“Influencing anglers to follow personal catch and release limits more restrictive than the law allows, by using rewards, positive reinforcement, and facts backed by scientific research,” is the Mission Statement of Releaseover20.org.

Born on the Grand Strand, Release Over 20 is a grass-roots fishing initiative that is spreading across the country, aimed at improving fish populations for future generations to enjoy.

After this winter’s prolonged cold snap and subsequent fishkill, the timing could not be better. The initiative by one local angler has shown how a love for the outdoors can bring recreational anglers, charter fishermen, government entities and private organizations together, working for the same goal of a healthier fishery.

About 14 years ago, David Fladd was becoming increasingly frustrated by the declining numbers of some of his favorite gamefish, especially the speckled seatrout. The favorite inshore species of fish along the Grand Strand are the hard-fighting redfish, the speckled seatrout, and the popular flounder.

Fladd had been helping alongside Matt Perkinson, Saltwater Fishing Coordinator with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, in the tagging and sample collecting offish for many years, but wanted to stretch out his efforts to address the issue of dwindling fish populations. Anyone who has attempted to change government regulations knows the slow and complicated road that lies ahead. Studies show that a speckled seatrout over 20 inches long is approximately 4 years old and female. This fish is capable of spawning 1 million eggs every 5 days and will lay about 20 million eggs per season. Fladd had an idea that if he could create an incentive to encourage anglers to release spawning-size fish, it would naturally increase the fish quality and population without government action being necessary.

Starting with a podcast and input from a variety of sources including the SCDNR and The Coastal Conservation Association, Release Over 20 started with over 8,000 followers in just the first month. It began as a simple concept of recognition and reward. The names of anglers who participate are randomly drawn each month and receive gifts which have been donated by nationally known fishing companies. All workers are volunteers and participation in the program is free. Kerry Browning was one of the first local anglers to get on board and says “Just knowing that my efforts are helping preserve this fishery for future generations is reward enough.”

After registering on the website:
STEP 1: Catch a fish
STEP 2: Take a photo of fish
STEP 3: Release fish
STEP 4: Win a prize 

The program has grown to include participation from all of the Southern Atlantic and Gulf States from Virginia to Texas and the numberls continues to grow.

Last year, local Captain Chris Ossmann of Fine Catch Fishing Charters in Little River finished second nation-wide in the Speckled Seatrout division with almost 600 releases. Using data from the SCDNR, that equates to over 10,000 additional trout available to be caught as a result.

“Releasing the fish quickly with minimal contact also helps survival.” says Ossman. For more information go to Releaseover20.org