Fishing / cruelty

[Mac attack]

I was listening to the radio this morning and the presenter said that there was proof that hooks don't hurt or cause discomfort to fish. He said that because the fish swim in the opposite direction to that whch they are being pulled, which obviously pulls the hook more, that it is not a bother to them. If it hurt they would not fight against it and would allow themselves to be pulled by the fisherman. I think that this is rubbish. If I had a hook in my lip and was being pulled underwater I would fight against it with all my strength because I know that the pain in my mouth is a lot less than the pain of drowning!

[hammerman]

And your point is ?

[hammerman]

I presume the radio show was 'fishermans blues' on talksport....why didn't you phone up and argue your (vague) point with Keith Arthur

[maggie01]

Try telling that to the fish. I caught my arm on a fishing hook while I was doing some cleaning on the boat and believe me I screamed 'cause it hurt. There is a bit like a triangle which sticks out of the hook (bit like a harpoon shape) and the hook went past that bit in my arm. My husband managed to twist it out but I felt sick. I think it is a cruel sport, especiall when it is just for fun and they get thrown back in just to be caught by another person. No one can say what another person/creature can feel.

[maggie01]

I take it hammerman you don't have a view on this.

[hammerman]

Oh yes i do....i'm a fisherman.

Nuff said !!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mac attack]

My point is that fishing should be banned. It is cruelty to animals. Nothing vague about that. I did try to phone up but couldn't get through (there was only half hour to go). I have sent him an email though. Perhaps it will be mentioned tomorrow.
Fishing as a sport is obviously a hang over from when we needed to fish, in order to eat/survive. The person who caught the biggest fish was better able to provide for their families and was therefore more attractive to females and a popular choice for mating! This is now redundant because of shops etc and so there is no need for it. People who continue to fish for leisure should look for other ways to impress potential partners!

[robotics]

Just curious are you a vegetarian? I have to go to a slaughterhouse every month for medication for my dog which is keeping him alive and yes I think it's cruel and yes the fishing hooks are not only hurtful to the poor little fishies but also to all the other wildlife and I also think its cruel that animals are born and then killed for us humans to relish upon, have you seen how chickens are slaughtered.

I have just read the post proparly, I would like fishing as a hobbie banned but......................its not going to happen.


I still wouldn't be without my meat or my fish

[maggie01]

I guessed that buy your first reply. Sharp and to the point.

[Lonnie]

I have nothing at all against catching fish for food, but to cath one, weigh it, and throw it back, is nothing short of cruelty. Sport is two or more equal contestants taking part willingly.

I judged a fishing contest for my workmates last summer, and every so often, a fish would be 'Foul Hooked', thats where the hook goes into the side of the fish, the fish then has to be pulled, bleeding and in pain, to the side, where the hook can be removed, the fish, still wounded, is then thrown back in, to be caught again.

Believe me. it might be fun for the Angler, but not for the fish.

[Lonnie]

continued.

Angling, is not, nor will it ever be, a sport. its hunting, pure and simple,

The Poles have the right idea, they catch their horrible tasting Carp, and eat it., while the Animal loving Brits torture it, time, after time, after time.

[ganesh]

I am a vegetarian so I suppose it's obvious that I would be against all hunting and fishing for sport.
If you aren't veggie and you eat the fish afterwards then it's not so bad but if you put it back then not only have you let it suffer,however briefly,but I have heard that the hook which has pierced the mouth is then open to infections,mainly fungal. The fish is then going to die a horrible,slow and presumably painful death.

[hammerman]

Amaizing how many "fish experts" suddenly come out of the woodwork when it comes to banning fishing.

Not one piece of proof or evidence that it harms the fish !!!

[ganesh]

No I'm sure they really enjoy it,hammerman!
Actually there is plenty of evidence on this subject.
Try looking at "Why Release Fish ? by John Attard " for starters.

[Scylax]

Fish may have comparatively little in the way of
cerebral cortex, but they certainly have a thalamus.

Thalamic pain is known to be severe +++. Ask
anyone who has suffered renal or biliary colic, or
indeed any woman who has undergone childbirth
without analgesics.

If fish could scream, I doubt if Hammerman and
his fellow anglers could retain their sanity. Somehow,
these 'sportsmen' appear to have compartmentalised
their cruelty, in order that it is not subjected to the
rigours of reason, intelligence and physiological
evidence.

Hammerman would disagree, but then he would,
wouldn't he ?

[Mac attack]

No evidence? How about fish live in water and fisherman take them out of the water. If you do not realise that that alone causes distress to the fish then you must be pretty ignorant. I suppose that it suits you to believe that it's ok though. If, as nearly all fishermen claim, you really care about the fish why not give them the benefit of doubt and not do something that might or might not hurt them. Surely that would be fair?

[hammerman]

How do you know they have a Thalamus,,,,,surely, any creature that was feeling pain by being hooked through the lip wouldn't fight against it would they....they'd just swim with the flow.

I therefore have to conclude that all you tree hugging, sandal wearing, liberal vegetarians are soooooooo way off the mark that you cannot come up with a single shred of evidence that fish feel pain in their mouths.

I'm so looking forward to seeing some "antis" by the side of the lake i use as they will soon be swimming alongside their little scaley friends with a rod rest stuck up their ar$es.

[Mac attack]

If something was pulling you underwater say by the hair wouldn't you fight against it even if was hurting because being drowned is worse than having your hair pulled? You must be quite a man to make threats on the internet and to show how masculine you are by hurting small animals.

[hammerman]

But fish don't know they're going to be "drowned"....they have no rational thought processes.

[gelda]

Still can't see the logic of catching a fish then throwing it back again!!! Where's the pleasure? to me it's just another evil blood sport!

[ganesh]

I must remember to wear wellies ,rather than sandals,next time I walk along the tow path,in case one of these rational,thoughtful fishermen sticks a 'rod rest' up my 'ar$e' . And I must remember not to struggle against it because it will undoubtedly hurt more if I do.