Westslope-cutthroat trout is dehooked and ready for release.

Do fish feel pain from hooks

By James Rose – The NY Times

Catch-and-release fishing originated as a conservation practice, particularly in trout fishing, where it became evident that natural fish populations could not sustain the pressure of the catch-and-keep fishery. Initially, fly fishers were the most vocal supporters of this ethic. However, catch-and-release has since gained popularity across various forms of angling, including those that utilize lures or bait.

Mandated or voluntary

In some instances, catch-and-release is mandated to protect fish stocks; however, it is more often a voluntary practice. Even when it is legal to keep fish for consumption, some anglers choose not to because they believe in the importance of the catch-and-release philosophy. There are situations, however, where regulations require that all caught fish must be kept, such as with invasive lake trout that threaten the survival of native cutthroat trout in Yellowstone Lake.

The research

Research has extensively studied the survival rate of fish after they are released, and findings show that with proper handling—such as avoiding exhaustion, minimizing time out of water, cutting off swallowed hooks instead of extracting them, and refraining from fishing for temperature-sensitive species like trout in warm water—survival rates typically exceed 90 percent.

The reality is clear

The health of fish populations where catch-and-release is practiced is further evidence of its effectiveness. Another factor to consider in catch-and-release fishing is the presence of predators, such as sharks or pelicans, as some released fish may not immediately regain their ability to avoid predators. It’s important to recognize that annual natural mortality rates for fish are typically high, regardless of angling pressure, in many natural settings.

Do fish feel pain? NO

Fish do not experience pain in the same way that humans do, according to a team of neurobiologists, behavioral ecologists, and fishery scientists. These researchers have concluded that fish lack the neurophysiological capacity for conscious awareness of pain. Some critics of angling argue that being caught with a hook is painful for fish, and they assert that catch-and-release fishing should be banned as a result.

However, I find the evidence supporting this viewpoint to be unconvincing and not rigorous. My research into the neurology of pain suggests that fish brains lack the necessary systems for experiencing conscious pain. Interestingly, many anglers, including myself, have caught and released a fish only to see the same one again within minutes. This phenomenon is complex to explain if being hooked causes fish extreme pain and suffering. Despite the low likelihood that fish can feel pain in the same way humans do, anglers practicing catch-and-release are ethically, and often legally, obligated to handle fish in a manner that promotes their survival and well-being.

James Rose is a professor emeritus of zoology at the University of Wyoming, where he has researched sensorimotor functions in fish, amphibians, and reptiles.

Story by James Rose / NY Times

A new debate lingers:

Barbless hooks have been shown to cause less mortality and injury to fish than barbed hooks in catch-and-release fishing. Studies suggest that barbless hooks may reduce bleeding, damage to internal organs, and overall mortality rates compared to barbed hooks. However, some studies have found minimal differences in mortality rates between the two hook types, and the overall impact of hook type on fish survival can be influenced by various factors.

Study of a male Dolly Varden char by award-winning watercolorist Thom Glace.

Barbless Hooks:

Reduced Injury:

Barbless hooks are designed to be less likely to cause damage to the fish’s gills, internal organs, or other tissue during hooking and unhooking.
Shorter Handling Time:

Barbless hooks are typically easier and faster to remove, leading to less time that the fish is out of the water and potentially stressed.

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Lower Mortality:

While the difference in mortality rates can be relatively small, some studies have indicated that barbless hooks may result in slightly lower post-release mortality rates compared to barbed hooks.
Easier Extraction:

Barbless hooks can be easier to remove, even from the angler’s own body, if they accidentally hook themselves.

Barbed Hooks:

Higher Injury Potential:

Barbed hooks can cause more significant wounds and bleeding, particularly during the unhooking process.
Increased Handling Time:

Barbed hooks may be more challenging to remove, potentially leading to longer handling times and increased stress for the fish.