barbless

[ bahrb-lis ]

adjective

1. not equipped with a barb:

   barbless fishhooks.

Word History and Origins

Origin of barbless¹

First recorded in 1880–85; barb ¹ + -less

Example Sentences

The Slough is catch-and-release and anglers’ must use barbless flies.

From Washington Post

Barbless hooks will be required.

From Washington Times

Angling for seagoing cutthroat trout — sometimes known as harvest trout — requires a fishing license, and is allowed only on a catch-and-release basis using barbless hooks.

From Seattle Times

Because their numbers are not replenished from hatcheries, only catch-and-release fishing, using barbless hooks, is allowed when fishing for seagoing cutthroats.

From Seattle Times

This free event, presented by Battery Park City Authority, revolves around catch-and-release fishing, in which the quarry is caught with barbless hooks and returned to the river after observation.

From New York Times