Being raised as a trout fisherman I was always taught that if a fish swallowed the hook or was hooked in the gills or anywhere it could not be removed to cut the line. A few questions.... Does the hook really decompose or digest (depending on where it’s at)? I've heard the hook falls out, if it is where it can "fall out" it should be able to be removed in the first place. What effect is there on the fish? I can understand somewhat a hook breaking down in a fish’s mouth in the saltwater but I think the time frame in fresh would be much much greater. I have become skilled enough that I rarely ever have a fish swallow the hook. My problem is, since the summer I have been taking a few friends fishing with me and teaching them the game. They’re getting pretty good except they still let fish swallow the hook. I have instilled C&R in them unless you’re actually going to eat it and not let it sit in the freezer for years. I don’t like to let fish go if they’re going to die. So to sum up...when they go fishing I end up having a big fish dinner, which I don’t mind a bit. They’re getting better just slowly. How high is the mortality rate of those fish we release. Are there any real facts to prove what happens or just assumptions getting passed through the generations? Just looking for some quick knowledge and experience.