I would like to clear up a few misconceptions from V. Paul Reynolds’ Oct. 10 column.

First, his statement of my demise is greatly exaggerated. I am not a former, but a current outfitter in Madison.

Second, our barbless hook policy extends to all waters we guide, not just catch-and-release waters. In fact, due to the lack of support for quality angling at the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, we are unfortunately rarely able to guide C&R waters. We do, however, have a strict C&R policy that extends to all waters we guide, as it is the best way to protect the resource.

As for requiring barbless hooks, we do so to protect anglers, guides and fish alike.

As a 30-plus years angler with thousands of days on the water and countless fish caught and released, I strongly believe that barbless hooks reduce handling time and help reduce mortality.

In regard to barbless hooks penetrating deeper than barbed hooks and causing problems when fish are hooked in the roof of the mouth, that is a very infrequent occurrence unless one uses Clouser-style flies, which we do not.

I commend Reynolds’ assertion that he releases most of his fish, but it is  unfortunate that the hook-and-bullet publication he owns does not do more to promote this proven management tool and discourage wasteful harvest. But having recently referred to rare Arctic char as good table fare, I am just not sure he understands.

Bob Mallard, Madison