a full range of barbless hooks for every tying style — including dry fly, nymph, jig, streamer, and competition models. Each hook is engineered for superior strength, sharpness, and reliable holding power.

Q: Which brands of barbless hooks do you carry?
A: We stock premium barbless hooks from Ahrex, Hanak, Daiichi, Partridge, Fulling Mill and more. These brands are trusted by professional guides and competition anglers worldwide for their precision manufacturing and consistent performance.

Q: Are barbless hooks required everywhere?
A: Some fisheries in Ontario and across Canada require barbless hooks to protect fish populations. Even when not mandatory, many anglers choose them voluntarily for ethical catch-and-release fishing and improved fish survival.

Q: How should I store my barbless hooks?
A: Keep them organized in labeled hook boxes or magnetic trays by size and style. Store in a dry environment to prevent rust, and inspect hook points regularly to maintain sharpness and performance at the vise or on the water.