That was exactly my point. I would say that most flies with pinched down barbs will not pass the test. The barb on a size 22 hook is extremely small. You can smash it down and it will still stick in a piece of cloth. The only way to pass the test is to file the barb smooth as JT was saying, and I refuse to do that. Has anyone ever seen a "barbless" salmon hook it has 90 degree "barb" with no sharp point. I guess they are legal, but they would not pass the test. I would like to see the test changed for small hooks.

I only file down my streamer hooks.  My typical Putah flies are pretty small (#18-24) and I figure they're fine just pinched down.  I lose plenty of fish with smashed down barbs.  You'd think they were really barbless.

Sounds like I need to get a leatherman for the vest, whatever it takes, those things are handy to have around anyway.  I've carried a little victorinox around for years, time to swap it out for something about the same size but with pliers.

All right, I feel like beating this horse a little more....I sent an inquiry to DFG regarding barbless hooks and searches through fly boxes.  My questions are below followed by the DFGs response:

I am seeking clarification of the barbless hook regulations.  1) Is possessing (carrying in a fly box) barbed hooks on waters where barbless hooks must be used a violation of the Freshwater Fishing Regulations?  I carry barbed flies in my fly box, but crush the barb flat with pliers prior to using a single fly.  There are postings on the Internet stating that wardens are searching fly boxes and issuing citations for possession of barbed flies.

2) What test is used to determine a violation of the barbless hook rule? Again, there are Internet postings stating wardens use a cotton swab to see if it snags on a barb, other postings say wardens look for visible gaps between the barb and hook bend.  I just want to make sure I am crushing barbs in the correct manner to avoid a violation.

.......................................................................................................................................................................

Lt. Liz Schwall asked me to respond to your inquiry regarding barbless hooks.

Generally, in current sport fishing regulations it is only the "use" of barbless hooks that is prohibited, not the possession.  Wardens may indeed inspect tackle boxes and other receptacles where fish and or equipment may be stored.  But,  "possession" alone of a barbed hook in an area where use of the hook is
prohibited is not in and of itself a violation.

A barbless hook is defined in section 1.19 of the fishing regulations as:  A fish hook from which the barb or barbs have been removed or "completely bent closed", or which is manufactured without barbs."  Wardens may use any number of methods to determine if this criteria is met including the ones you mention.

If a piece of cotton (or other fabric) or the skin on your finger catches when you rub over the bent-down barb or there is a visible gap between the barb and shank then it is not "completely bent closed".  Other more sensitive methods may also be employed to determine if the hook is barbless, so make sure the barb is "completely bent closed" or removed if you choose to make them yourself. 

Also, if you choose to remove the barb instead it may also be necessary to file away any rough areas to make  sure it complies with the regulation.

You may contact me if you have additional questions regarding Fish and Game laws and regulations in CA.

Phil Nelms
Law Enforcement Division