What happens when a fish is released with a hook still intact? I caught a good smallmouth last night, but he inhaled my worm so much, the hook was way down his throat in what looked like his tongue. I tried getting it out with pliers but there was no room to force the hook down and to the side to get it out without going into his stomach. So short of killing the beauty, I cut the line in hopes it would disolve over time. Does anyone know of any research data or facts on what happens to a fish that has a hook in it's mouth or stomach? I hope the poor guy will make it...

Good question and always a cause for concern. Normally, the hook will rust out in a short time, the fish will heal and go about his merry way. Now, if using nickel or stainless hooks, that presents a new problem. When presented with this dilemna, we usually try and cut the barb off, if it is protruding to where we can get at it and remove the remainder. Otherwise we cut it off as short as possible, lessening the obstruction. First and foremost is to make sure, when you have to leave a hook in, to get all the plastic (worm or tube) off the hook. The plastic will stick in the fish's throat allowing water to pass by it and , believe it or not, the fish will drown. Maybe some of the other prostaffers have some more info on this.

Herb is right on! The fish's stomach acids will disolve most hooks in time, sometimes, I've seen hooks come out the anal hole. They usually will survive. If in doubt, cut off the line and handle the fish as little as possible. Handling the fish can do more harm than the hook. Johnnie

I have caught several fish that still had hooks in them. The fish were fine. There is a sore that develops around it and then the fish get better.

Good stuff guys! I searched around on some state fishery websites and on google. I found this Australian game website summed up what every source said quite nicely:

Catch-and-release fishing

Catch and release fishing is an increasingly popular practice among many anglers. It is quite common for fishers with a strong conservation commitment to release fish that they could legally keep.

Compliance with bag and size limits and various fishing closures also means many anglers, by law, return fish they have caught to the water.

To maximise a fish's survival when practicing catch and release, it is important to follow a few simple rules:

* Minimise the time spent to land the fish. Long fights on light tackle unduly stress fish and lead to lower chance of survival as a result.
* Use barbless hooks whenever possible to minimise hook damage to fish.
* Use circular hooks. Research in Australia and around the world has shown that the use of circle hooks decreases the incidence of hooking a fish deep in the mouth. Fish caught on circle hooks are usually hooked in the side of the mouth increasing survival of the fish when released.
* Avoid taking a fish from the water. If you can, release the fish while it is in the water.
* If you do remove the fish from the water, handle it carefully. Use wet hands or a wet towel to minimise damage to its skin. Support its body weight. Minimise the length of time the fish is out of the water.
* Avoid using nets to pick up fish. If absolutely necessary, use fish-friendly landing nets with soft knotless mesh to reduce harm to a fish's scales, skin, eyes and fins.
* Avoid dropping fish onto the bottom of boats or other hard surfaces as this can cause internal organ damage. Hold fish with a firm grip across the back of the head to remove your hook.
* A smooth, wet surface or vinyl covered foam is the most suitable surface to place fish on in order to remove hooks.
* Remember many surfaces, especially metal, can become very hot in the sun. Fish skin is very prone to injury or burns and skin injuries can decrease resistance to diseases.
* Try to retrieve hooks and release fish as quickly as possible. The use of needle-nosed pliers or hook retrieving devices can greatly reduce the time fish are out of water.
* If a hook is located deep inside the fish, cut the line as close as possible to the fish's mouth. This is far better than trying to extract the hook, which could cause internal damage to the fish. Over time, stomach acids should dissolve the hook.
* Take care to revive fish upon release if required. This involves gently holding or pushing the fish through the water so that it obtains a good supply of oxygen. Hold the fish upright in the water and move it to and fro for a while.
* Avoid releasing fish into warm, shallow margins of lakes and streams if deeper, cooler water is accessible.
* Reduce your impact on fish numbers. If you've caught your limit or have enough fish to satisfy your immediate needs, it's a good idea to either stop fishing or try for another species.

Good post!
I also have released fish that were hooked too deep to remove the hook without harming the fish. Based on what I read it's better to cut the line than place unneeded stress on the fish. I do believe in placing a stressed fish in my live well, adding stay alive, and turning the aerator on manual. I then release the bass later on after it has had time to recover. My boat is equipped with a small soft dip net that it used to capture the bass from the live well. This not only makes it easier to get the bass out, but places less stress on bass. I also try to handle the bass by the mouth holding it vertically to protect the slime coat as well as the fishes spine.

Bassin
Butch

AnimalMother,

Great information in your post. I think all of our users can learn something from it. Thanks for contributing...

Brendan

I caught an episode on IN-Fisherman that showed how to remove deep hooked Fish mainly Bass by Going thru the Gill Opening along the Plate being careful not to injure the Gill Membrane to get a grip on the Hook and Remove it. It has worked for me this season for fish that would have other wise ended in the Frying Pan instead of Back in the Lake