Freshwater Fish Welfare in Angling Contexts

Recreational angling is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the UK, and welfare practices around catch-and-release and fish handling directly affect the welfare of millions of fish annually.

Key Facts

Around 1 million people fish in England and Wales regularly according to Environment Agency estimates
Catch-and-release angling is now predominant in coarse fishing - fish are returned alive
Handling time and air exposure significantly affect post-release survival in salmonids
Barbless hooks reduce injury and hook removal time in returned fish
Unhooking mats prevent scale damage when fish are placed on the ground
Studies show stressed fish have impaired immune function for days after capture

Welfare Considerations

Angling fish welfare is determined by handling practices more than any other single factor. Fish removed from water experience respiratory stress that compounds with handling time. Research on trout and salmon shows that even brief air exposure (under 30 seconds) causes measurable physiological stress and reduced post-release survival probability. Wet hands, unhooking mats, barbless hooks, and rapid release are evidence-based practices that reduce this welfare harm. The Angling Trust's 'Fish Care' programme translates this evidence into practical guidance for anglers. Treating catch-and-release angling as a zero-harm activity ignores real physiological costs to returned fish.

What You Can Do

Use barbless hooks or crimp barbs on all your hooks for catch-and-release angling
Keep fish in water as much as possible during photography and hook removal
Use an unhooking mat and wet your hands before handling fish
Never air-expose fish for more than 30 seconds if releasing them
Follow Angling Trust Fish Care guidelines and share best practices with fellow anglers