audigger53 has it right. I've handled cats that way for 70 years. While in that position if I planned to keep them I'd get out my dikes and snip those barbs.

I don't know what state you are in but in my state trailers 3k gross weight or over must have brakes. Do you have state inspection for trailers? Might want to check before removing brakes.

Solder one or two thin wires to the hook shank and wrap them around the bait. No lost mesh in the water.

Needle nose or side cutters that will cut through the largest hook you will use.

Depends on speed and lure. May have a hard time getting there with leadcore alone.

Thanks to all that replied. I have used open face spinning reels for 70 years but have never learned to cast them well. Proper line release is not in my genes. I use them with Carolina rigs on points,creek channels etc. where accuracy is not needed. Bait casters and fly rods provide that. I like spincast because I can still have accuracy, a little more distance and the ability to use light lures. I have owned most brands of spincast reels over the years but they are unreliable. I'm getting a Pflueger President for Father's day and will give it a try. At the tender age of 84 I finally thought of putting it on a spinning rod. Who knows! Now I fish from a kayak at a much slower pace. The excitement of the bite hasn't changed.

Thanks Alan. Never seen that setup before but I got a spincast reel for Father's Day and I have a bare spinning rod in the corner. I'll give it a try.

Has anyone put a closed face thumb controlled spincast reel on a spinning rod as opposed to a bait cast style rod? Any problems because of the higher mounted guides?

AStapler explained the problem very well. I would say the cutoff is around 1/4 oz depending on rod/reel/line combo and how sensitive your thumb is.