As boaters and anglers, we understand the importance of taking care of the environment that we love so much. Catching fish is a common pastime, but as responsible anglers, we should also be considering the welfare of the bait we use. Specifically, this prompts the question:?
The short answer is yes, there are fishing hooks designed to reduce the harm caused to worms. Traditional fishing hooks can pierce through the worm’s body several times, ultimately causing unnecessary pain and suffering. Humane fishing hooks, on the other hand, use a gentler approach to keep the worm alive and well during the fishing process.
One type of humane fishing hook is the circle hook. Circle hooks are designed to minimize injury to fish and bait. They have a curved shape that reduces the risk of deep-hooking, meaning the hook is less likely to cause injury to the worm. Another kind of humane fishing hook is called a “worm hook,” which is designed to hook the worm in the collar where it will have the least impact on the worm. This means that the worm can still move around freely, allowing it to attract fish while still being in the best possible condition.
Another way that you can ensure humane fishing is by using barbless hooks. These hooks can be easily removed from the fish’s mouth without causing any harm. This reduces the suffering of caught fish as well as any bait that you may be using. Furthermore, when a fish is easily released back into the water, it has a greater chance of survival, allowing it to continue to live and breed.
It is essential to be conscious of the bait you are using when fishing. By using humane fishing hooks, you can minimize harm to the bait and fish, as well as contribute to more sustainable fishing practices. Additionally, using barbless hooks can also help reduce the potential injury to fish by allowing their easy release back into the water. So, next time you head out on a fishing trip, consider using humane fishing hooks and demonstrate your commitment to protect and preserve our beautiful environment.