Steve -- I happen to know Ralph Manns. When I met him in the early 1990s, he
was a graduate student in freshwater biology specializing in black bass at
Southwest Texas State University -- which at that time had one of the best
warm water freshwater fisheries programs in the nation. I haven't seen Ralph
in more than 10 years, but when I knew him he was about as knowledgeable about
black bass biology as any person I ever met. He had done all sorts of research
and his findings frequently flew in the face of conventional wisdon. He told
me back then to mash the barb down on my hooks and I'd be able to release most
fish unharmed -- small price to pay for the few fish I might miss. I've been
practicing barbless bassing ever since.

Family, Friends, Fishing,
Rob Storm
http://stormsrestaurants.com