Awwwwwwwwwww, c'mon!
It's just a lil ol fish..............
Actually, I grew up with it. Many in my extended family did it then, some still do.
Is it dangerous? Of course, few years back someone I knew slightly reached under a rock slab that fell on his hand. He drowned before anyone could get to him. And then, snakebites are always a risk, turtles, especially snappers. and any of a dozen other possibilites.
But, no more dangerous than many outdoor activities if taken overall.
Me? I stick to rod n reel.