A fishhook for use in catch and release application or when it is desired
to inflict minimal damage to the fish. The hook comprises an eye, shank,
bend and point. One or more dogs are located on the bend, the shank, or
both. The dogs comprise non-barbed raised surfaces or structures. In one
or more various embodiments the dogs comprise toroidal shaped raised
surfaces, star shaped raised surfaces, raised surfaces with rough outer
edges, raised surfaces having inwardly sloping side surfaces, crescent
shaped raised surfaces, raised surfaces comprising nubs or cone shapes,
or any combination thereof. One or more dogs may also be located on the
shank.