Release Over 20 Concept Catching Anglers

Published in the January Issue of Trilogy Outdoors

The concept of Releasing Over 20-inch Fish encourages anglers to set their own creel limits more restrictive than what the law calls for. This science-based management initiative is based on the fact that mature fish release more eggs as they mature, and at 20-inches that increase begins to be exponential. The leadership at Release Over 20 is volunteer-based and they became a 501C3 organization in 2021. As of today, anglers have logged 11,000-entries in the Release Over 20 database, which qualifies them for a monthly prize drawing, while trying to be good stewards of the fishery.

Kerry Browning releasing a 24-inch red drum on Dec. 1

The founder of Release Over 20 is David Fladd, and he is also active with the SCDNR fish tagging program, and sits on the Saltwater Recreational Fishing Advisory Council (SRFAC). “We started out with trout, flounder and sheepshead as our target species and added redfish to the list in the Fall of 2023,” said Fladd. “Most of our Release Over 20 entries up until now have been trout, and our mission is to get fish biology facts out to the anglers. For instance, a 20-inch trout is likely 4-years old and they release 20-million eggs per year, whereas a 15-inch trout only release 9-million eggs per year. Regarding flounder, males don’t grow big in size so almost all keeper flounder are female, and we’d like anglers to choose to use 20-inches as an upper slot limit for releasing flounder.”

Release Over 20 Events Coordinator Kerry Browning and Treasurer Adam Fahrer went fishing out of Garris Landing in Cape Romaine on December 1, and I was fortunate to witness their release concept in person. “Fundraising is an ongoing project for Release Over 20 and we are committed to raising awareness in S.C. and in other states too,” said Browning. “We had a Release Over 20 booth at ICAST in Florida last year, and we have a booth this January at the Haddrell’s Expo.” Both Browning and Fahrer are SCDNR-certified fishing instructors, and Browning operates a YouTube channel called Charleston Inshore Fishing. 

The Release Over 20 YouTube channel includes best practices for handling and releasing fish over 20-inches. Keep the fish wet, and don’t let them fall into the boat are two key points. When using a lip grip, be sure to provide support to the body of the fish, and don’t let the fish hang from the jaw. Anglers submitting entries need to visit the Internet at www.ReleaseOver20.org  to attach a photo, and they hope to reel in enough funds to create a Release Over 20 App for future ease of entry. The Charleston-area hosts annual Cast It Forward events, sponsored by the Post and Courier, encouraging anglers to join in and Release Over 20.

To view past stories from Trilogy Outdoors click on 2023 Hawk Watch -  Kiawah Bird Banding -  2023 Crappie Camp -  Early Birds of September -  SCDNR Salt Fishing Clinics -  Silver King Makes Big Splash - S.C. Mahi Series - 2023 Yawkey Wildlife Center - 2023 Hammock Coast Birding Festival - 2023 Lowcountry Oyster Festival - 2022 Sea Turtle Season - Navigating an S.C. Public Draw Deer Hunt - Crappie Camp - Blessings of a Sporting Father