Match angling involves competitive fishing with fish retained in keepnets. Welfare reforms have improved outcomes significantly, but ongoing challenges remain in hot weather and at high-density venues.
Match angling welfare has improved substantially through voluntary and regulatory reform over the past two decades. Minimum mesh sizes prevent scale and fin damage. Temperature restrictions limit keepnet use during hot weather when dissolved oxygen is low. However, compliance varies and enforcement is inconsistent. Fish mortality during matches is difficult to track because stressed fish released post-weigh-in may die hours later. A welfare-centred match angling culture requires ongoing champion-building within the angling community.