Summer is almost here and the Return ‘Em Right project is ready to help anglers in the Gulf of Mexico. The project provides eligible anglers with free release gear, shipped to their door, to help them release fish correctly. This is important for the health of Gulf fisheries because millions of fish are at risk of dying if anglers don’t act to help them survive. Release gear helps fish that suffer from barotrauma get back down to depth, so they can swim away. 

In the past, anglers used venting tools to mitigate barotrauma, but this caused further harm to the fish. Returning fish to depth using a descending device is the preferred method of release, promoting long-term survival of released fish. The Return ‘Em Right training provides the essentials regarding releasing fish impacted by barotrauma, including how to recognize the symptoms of barotrauma and options for tools to send fish back to depth.

Are descending devices hard to use? Not at all, though it can take some time to become comfortable with them. The Return ‘Em Right project provides eligible anglers with a package of release gear, including a pre-rigged descending device and a backup descending device, at no cost. There are two common types of descending devices: the lip grip device and the inverted hook device. The lip grip device attaches to the fish’s lower jaw with a metal clamp and uses a weight to descend the fish back to depth. The inverted hook device involves inserting a barbless hook through the fish’s lower jaw and dropping the fish to the desired depth. As you reel up, the hook slides out of the fish’s mouth.

If you’re planning to use a descending device, there are a few tips and tricks that can make it an easy and efficient part of your day on the water. Rig your gear before making your first drop by attaching a weight with a loop knot or swivel. If using a SeaQualizer, set the depth on the device based on where you’ll be fishing. Find a descending device setup that works for you, whether it involves setting up a heavy-duty rod in the 30-90 degree rod holder, using an electric reel, or attaching the device to a hand line. Finally, properly attach your descending device to the fish by attaching it to the lower jaw for a better grip if using a lip grip device, or looking for the same hole the hook made or gently piercing the hook through the soft tissue under the lower jaw if using an inverted hook device. These spots will do the least harm to the fish.

The Return ‘Em Right project was selected and funded by the Deepwater Horizon Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group as part of the 2019 Open Ocean Restoration Plan. Project partners include NOAA, Florida Sea Grant, Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission, a coalition of anglers, industry groups, state agencies, universities, and government and non-government organizations.

For more information, visit the NOAA Fisheries website.