IS IT OKAY TO USE ELASTIC?

VINNIE GILSENAN, VIA EMAIL

I was interested to read the Q&A answer to Gary Burke's question in the January issue about keeping worms on the hook with a piece of elastic band when only barbless hooks are allowed. What happens to any fish that might swallow the piece of elastic? I would imagine that elastic is pretty indigestible. Would it not be better to use a caster or something natural that, if swallowed by the fish, could pass easily through its gut. I've used blades of grass, casters, elderberries, even a piece of hemp, and had no problems. I'd rather not catch at all than risk harming a beautiful specimen of any species with a piece of elastic band.