The welfare implications of recreational freshwater angling have received growing attention, with evidence of pain and stress in hooked fish prompting debate about best practice and regulation.
Freshwater fish welfare in angling occupies a contested space between the welfare evidence, the cultural value of angling, and the practical challenges of regulation. Evidence that fish experience pain and prolonged stress following capture creates a welfare obligation to minimise harm. Best practice guidelines including barbless hooks, minimal air exposure, wet hands for handling, and prompt return to water significantly reduce welfare impact. Engaging the angling community as partners in improving fish welfare, rather than positioning welfare as opposed to angling, produces better outcomes for fish. The angling community's direct observation of fish behaviour gives them unique insight into welfare impacts.