Not sure if this topic belonged here but I found it very interesting and thought I'd share.

 

http://www.saltstrong.com/articles/fishing-lure-left-in-a-fishs-mouth/

Interesting stuff there.

Definitely was expecting this article to go in the other direction.  I am happy I was wrong.

I've always thought hooks prevented fish from eating and that there was nothing they can do about it. But after reading this, I remember way back when I had like 3 Koi ponds with Kois the size of my legs. When I hand fed them, and swam with them, they would "suck in" my fingers and toes, but when there was a leaf that accidentally got sucked in, they would blow it out with enough force. I don't know if all fish (except sharks or whales) can do this. But if the Pikes this study used are like Kois, then it makes sense how they're able to get rid of the hook. They probably just keep moving their mouth while sucking in and when they feel there's a loose object inside their mouth that they don't like, they blow it out.

Glad I read this. I still have hope in getting my popx back that was lodged in a catfish's mouth last weekend

That is good stuff. I once left a bass with a face full of Super Spook because I got too excited after catching 4 on 4 casts to retie. I've felt guilty about that for 15 years. It might also explain why you occasionally see a topwater floating and wonder how somebody managed to lose it.

I caught a stocked trout on powerbait once, he was only 7 or 8" long and in my opinion not worth keeping for food but had swallowed the hook so I cut the line, I didn't think he would last long but a injured trout that size would be bass candy so I didn't feel bad. I retied, tossed my rig back out, and the next fish I caught was that same trout. I decided he had a death wish and kept him that time.

I caught a stocked trout on powerbait once, he was only 7 or 8" long and in my opinion not worth keeping for food but had swallowed the hook so I cut the line, I didn't think he would last long but a injured trout that size would be bass candy so I didn't feel bad. I retied, tossed my rig back out, and the next fish I caught was that same trout. I decided he had a death wish and kept him that time.

Hahaha. Mercy kill.

Would have like to see the same test with plain hooks as well. I bet a fish has a way more difficult time dislodging a dropshot or EWG worm hook than it does a crankbait (no leverage to work against). Obviously would have to be conducted in a tank instead of a lake though. 

Thanks for sharing.