Fishing With Live Bait

It is not permissible to use live bait for fishing. Yes, if after purchasing the worms they are killed or they die on their own and then used, it will be permissible to use them. It should be borne in mind that no unnecessary harm should be inflicted on them. If they are to be killed, then it should be done in a manner which results in a swift death.

Similarly, “catch and release” (i.e. to catch a fish and throw it back) is also forbidden as it is done as a sport, leisure or just for the “fight”. Moreover, it causes unnecessary harm to the fish which is also not acceptable. Fishing will only be permissible when it is done for a valid Shar’ie benefit (e.g. to earn a living or to derive benefit from its parts or organs).