Catch-and-release fishing is widely promoted as conservation-friendly, but growing evidence of fish pain perception raises important welfare questions about this practice.
The welfare implications of catch-and-release fishing are increasingly recognised by scientists and some angling organisations. Hooking causes acute tissue damage and triggers measurable stress hormone responses. The physical exertion of fighting against a line can cause severe exhaustion and internal physiological disruption. Even fish that survive the immediate release may suffer impaired immune function and altered behaviour for extended periods. Barbless hooks, minimising air exposure, using rubber landing nets, and careful hook removal can significantly reduce welfare impacts. However, the fundamental question of whether recreational fishing for non-food purposes is ethically justifiable given fish sentience is increasingly being raised.