Scientists settle age-old debate over whether fish feel pain

They don't.

Fish do not even suffer when they are hooked and fighting for their lives, according to research by an international team. 

They say fish do not have a brain system or enough sensory receptors in the nerve cells  to experience suffering.

LINK (via: The Mail Online)

Comments

[matt]

this is a straw man argument. it doesn't matter if they do or do not. as anglers, we must come to terms with the fact that our recreation interferes with their well-being
imagine running a buck whitetail around until it's exhausted, then leaving it be. that deer is at a disadvantage for the rut. same deal with bonefish that are now more likely to get chowed as they recover, steelhead that have spent precious energy reserves while battling an angler, etc etc.
clearance from scientists does not let us off the hook. if the results were the opposite, almost none of us would stop fishing. we have to live considered lives.

[Chris]

Above well stated, agree...regardless of pain still not good for the fish, not like they need exercise