I like them just fine, and lose very few fish. I will say that when I tip with a minnow I use an aberdeen for the bigger barb. I've never had a problem losing fish due to the barb. Hooking them in the papery part of the mouth and putting too much pressure on them has lost some, regardless of what hook I use. I pour my own and liked them so well I bought 7000 on my first order to get the price break, and have re ordered some #4's since. I caught 12 crappie on Sunday past and of the 12, 7 were hooked in the roof of the mouth. Not for everyone, but I like em fine.