I think I had to cut hooks about 4 times last year total on muskies and I don't bend any barbs down. Lots of fish come unhooked in the net as you are looking for the pliers.

Your having problems with pike right now.....pike seem to bash stuff when they commit and I do hook them deep most of the time. I've had to totally trash 2 bull dawgs to get 2 pike off 2 seasons ago. Maybe it's just my thinkings on this or maybe others feel the same??????

I think I'd stick to replacing hooks for now. The larger the fish it seems the easier unhooking it's been for me. The little hammerhandles that are wild are the ones that give me problems. Start hitting muskie and I'll bet you'll have less problems.

Buy one less bait this year and it will pay for your hooks your loosing and not your next personal best fish is what I'd say.