In live‐release angling tournaments, fish are captured and typically held within onboard live‐well systems, where they are subsequently “culled” (i.e., released) as larger fish are captured. Anglers often mark individual fish to easily identify them based on weight and to reduce handling time. However, there is limited information about the physiological consequences of using different culling apparatus on fish. This study examined the physiological consequences associated with using four different types of culling apparatus (i.e., metal stringer through the jaw, pincher on the jaw, lasso around the caudal peduncle, and zippered mesh bag) on Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides relative to controls during a 2‐h live‐well retention period. Blood samples were taken afterwards and were analyzed for blood glucose, blood lactate, plasma cortisol, and osmolality. Compared to the baseline control (i.e., fish that were captured, subjected to blood sampling, and immediately released), blood parameters (except osmolality) were significantly elevated in all treatments. The pincher and lasso treatments tended to yield higher physiological disturbances than the other treatments, including fish that were held in the live well without any culling apparatus. Moreover, the lasso culling apparatus appeared to cause noticeable injury relative to the other culling devices. Our research provides valuable information to help guide the selection of culling gear that maintains the welfare status of retained fish during tournaments.