Fish can not feel pain.

[MuskieBait]

I only see facts...

1) Humans cannot ingest crustaceans (crayfish, lobsters, crabs, shrimp) whole. The sharp spines on their shells easily cut our lips, mouth and gums and we know better than to injure ourselves. Fish like bass, red drum, skates, rays and sharks do not have an issue with that. In fact, those are their favourite food items.

2) Humans cannot ingest fish with spiny fins whole. The sharp fin spines easily cut our lips, mouth and gums and we know better than to injure ourselves. Most fish species have no issues with that. In fact, that's the primary food source.

So if fish feels pain in their mouth area, they would not even be able to feed, since that pain associated with eating will prevent the fish from feeding...just like if you shoot yourself with a gun, you likely will not do it again.

Also, a few times through these years, I've caught the same fish at least twice in the same day. One spring, I caught a brown trout at 4am, and the same brown trout again at 9am. One fall, I caught a rockbass 3 times within 5 casts. Yes, it was either suicidal or just plain stupid. So...if a hook does hurt them and there is a pain response, you would think they would avoid that hazard, right? Certain, some fish will learn (high pressured waterbodies become much more difficult since fish are much more wary). But I think it's more of an avoidance for fear of harassment rather than a pain response...

Again, I'm looking at the fact in front of me. I don't think I need to get into a fish's head to see that.