Return ‘Em Right launches second annual photo contest to bring awareness to responsible release practices

May 20, 2025 —

Return 'Em Right (RER), a leading Gulf-wide initiative dedicated to improving reef fish survival, is hosting the second annual Catch, Click, & Release photo con-test. The event begins June 1 and ends July 31.

To participate, reef fish anglers can submit their favorite photos capturing the excitement of the catch while highlighting ethical fish handling and quick, safe releases that mitigate pressure-related injuries known as barotrauma. Prizes will be awarded at the end of the contest period, with finalists determined by votes on RER social media pages.

“We want to celebrate the moments that make fishing special while rein-forcing the importance of proper release techniques,” said Nick Haddad, RER communications manager. “Catch, Click, & Release is about bringing awareness to effective release meth-ods and giving anglers an opportunity to win great prizes for doing the right thing.”

Photo entries must show the angler with an eligible fish attached to a descend-ing device, a weighted tool that helps fish return safely to depth. They must also demonstrate responsible fish handling. Creative photos are encouraged, however quick release should be prioritized. Contest categories will recognize the best red snapper, red grouper and gag grouper photos as well as the “Best of the Rest,” which includes photos of other species exhibiting barotrauma. A special grand prize will be awarded to the angler with the best story to describe their catch.

This year’s prizes include a PENN Fathom electric reel and rod setup, Bajio sun-glasses, Engel coolers, E-SeaRider marine bean bags and more. Second place final-ists will win RER swag packs, and the grand prize winner gets to spend a day on the water fishing with RER in one of the five Gulf states (travel not included).

Participants can subscribe for tournament updates and submit entries through the contest page at returnemright.org/catch-click-release.

Join the movement by tagging @ReturnEmRight on social and using hashtags #ReturnEmRight and #EarnAnotherFight.

For full contest rules and educational resources on best release practices, visit www. returnemright.org.

About Return 'Em Right

Return ‘Em Right is a program that aims to reduce catch and release mortality from fish suffering from barotrauma. The program is led by Florida Sea Grant, the Univer-sity of Florida, Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission, NOAA and a coalition of like-minded organizations committed to maintaining healthy fish stocks and fishing access in the Gulf.