Aquatic Animals

Welfare Implications of Catch-and-Release Fishing

Catch-and-release fishing is promoted as a conservation-friendly practice, but raises significant welfare questions given growing evidence that fish experience pain.

Key Facts

Fish have nociceptors and opioid systems similar to those of mammals
Rainbow trout show reduced predator avoidance after lip injection with acetic acid
Recovery from catch-and-release can take hours and is not always successful
Delayed mortality after release is estimated at 10-30% for some species and techniques
Circle hooks cause less tissue damage than J-hooks in catch-and-release contexts

Welfare Considerations

The evidence that fish experience pain — not merely nociception — has strengthened significantly since 2003. Lip hooking, struggling during capture, handling, and air exposure all cause acute physiological stress and likely pain. While catch-and-release causes less harm than catch-and-kill, it is not welfare-neutral. Minimizing air exposure, using barbless hooks, and handling fish minimally are meaningful welfare improvements available to all anglers.

What You Can Do

Use barbless hooks and wet hands to minimize injury in catch-and-release fishing
Minimize air exposure — release fish before they stop struggling where possible
Follow fish pain science through organizations like Fish Welfare Initiative
Consider catch-and-release reforms as part of broader engagement with fishing regulations