Abstract: A barbless fishhook has an eye portion, a shank portion comprising wire of a first diameter proceeding from the eye portion, at least one belly portion proceeding from the shank portion, wherein the wire changes direction by at least 150 degrees, a point portion proceeding from the at least one belly portion to a sharp point, the point portion shaped as a cone with an included angle, providing a taper, and a treated region beginning at a first distance along the wire from the sharp point, proceeding for a length along the wire to a second distance along the wire to at least a beginning of the belly portion. The treated region is treated to provide increased friction between a surface of the wire in the treated region and any matter in contact with the treated region.