Millions of fish are caught and released annually by recreational anglers, raising questions about the welfare impacts of hooking, handling, and physiological stress that are backed by growing scientific evidence.
The welfare science on fish pain has advanced substantially in the past two decades, with strong evidence that fish have the neural architecture and behavioural responses consistent with pain experience. Catch-and-release fishing, often presented as a cruelty-free alternative, nonetheless causes significant physiological stress and injury. The welfare calculus varies by species, method, and handling quality. Barbless hooks, minimising air exposure, and rapid release reduce but do not eliminate welfare impacts. For anglers committed to welfare, these practices are a meaningful starting point.