Is angling cruel, and do the fish feel pain?

Question

Is angling a cruel sport? I've heard arguments both ways, but still have no compelling evidence either way. Do the fish feel a lot of pain when they get hooked? Answers please!

Answer 1

No it's not cruel as long as you eat them.

Answer 2

It is a reflex action. They don't have a cerebral cortex which is where pain receptors are located.

Answer 3

Well if Anglers didn't pay rod licences then the rivers would be polluted and there would be NO fish in them

Answer 4

well if you swallow a hook a nd tug a little you wont feel much pain. however if someone rips the hook from your neck and causes a newly formed valley in your mouth then yeah i think the fish would experience pain.

so make sure you push in then out to wane the hook out.

and remember to throw the fish back when you photoed and recorded it.

Answer 5

Yes it is cruel (imagine having a hook rammed through your throat and then being dragged along and drowned). Fish DO feel pain as they have a nervous system too.

http://www.fishinghurts.com

Problem is, you could never stop it cos too many people enjoy doing it as a hobby.

Answer 6

Nah, it's not cruel. In fact, I think the fish enjoy it

Answer 7

If they felt pain they would not try and pull off the hook

Answer 8

How does anyone know what a fish feels in terms of pain - all I hear is people saying they don't because they are missing some bits that humans have. They certainly feel stress if not sore from a f******* big hook being shoved in the side of their mouth. I know it's not popular but I think fishing sucks.

Answer 9

I am an angler

Yes they do'  and I am ashamed of myself.

All creatures great and small   feel pain

or they would disappear from the planet.