Wild Fish

Catch and Release Fishing: Welfare Evidence and Practice

Catch and release fishing is widely practiced as a conservation measure, but evidence of fish pain and physiological stress challenges assumptions that released fish experience no lasting harm.

Key Facts

Studies show cortisol levels in caught fish remain elevated for hours after release
Handling during catch and release increases disease susceptibility and reduces immune function
Barbless hooks and minimal handling significantly reduce injury and mortality rates
Deep hooking of throat or gut significantly increases post-release mortality
Water temperature is the most important factor in post-release survival — warm water dramatically reduces survival

Welfare Considerations

Fish caught during angling experience physiological stress equivalent to acute trauma in mammals. While many fish survive catch and release with minimal lasting harm, the experience involves pain from hooking, exhaustion from fighting, and the welfare impact of handling and air exposure. Welfare-conscious angling practices minimize these impacts through barbless hooks, minimal handling, and rapid release.

What You Can Do

Use barbless hooks for catch and release fishing
Never lift fish vertically by the jaw — support the body horizontally
Minimize air exposure and return fish to cool, well-oxygenated water immediately
Stop fishing when water temperatures exceed safe levels for the target species
Engage with angling organizations about welfare-based catch and release protocols