By: Jaz McKibben
Since 2024, Return ‘Em Right has been hosting an annual summer contest, and we’re back with opportunities for anglers to win again this year! From June 1, 2026 – July 31, 2026 anglers can submit photos of their summer catches on descending devices to compete for up to $2,000 in prizes. By taking a quick photo of an eligible fish on a descending device and submitting it to one of the contest categories, anglers can enter to win. Entries will be judged by the Return ‘Em Right crew and through social media voting for finalists. Catch, Click, Release also features a venting category for the first time ever!
When & Where to Cast Your Entry
The Catch, Click, Release photo contest runs for two months, from June 1 – July 31, 2026. Anglers should visit the contest web page to review rules, categories, prizes, and photo criteria before submitting photos using the “Submit Catch” button, located under the “What, When, Where” section of the page. Fish must be caught and released during the contest dates (June 1 – July 31, 2026) and entries must also be received within this time period. One entry per angler, per species, per day will be accepted during the contest window.
Who’s Eligible?
Anglers over the age of 18 who fish offshore in the Gulf or South Atlantic for reef fish species such as red snapper, red grouper, gag grouper, or any other species exhibiting barotrauma are eligible to enter this contest!
How to Enter Catch, Click, Release
Catch, Click, Release is your chance to turn summer fishing trips into the opportunity to win prizes! Photo submissions must include an eligible reef fish species on a descending device with the angler and fish in the picture. Any style of descending device (lip clamp, inverted hook, weighted crate, etc.) can be used. Types of eligible descending devices include, but are not limited to: SeaQualizer, Roy’s Fish Saver, Shelton Fish Descender, FishSaverPro, etc.
If you are entering the venting category, you must use an appropriate venting tool. Proper venting tools are sharpened, hollow instruments, such as a hypodermic syringe with the plunger removed, or a 16–gauge needle fixed to a handle. A device that is not hollow, such as a knife or ice pick, is not a venting tool and will cause additional damage.
Step 1: Snap a Pic
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 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.
Catch a Trophy and Enter to Win $2,000 in Prizes!
Thanks to our generous sponsors, we have incredible prizes with a total combined value of up to $2,000! Catch, Click, Release features five categories, including “Pressure Popper” – a brand new venting category! This year’s categories and prizes include:
Follow the Contest Rules… and the Law!
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 release practices on the water. Anglers should ensure the quick release of every fish, have descending devices or venting tools rigged and ready to go, and be ready for pictures before pulling a fish out of the water. Check out this blog for tips on how to take great fish photos and do it ethically.
