Barbless Hook
Barbless hooks are hooks that do not have a barb or have had the barbed pinched or removed. A barb on the hook is a reversed point just below the tip of the hook, used to prevent the fish from freeing itself from the hook.
In British Columbia, barbless hooks are required in most of the fisheries, particularly for salmon and steelhead. In all streams, a single barbless hook is required. It is a good idea to make sure whether a barbless hook is required by reading the regulations before your next fishing trip. Barbless hooks are readily available at tackle stores. If you have barbed hooks, you can simply pinch down the barb on them.
Barbless hooks ensure that fish can be released successfully when necessary. They also prevent serious injuries when you hook yourself.