What is the ruling on fishing as a pastime, where one catches a fish and releases back into the water? Is this permissible? What about using certain types of live bait? I was thinking of doing this cause I need some hobbies to help me cope with my OCD and I really love outdoor activities.

Ustadh AbdulAziz al-Haqqan

Fish it to eat or to sell and there is no harm in enjoying it, and what the scholars spoke against is catching an animal for play alone with no benefit taken from it. As for live bait, if there is a need for it then it is allowed, and if there is no need then it is frowned upon.