Bake
No biggie. I was just curious. I have seen some of them. But have never used them. Would love to know if they are effective.
Kokanee salmon (I believe they are landlocked sockeyes)...
Correct. And a few of our lakes also have what we call Chinokanee (land locked Chinook salmon). Green Peter Reservoir is one.
Any Kokanee, here in Oregon (which is where I assumed you are), that hits 16" or more is a MONSTER! Most don't get any larger than 14".
However Chinokanee is a different story. One of our OFFers caught one from Green Peter, a few years ago, that was 10 pounds (something like 28 or 29" if memory serves).
While closing the eye, I would crush the barbs. I now do that with all of my hooks (everywhere). Much easier to "Catch-&-Release"...