Are plastics digested?

[BAIT956]

I was out throwing spinnerbaits yesterday with a couple of buddies. As expected, we had several bite offs of the plastic trailer. Bass or pike, it doesn't matter for this question.

My friend asked me "what happens to the plastic when it is eaten by the fish?" We're not talking biodegradables here, like Gulp, but the ordinary worms, twisters, creatures, etc.

Had to admit I didn't know. Never thought of it.

I told him I would try to find out.

Anybody know? Thanks in advance.

[Ralph Wiggum]

They probably regurgitate them or they pass through. I used to keep oscars (think big sunfish if you don't know what they are). Once I threw a mister twister in to see what would happen. Well, he ate it. The next day he worked it back out.

[ocf]

most of the time, bass will put it in their mouth and then if they dont like it they will empty their mouth of the water and spit it out, this takes 2 or more seconds depending on if its scented or not. as an angler you can take advantage of this by setting the about 1 second after you feel it to get the best hookset.

[delmuts]

i know that bass will pass plastics too! i have caught two that had plastic worms sticking out of thier back end.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Ive caught them passing a hook out the ole tail pipe as well.. so much for them rusting out very quick...

I think most bass will just pass them through the digestive system.

[Slyster]

THEN what happens to them? I'm concerned there might be 50 million plastic worms and creatures for eternity on the bottom of our metro lakes. They sure look bad when I see them oovered in algae in shallower water.

Maybe when there's enough of them, they will provide structure for bass to relate too.. hehe.

[BAIT956]

Well, Delmuts and Dietz, I guess that's all I need to know. Still having trouble with this visual, but thanks, I asked for it.

[Deitz Dittrich]

sly- your right, that is a problem.. I do my very best not to add to the worms in the water. If I see any floating, I will always pick them up and put them in the boat.

[delmuts]

hey deitz!! so , do you wash your hands when you pick one out of the water since you don't know where it's been?????

[BillP]

Hell, they get "digested" in my tackle box.

[Superduty]

They pass right on through my black lab. She ate a whole bag of gulp minnows. Talk about "BAD BREATH". I could have picked them out of the yard and fished 'em if it weren't for the gag factor! I've had dogs eat senkos also. They love the salt.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Dude.. thats gross!!!