i care, and try not to over-handle fish. i know that being 'properly' hooked in the mouth is not the same as with humans, but I also think there's some discomfort. i guess i am ok with that, as i fish. and with your stories from experience, i guess i should feel a little better.
I believe that most ethical anglers do care as well.
The problem being human is that we are capable of both thought and emotion. Fish are not.
In most fishes' world it truly is "eat or be eaten", and no prey is released - it escapes.
I may seem a bit callous - but I do not enjoy a "kill"........... I enjoy a meal. - However, more often, I enjoy a day of angling and revel in being able to release all fish alive.
Enjoy the sport, and the surrounding experience.
Take care,
OldTimer
I'm not convinced that it's productive to relate fish perceptions of pain to human perceptions of pain. It seems as though the scientific literature on the subject is tending towards the idea that fish have instinctive reactions towards threatening situations, something that can be seen in many species. Fish have been roaming the earth for millions upon millions of years as well, and I would wager that they needn't evolve into more complex creatures during this time periods.
tl;dr: Reacting does not indicate pain. Science tends towards less to no pain. Looking forward to more research.
At the end of the day for me, i choose to believe they do feel pain but it's not something i can relate to in the sense that, well, we honestly have no idea how to even measure what they go through. Different creatures have different coping mechanisms for a reason and i don't doubt one bit that fish have evolved to mitigate whatever pain was initially felt.
Respect the fish and their habitats and we'll all have a good time!