The effect of playing time on physiological responses and mortality of striped bassMorone saxatilis(<36.0 cm total length) captured by hook and line was evaluated in summer (26–32°C water temperature) and fall (16–19°C water temperature). Elevated plasma cortisol concentrations were observed in fish angled in summer only, and the response occurred only in fish played more than 2.5 min. Hyperglycemia was evident in fish angled in summer only and was proportional to playing time. Plasma osmolality and lactate concentrations increased with playing time during both seasons and were proportional to playing time. Mortality of fish recovered 31–42 d after hooking was 11.7% in summer and 5.7% in fall, and it was not related to playing time in either season.