Pointed Discussion

This makes me want to build a deck around it.

already did
(very mean infinite turn deck)
Wanderwine Prophets
Deepchannel Mentor
Merrow Commerce
Stonybrook Schoolmaster
Summon the School
Sygg, River Guide
Cleansing Meditation
savor the moment
seahunter

Building a typical Merfolk deck and including Seahunter doesn't mean you're building around it. =P

But yes, it's a fantastic card, no questions asked. If your Wanderwine Prophets is making contact and you have a Seahunter out, it's pretty much GG as you can keep getting out "extra turn fodder", giving you what is more or less infinite turns.

Even though it's not a Merfolk, include it in most Merfolk decks. It's that simple.

Moggcatcher is sort of like the same card in red for goblins. Skyshroud Poacher is sort of like the same card in green for elves.

It's kind of weird that a card that's supposed to work together with merfolk has such an abusive flavor, but if they can't feel pain, I guess I can feel a bit more comfortable about the prospect.

Absolutely priceless flavor text lol. My father used to say that when we'd go fishing when I was younger. I never could pull the hooks out of their mouth without feeling like I was hurting the thing ><

This card is amazing in EDH. Pretty much lets you play any merfolk you want, whenever you want to.

Good in merfolk decks. Also good with Conspiracy if you don't feel like hardcasting Emrakul, Progenitus, Blightsteel Colossus or Scornful Egotist.

Artificial Evolution and you've got a nasty, NASTY combo.

Regarding the flavour text, wouldn't fear count as a kind of "pain" response? It's certainly not a pleasant feeling, in any case, and never mind the fact that I highly doubt his assertion is true to begin with.