Hi Barb, That could be a real hot topic for sure. I grew up on the ocean, so fishing was a big part of my life. Here's something interesting that I recently read. A study in a University somewhere up north( closer to Canada), I'm not real sure which one. I'd have to look the article back up. Showed that fish actually do not possess the proper nerve ending to be able to feel pain. They have autonomic responses, but no pain. Not trying to start anything, just thought it was an interesting fact. William