Does a fishing lure harm fish if swallowed with no hook?

While a fishing lure without a hook may not cause immediate harm to a fish if swallowed, it can still have negative consequences for the fish's well-being and survival:

Obstruction: The lure can create a physical obstruction in the fish's digestive tract, particularly if it's large or has parts that can't be easily digested. This obstruction can cause discomfort, interfere with feeding, and lead to malnutrition.

Injury to the Digestive Tract: The lure's edges or sharp parts, even without a hook, can cause damage to the fish's mouth, esophagus, stomach, or intestines as it passes through. Internal bleeding, ulcers, and perforations are potential injuries.

Infection Risk: The presence of a foreign object in the fish's digestive system can increase the risk of bacterial infections. The lure may introduce harmful bacteria or create a favorable environment for infection to develop.

Long-Term Health Issues: Swallowing a lure may have long-term consequences on the fish's health. It can affect growth, reproduction, and overall fitness, making it more vulnerable to predators, diseases, and other environmental stressors.

Stress and Behavior: The presence of the lure can cause stress and discomfort in the fish, affecting its behavior and ability to feed and interact with its surroundings normally.

Potential Mortality: In some cases, if the obstruction is severe or the injuries sustained are significant, it can lead to the fish's death.

It's important for anglers to practice responsible fishing practices, including proper lure selection, careful handling of fish, and avoiding the use of lures with exposed hooks or sharp parts that could be harmful if ingested.