By the shape of the blade

Direct

In such hooks, the sting is smooth, without any deformation.

Stepped

-

Bent

In such hooks, the stinger is bent towards the hook.

With a beard

Advantages

• The hook with a beard is more catchy and at the first stage of balancing it is better kept in the tissues of the fish's mouth and does not come off even if the tension of the fishing line is loosened.

Disadvantages

• If the main line breaks, the barbed hook remains in the mouth of the carp, and the chances of the fish getting rid of such a hook are minimal. 

Expert opinion

Gessar's grandfather, three-time world champion in the French team and European champion in the individual event - “I don't see the point of using hooks without a beard! Without a doubt, more fish come off them than a normal hook. I know that some anglers claim that the bait presentation is better on a barbless hook. I'm not sure about that. In any case, in a responsible match, I'd rather have less chance of being bitten by a hook with a barb than a fish biting a hook without a barb!”

No beard

Advantages

• Don't spoil the bait from the "gentle" category;

• Easier to penetrate fish tissues;

• Caught fish is easier to remove from the hook;

• When hooking an obstacle (garden, algae, clothes), the hook is easier to release.

Disadvantages

• Risk of bait slipping;

• Increased risk of fish landing when resting on the surface of the water.

Expert opinion

Dave Vincent, world champion in the England team - “In England we we often catch with barbless hooks even where it is not necessary. These hooks allow you to hook the fish without a sharp hook, the percentage of successful hooking is higher than with barbed hooks. In addition, they damage delicate bait much less. The risk of a fish breaking off a hook without a beard is not at all higher. Those who think so have most often never tried fishing with barbless hooks themselves.”