Yes, fish can hear you talk, but the sounds you make above water are less impactful than you might think.
While fish lack external ears like humans, they possess internal hearing mechanisms that allow them to perceive sound vibrations. Sound travels differently in water than in air. Sounds created above the surface must overcome surface tension to penetrate the water. Therefore, casual conversations or typical noises on a boat are unlikely to be significantly disruptive to fish. Shouting or very loud noises might be detectable, but the effect is often minimal.
Here's a breakdown:
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How Fish Hear: Fish primarily hear through their swim bladder, which vibrates in response to sound waves. These vibrations are then transmitted to the inner ear via a series of small bones (Weberian ossicles in some species). They can also detect vibrations through their lateral line, a sensory organ that runs along the side of their body.
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Sound Travel in Water: Sound travels much faster and further in water than in air. However, the density difference between air and water means that sounds originating in the air have a hard time transferring effectively into the water.
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Above-Water Noise: Ordinary conversations on a boat are usually muffled significantly by the time they reach the water. Louder noises, like dropping heavy objects or stomping, could potentially be heard, but the frequency and intensity matter. Low-frequency sounds travel more readily in water.
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In-Water Noise: Noises generated underwater, such as a boat's motor, sonar, or even a lure hitting the water, are much more easily detected by fish.
Therefore, while fish can technically "hear" you talking, the practical impact of your voice on their behavior is generally low, unless you are being exceptionally loud. What’s more likely to affect their behavior is noise in the water.
