Hooked and Unhooked: The Astonishing Truth Behind Fishing Lures Left in a Fish's Mouth

Ever wondered what happens when a fishing lure gets left in a fish's mouth?

Brace yourself for the shocking and controversial findings from a recent fishing study that delved into this mysterious realm. Before we dive into the unexpected results, rest assured, we're not advocating for casual hook abandonment unless there's a chance it might save a fish's life—a point we'll explore shortly.

Unveiling the Mysteries of Lures in Fish Mouths

For seasoned anglers and curious onlookers alike, here's a glimpse into why hooks and lures end up lingering in a fish's mouth. Whether it's a line break during a fierce fight or a fish swallowing the hook beyond retrieval, these instances are more common than you might think.

Now, let's navigate through the riveting findings of a groundbreaking study conducted by Canadian Grad student Chris Pullen, who decided to explore how fishing lures and hooks fare in a fish's mouth when left to their own devices.

The Experiment: Crankbaits, Pike, and Surprising Results

Chris hooked Northern Pike with color-coded crankbait lures fitted with radio transmitters in a controlled lake. The study involved both barbed and barbless hooks, strategically placed in different parts of the fish's mouth. The goal was to observe how the fish reacted to these hooked lures.

The jaw-dropping results revealed that these fish could miraculously self-release well-set treble hooks, with barbless hooks often emerging in 24 hours or less. Even deeply hooked crankbaits with barbs were typically freed from the fish's mouth within a couple of days.

Chris theorizes that the location of the hook plays a role – hooks in the jaw seem less bothersome to the fish, resulting in a faster release. The study, supervised by Dr. Steven Cooke at Carleton University, showcased the fish's ability to adapt and shake off hooks underwater.

Beyond Hooks: Comparing Hooked and Unhooked Fish Behavior

In the second part of the study, Chris compared the behavior of hooked and unhooked pike. Surprisingly, there was minimal difference in how these fish dispersed, acted, and ate. It appears that, while hooks might cause some annoyance, they don't significantly impact the fish's daily life.

Dissolving Hooks: Fact or Fiction?

Addressing the age-old debate of how long it takes for a fish hook to dissolve, the study suggests that fish are more likely to lose or shake off the hook before it dissolves. Factors such as the hook's age, material, size, and the water environment all contribute to the dissolving process. In essence, most fish hooks take a considerable amount of time to completely disappear.

In Conclusion: Releasing Fish Safely

While the study sheds light on Northern Pike's ability to shake off hooks, it's crucial to prioritize the safe release of fish. If removing the hook poses minimal harm, go ahead. However, if time is of the essence, cutting the line might be the best option.

In the ever-evolving dance between anglers and fish, this study offers a captivating glimpse into the resilience and adaptability of these aquatic creatures. It's a tale of hooks, lures, and the surprising ability of fish to shake off the unexpected challenges lurking in their underwater world.