Ian Scott, our former Fly Fishing Guide at About emailed me about a book he just reviewed. Ian has his own web site now at All-About Flyfishing . His review of the book, titled “Hook, Line, and Thinker – Angling and Ethics” can be found here .
While the book appears to be very informative, especially regarding the hidden agenda and political tactics that PETA and others are using, I think the author may need a bit more research on the pain factor.
The author relates some facts pertaining to fish pain, and points to a pharmaceutical website for an explanation. The problem here is that the explanation relates to human pain. Most biologists who have addressed the subject of fish pain will tell you that the fish nervous system is entirely different from a human. Heck, common sense told me that a long time ago. Biologists are somewhat divided, but those that agree that fish do not feel pain point to the nervous system.
So as not to make this a scientific dissertation, let me take you back to the remora. Hook in place, leader hanging out of its mouth, it certainly swam and ate as well as any I have seen. I would think that if it were in pain from that hook, it would be seeking a refuge somewhere until the pain subsided. But these fish appeared to be just fine.
Have I scientifically proved to you that fish feel no pain? No. Am I biased on the subject? Yes. But, my friend you need to know that PETA and other animal rights groups have to honestly answer those two questions the same way I did.
I leave you with this final thought that an old boss of mine once said. We were talking about eating fish or releasing and not eating fish. His reply was, “Last time I checked, we were at the top of the food chain”. Enjoy!
