Largemouth bass face welfare challenges in both recreational catch-and-release fishing and aquaculture contexts requiring species-specific welfare consideration.
Largemouth bass welfare in recreational fishing depends on handling technique and environmental conditions. Vertical holding by lip causes spinal stress and potential injury. Prolonged handling and air exposure elevates cortisol and impairs recovery. Livewell management in fishing tournaments determines whether bass survive for release. In aquaculture for stocking, welfare challenges include predatory aggression, high density stress, and transport. The welfare implications of catch-and-release fishing for bass are well-studied and provide evidence for best practice guidelines that minimise welfare costs while maintaining the recreational experience.