22 hours ago, roadwarrior said:

Well, once you get popped by flying treble hooks you will understand.

I don't recover any lures in trees I cannot reach...NEVER!

I hooked a three or four pounder a few days ago. She jumped up out of the water, shook her head, and my lure came flying right back at my face. I’m not going to quit fishing because of it.

 

I have yanked lots of lures, hook/sinkers, and line out of trees, and never got stuck with a hook that came back at me (knock on wood). I just always turn my back before pulling. I’m not saying you can’t get stuck, and I’m sure when it happens, if it sticks past the barb, it’s a very serious problem, but I think it’s one of those things where you have to just weigh the consequences. Fishing can be a little dangerous.

2 hours ago, fin said:

We have those at this lake too, only the pvc pipe is not near as wide as yours. I don't think they have been emptied in many years though, and people stuff anything they can in them. And I don't think the ones we have have a removable bottom like that. Those are really nice.

They are pretty easy to make and maintain, and yeah, the trash does get annoying.

 

  deleted

On 8/8/2021 at 4:23 PM, roadwarrior said:

 

Well, once you get popped by flying treble hooks you will understand.

I don't recover any lures in trees I cannot reach...NEVER!

 

Getting a jig to the goods comes in a close second!

OP~ good for you, you probably saved that owl's life.

I *hate* when fellow anglers leave trash -- DD plastic cups, sandwich wraps, used/torn bait after they are done. Your car is right there! Just take your trash with you!!