Catch and release fishing is practiced by millions but carries welfare implications that depend heavily on technique, with evidence that some practices cause minimal harm while others cause significant injury.
Catch and release fishing welfare is more nuanced than either total condemnation or blanket endorsement. When practiced with appropriate technique - barbless hooks, minimal handling time, no air exposure, water temperature monitoring, and ensuring fish are fully recovered before release - catch and release causes modest welfare impact with high survival rates. When practiced carelessly - long fights to exhaustion, prolonged air exposure for photography, rough handling - it causes significant welfare harm and increased post-release mortality. The welfare case for responsible catch and release is that it provides recreational fishing opportunity without the welfare cost of killing fish, provided technique is consistently good. The case against irresponsible practice is that it causes suffering without even the benefit of food.