Wondering if Trout have teeth?
Trout is one of the most popular game fish and can be found in many parts of the world. They’re known for being elusive and a pleasure to catch, which is why so many people love to go fishing for them. But do Trout have teeth?
Yes, Trout do have teeth. Trout are carnivores and use their teeth to consume their prey, whether smaller fish or insects.
While Trout is a pleasure to catch, anglers should know they can deliver a painful bite. Large Trout (16 inches and up) have powerful jaws and can easily break the skin if they bite you.
Smaller Trout also have teeth, though they are usually too small to pose a severe threat. As a result, avoiding haphazardly sticking your fingers into a trout’s mouth is essential.
When landing a large Trout, you may need to use fishing pliers to remove the fly.
If you’re curious to learn more about Trout, keep reading!
Trout Teeth
While all Trout have teeth, not all trout species are created equal. The size and sharpness of a trout’s teeth depend on the species and where they live. For example, Brown Trout have larger, sharper teeth than rainbow trout.
Most of the time, you’ll find that Trout has small, sharp teeth that point backward. Trout teeth are designed to help the Trout grip their prey and pull it into their mouths.
While all Trout have teeth, not all use them the same way. For example, some trout use their teeth to grip and pull their prey into their mouth, while others use them to slice and tear their prey apart.
The type of teeth a trout has also depends on its diet. For example, Trout that eat insects primarily will have different teeth than those that eat mostly fish.
How to Handle Trout
When planning to catch and release Trout, you may ask, what is the best way to handle Trout?
It is also essential to know how to handle it properly. Knowing how to catch and release a fish properly is the best way to ensure survival after being released and avoid a Trout bite.
Keep in mind the six tips below for how to handle a trout:
- Wet your hands before handling any fish species. This will help to avoid removing the slime coat from the fish, which can lead to infection.
- Support the body of the Trout when lifting it out of the water.
- Avoid squeezing the fish too tightly, as this can damage its internal organs.
- Use rubber netting. Rubber netting helps preserve the fish’s slime coat more so than other netting materials.
- Use barbless hooks. Barbless hooks are easier to remove, resulting in less time to handle the Trout and a quicker release.
- Gently place the fish back in the water and allow it to swim away on its own.
Now that you know a little more about Trout, their teeth, and how to handle them, let’s look at some of the most frequently asked questions about trout teeth and how to manage them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do Trout Eat?
Trout are opportunistic predators that eat just about anything they can fit in their mouths.
Smaller Trout will feed on insects, while larger Trout will eat smaller fish. In addition, to live prey, Trout will also consume dead or decaying organisms.
Do All Trout Species Have Teeth?
Yes, all Trout have teeth, but they are not all equally well-equipped. For example, Brown Trout tend to have large, sharp teeth that are well-suited for crushing their prey. In contrast, brook trout have much smaller teeth better suited for slicing and cutting.
Can Trout Teeth Hurt You?
While trout teeth are not typically large or sharp enough to pose a severe threat to humans, they can still deliver a painful bite.
It is best to avoid sticking your fingers in a trout’s mouth, as a Trout bite can easily break the skin. Especially, If you catch a larger trout, it is best to use fishing pliers to release the hook.
Can You Hold a Trout by the Gill Plate?
No, you should never hold a trout by the gill plate. The gills are very delicate and easily damaged, leading to infection or even death.
It is best to support the Trout’s body when lifting it out of the water and avoid squeezing it too tightly.
How long can Trout survive out of water?
Trout can only survive out of water for a short period. If you plan to release a trout, handling it as little as possible is crucial, and getting it back into the water as quickly as possible.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, all Trout have teeth, but not all use them in the same way. The type of teeth a trout has also depends on its diet. When handling a trout, it is important to wet your hands first, support the body, and use rubber netting. Finally, always gently place the fish back into the water and allow it to swim away on its own.
For more guidance on trout fishing, check out the pages below:
