By: Jaz McKibben
In 2024 Return ‘Em Right hosted its first ever virtual contest, and this year it’s gotten even better! From June 1, 2025 – July 31st, 2025 anglers can submit photos of their summer catches on descending devices to compete for $5,000 in prizes. By taking a quick photo of an eligible fish on a descending device and submitting it to one of the contest categories, you enter your photo to be judged by the Return ‘Em Right crew or by a social media vote, depending on the category.
When & Where to Cast Your Entry
The Catch, Click, Release photo contest runs for two months, June 1 – July 31, 2025, giving you plenty of time to submit entries. Anglers can visit the contest web page to review rules, prizes, photo criteria, and submit photos using the electronic form. Of course, you can always contact Return ‘Em Right via email at info@returnemright.org if there are any questions or issues with the submission process.
Who Can Reel In the Big Win?
Anglers over the age of 18 who fish offshore for reef fish species such as red snapper, red grouper, gag grouper, or any other species exhibiting barotrauma are eligible to enter this contest! Fishing in the Gulf is encouraged, but not a requirement to enter.
How to Get in the Game
We know you’re going to be out on the water this summer, so enter to win some prizes while you’re at it! Photo submissions must include an eligible reef fish species on a descending device with YOU, the angler, in the picture. Any descending device (SeaQualizer, Roy’s Fish Saver, Shelton Fish Descender, FishSaverPro, etc.) can be used. Your fish needs to be caught and released during the contest dates and entries must be received within the contest window. Then head to the web page to submit your photos. The “Submit Catch” button is located under the “How To Enter” tab.
Step 1: Snap It Like a Pro
Catch, Click, Release is a photo contest, so make sure to read all photo eligibility requirements on the web page. Your submissions will be evaluated based on best handling practices, so prioritize using best release practices and getting fish released quickly over the quality of the photo. And of course, creativity will be a factor in the judging process, so think outside of the box! Show off your unique setup, or multiple fish on one descending device, for example.
Step 2: Submit & Share
You can submit one contest entry per trip per species. For example, you may submit both a red grouper and red snapper from the same trip, but not two red snappers from the same trip. The Red Snapper Wrangler, Red Grouper Guru and Gag Grouper Grappler categories are species-specific, while Best Story and Best of the Rest are for any species that exhibits barotrauma.
Reel in the Prizes Every Angler Wants
Thanks to generous sponsors, the prizes this year are bigger and better than ever! First place prizes include:
A PENN Fathom Electric Reel on an Ally II Bent Butt Rod – $1400 value.
An E-SeaRider Marine Bean Bag – $195 value.
An Engel cooler gift card with Return ‘Em Right Shirt, hat and koozie – $200 value.
And Bajío Sunglasses of your choice (non-prescription) – $250 value.
Species Showdown Categories
Best Story submissions are optional with any other photo category submission. The best story can revolve around the specific catch it was submitted with, how descending devices have impacted fishing for you, or the significance of fishing to your life.
Red Snapper Wrangler submissions must include a photo of a red snapper released on a descending device.
Red Grouper Guru submissions must include a photo of a red grouper released on a descending device.
Gag Grouper Grappler submissions must include a photo of a gag grouper released on a descending device.
Best of the Rest submissions must include a photo of any other species visibly affected by barotrauma on a descending device (mutton snapper, black grouper, yellowedge, snowy, black sea bass, etc.).
Stay Legal, Stay Cool
All participants in Catch, Click, Release must follow all local and federal fishing regulations. Stay informed by visiting your state agency’s website and reviewing federal guidelines. Make sure that your fishing license is up to date, and all boating safety regulations are followed. As always, Return ‘Em Right encourages anglers to use best practices on the water so they can continue protecting the Gulf fishery for generations to come.
