Recreational angling affects billions of fish annually. Growing evidence of fish sentience is prompting debate about welfare standards in catch-and-release and tournament fishing.
While angling culture has traditionally not considered fish welfare, scientific consensus increasingly recognizes fish as sentient animals capable of experiencing pain and stress. Best practice guidelines — including minimizing air exposure, using barbless hooks, and avoiding high water temperatures — significantly reduce suffering and mortality. Anglers who adopt these practices demonstrate that recreation and animal welfare can coexist.