Recreational angling affects billions of fish annually — with growing scientific evidence that fish experience pain raising questions about the welfare impact of catch-and-release practices.
Recreational angling and fish welfare is an area where evidence and cultural practice are in significant tension. The science is clear that fish experience stress and likely pain during capture. The welfare impact of catch-and-release depends critically on handling: fish held out of water for extended periods, especially in warm water, have high post-release mortality from stress and organ failure. Best-practice catch-and-release — barbless hooks, minimal handling, keeping fish in water, quick release — reduces welfare harm substantially. Anglers who genuinely care about fish welfare can adopt these practices immediately without giving up their sport.