Freshwater Fish Catch and Release Welfare

Catch and release angling is widespread but fish welfare during capture, handling, and release is highly variable - best practice significantly reduces harm.

Key Facts

Catch and release accounts for a significant proportion of all recreational fishing in the UK
Air exposure causes rapid physiological stress in fish including elevated cortisol and lactic acid
A fish held out of water for 30 seconds can take 4-6 hours to fully physiologically recover
Using barbless hooks reduces hook removal time and tissue damage significantly
Knotless landing nets cause less scale and mucus damage than knotted alternatives
Fish survive catch and release better in cool water - summer catch and release has higher mortality risk

Welfare Considerations

Catch and release angling welfare is achievable with best practice technique but is compromised by poor handling in many recreational fishing contexts. Prolonged air exposure, dry hand handling (removes protective mucus), aggressive hook removal, and warm water conditions all increase welfare harm and post-release mortality. The Angling Trust's 'Keep Fish Wet' campaign promotes evidence-based handling. Research shows that carbon dioxide accumulation from prolonged fights causes fish to 'give up' not through exhaustion but through CO2 narcosis - meaning quick fights are more welfare-positive than slow exhaustion.

What You Can Do

Use barbless or de-barbed hooks to enable quick hook removal
Never hold fish out of water for more than 30 seconds - minimise air exposure
Use wet hands or knotless wet landing nets to avoid removing protective mucus
Revive fish fully before release - support in flowing water until they swim away strongly
Fish in cool conditions where possible - avoid catch and release in warm summer temperatures
Follow Angling Trust 'Keep Fish Wet' guidance for best practice welfare during catch and release