Fishing QuestionsCategory: Catch Fishing FAQDo fish feel pain when hooked?
Dexter Rusch asked 1 year ago
Do fish feel pain when caught on a hook?

6 Answers
David answered 1 year ago
The science on this is still evolving, but the majority of researchers believe that fish do feel pain when hooked. There are a few reasons for this.

First, fish have nociceptors, which are nerve cells that relay pain signals. Second, fish exhibit behaviors (such as struggling) that are consistent with what we would expect if they were in pain.

Finally, recent studies have shown that fish release the same hormones in response to pain as mammals do.

So it’s likely that fish do experience pain when hooked, and this should be taken into account when deciding whether or not to catch and eat them.

Alex – ProFisherman Staff answered 1 year ago
There is no definitive answer to this question since fish lack the ability to vocalize their pain, and scientists have not been able to perform invasive tests on live fish.

However, there is a great deal of evidence that suggests fish do feel pain when hooked.

For example, researchers have found that fish exhibit behaviors indicative of pain, such as swimming erratically or rubbing their bodies against objects in their environment.

Additionally, studies have shown that fishes’ brains process pain in a similar way to the way human brains process pain.

Bernard answered 1 year ago
There is a great deal of debate on this topic, as there is no definitive answer. Some people believe that fish do feel pain when hooked, while others argue that they do not. There are several factors to consider when trying to answer this question.

One key point to consider is that fish have a very different neurology than humans do. They do not have the same capacity for emotion or sensation, so it is difficult to say definitively whether or not they feel pain in the same way that we do. Additionally, scientists have yet to develop a foolproof way to measure pain in fish. This makes it difficult to say for certain whether or not they experience pain when hooked.

That said, many people believe that fish do feel pain when hooked. This is because they exhibit many of the same behaviors that we would if we were in pain. For example, fish have been known to thrash about when hooked, and they may even try to bite the hand that is holding them.

If you are still unsure about whether or not fish feel pain when hooked, the best thing to do is err on the side of caution. Treat them with care and respect, and be as gentle as possible when handling them. This will help ensure that they are not experiencing any undue stress or pain.

Martin Staff answered 1 year ago
It’s a complicated question, as there is still much research to be done in this area. Some scientists believe that fish do feel pain, while others believe they do not.

One reason why it’s difficult to say for sure is because fish lack the anatomy necessary to experience pain in the same way humans do. For example, humans have a spinal cord and nerve endings that relay pain signals from the body to the brain. Fish do not have these structures, so it’s possible that they don’t experience pain in the same way we do.

That said, some scientists argue that fish may still be able to feel pain even if they don’t experience it in the same way humans do. This is because different creatures may sense and react to pain in different ways. For example, some animals may not have the same type of nerve endings that humans do, but they may still be able to sense pain in other ways.

So, while we don’t know for sure if fish feel pain when hooked, it’s possible that they do. If you’re concerned about causing pain to fish, you can try using barbless hooks or practicing catch-and-release fishing.

Wilson answered 1 year ago
There is a lot of debate on this topic, but the general consensus seems to be that fish do feel pain when hooked. This is because they have a nervous system that can sense pain, and they also seem to exhibit signs of stress (such as changes in heart rate) when hooked.

Many people argue against the idea of fishing being cruel, as fish can be released back into the water unharmed. However, others argue that it’s still painful for the fish even if they’re released back into the water, and that we should find other ways to catch fish without causing them any pain.

Carlos answered 1 year ago
There is a lot of debate on this topic, but the general consensus seems to be that fish do feel pain when hooked. This is because they have a nervous system that can sense pain, and they also seem to exhibit signs of stress (such as changes in heart rate) when hooked.

Many people argue against the idea of fishing being cruel, as fish can be released back into the water unharmed. However, others argue that it’s still painful for the fish even if they’re released back into the water, and that we should find other ways to catch fish without causing them any pain.