How the Program Started and Why It Matters By: Marie Head, Sean Wilms, Leo Eguia The For-Hire At Sea Observer Program began in Florida more than 15 years ago and now spans every Gulf state. The program was developed to better understand the recreational fishing sector, especially catch and discard rates, providing fisheries managers and...
The Early Life of Reef Fish By: Nick Haddad How we fish and the species we pursue often evolves over time. Many anglers start their journey inshore targeting trout, redfish and other coastal species before venturing deeper into the offshore world. This transition through our fishing lives is not all that uncommon to the lifecycle...
Advancing Healthier Fisheries Across the Southeast By: Nick Haddad Recreational fishing is a cornerstone of coastal communities, and responsible angling practices are essential to ensure the long-term sustainability of reef fish populations. One of the simplest efforts anglers can do to support healthy fisheries is to take care of the fish they release by giving...
More Than Best Practices By: Charlie Robertson A lot of people think of Return ‘Em Right as just an outreach program on the surface. While giving out free gear, training, and teaching anglers about best release practices is a big part of what we do, there is a lot more happening behind the scenes of...
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...
By: Natalie Matthews Return ‘Em Right Launches New Gear Distribution Model The Return ‘Em Right program is evolving to a new gear distribution model designed to reach even more anglers and strengthen conservation outcomes. Beginning on May 13th, 2026, anglers will have the opportunity to receive release gear while covering only the shipping and...
By: Eric Vichich How an Ancient Fishing Practice is Helping Fish and Anglers Today. If you’ve ever reeled in a grouper or snapper only to see it floating helplessly on the surface after release, you know the sinking feeling of “discard mortality”. As offshore anglers, we want to ensure the fish we release today are...
Story originally published in Texas Saltwater Fishing Magazine. By: Nick Haddad Separating Fact from Fiction. Return ‘Em Right has been publicly operating for over four years now. In that time, and across countless presentations, tournaments and boat shows, I’ve heard it all when it comes to barotrauma and best release practices. But when it comes...
By: Nick Haddad Who Is Ryan Morie? Over the past decade, YouTube and social media have completely reshaped the fishing world. Whether you’re a hardcore angler or someone who enjoys watching fishing videos between trips, chances are you’ve come across Ryan Morie. We’ve had the opportunity to fish with Ryan not once, but twice, and...
By: Jaz McKibben What Is a Descending Device and Why It Matters Responsible anglers know that using best release practices can be the difference between a fish surviving release or floating off. Fish reeled up from depth can experience barotrauma, a pressure-related injury, making it difficult for them to return on their own. Fortunately, this...
