Leave Your Legacy, One Fish At a Time

By Bob Schmidt

Catch, Photo, Release: The Heart of Sustainable Fishing

There’s a timeless joy in the tug of a fish on the line, the flash of silver in clear water, and the stories shared at the end of the day. This summer, anglers have the power to ensure these moments endure for generations by embracing the practice of catch, photo, and release (CPR). More than a trend, CPR is a commitment to sustainable fishing—a tradition that honors the resource, the community, and the future of our sport.

Why Catch, Photo, Release Matters

Catch, photo, and release is the art of capturing a memorable fish, photographing it quickly and respectfully, and returning it to the water unharmed. This practice is essential when:

• Regulations require the release of undersized, out-of-season, or protected species.
• You want to preserve fish populations for future generations.
• Water conditions (high temperatures, low flows) put extra stress on fish, making responsible handling crucial.

By practicing CPR, anglers help maintain healthy fish stocks, protect aquatic ecosystems, and ensure that fishing remains a vibrant tradition for years to come.

Benefits for Anglers, Resources, and Community

For Anglers:

• Ensures more opportunities to catch trophy fish in the future.
• Keeps the thrill of fishing alive by allowing fish to grow bigger and smarter.
• Fosters a sense of stewardship and pride in protecting the resource.

For Natural Resources:

• Maintains balanced fish populations and biodiversity.
• Reduces the need for costly restocking programs.
• Protects the genetic diversity of wild fish.

For the Community:

• Sustains local economies and jobs tied to recreational fishing.
• Preserves cultural traditions and outdoor heritage.
• Inspires the next generation to value and protect the outdoors.

How to Practice Catch, Photo, Release: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare Your Gear

• Use barbless or circle hooks for easy removal and less injury.
• Choose a rubberized or knotless net to protect the fish’s slime coat.
• Have your camera ready and within reach before landing the fish.

2. Land and Handle with Care

• Minimize the fight time to avoid exhausting the fish.
• Wet your hands before touching the fish to protect its slime layer.
• Support the fish horizontally, never by the jaw or gills.

3. Capture the Moment

• Keep the fish in or just above the water for the photo.
• Limit air exposure to less than 10 seconds—plan the shot in advance.
• If alone, use a tripod or action camera for hands-free photos.

4. Release Properly

• Gently return the fish to the water, supporting it until it swims away strongly.
• In moving water, face the fish upstream to help it “catch its breath”.
• If the fish is sluggish, take extra time to revive it.

Inspiring a Sustainable Fishing Mindset

Sustainable fishing is more than a set of rules—it’s a mindset rooted in respect for the resource and the community. Every angler who practices CPR becomes a steward, passing down the values of conservation, patience, and appreciation for wild places.

“At the end of the day, it is the anglers themselves who can make a difference. By disseminating information and promoting best practices such as catch-and-release, respect for spawning grounds and cleaning up fishing grounds, we can create a culture of responsible management that will be passed down from generation to generation.”

Share Your Story: Mack’s Lure Photo Contest

This summer, let your best CPR moments shine by entering the Mack’s Lure Photo of the Month Contest. Submit your high-resolution photos that capture the thrill of the catch, the beauty of the release, and the camaraderie of fishing. Winners receive Mack’s Lure gift certificates, and top photos may be featured in Mack’s Lure’s magazine, website, and social media.

How to Enter:

Submit via the online form, email outreach@mackslure.com, or use #MacksLurePhotoOfTheMonth on social media.

Photos must be original, high-quality, and tell a story about fishing and conservation.

Open to all anglers—youth entries welcome with parental consent.

Mack’s Lure: Committed to Education and the Next Generation

For over 50 years, Mack’s Lure has championed innovation, education, and community in angling. Their commitment goes beyond making time-proven lures—they provide resources, tips, and pro guidance to help anglers of all skill levels fish smarter and more sustainably.

By promoting CPR and sustainable fishing, Mack’s Lure inspires anglers to catch bigger and better fish, while ensuring those fish are there for the next cast—and the next generation.

A Tradition Worth Passing On

Fishing is more than catching—it’s about connection: to nature, to each other, and to the future. This summer, let’s celebrate that tradition by practicing catch, photo, and release. Share your stories, educate others, and inspire a sustainable fishing mindset. Together, we can ensure that the joy of fishing, the thrill of the catch, and the beauty of release remain part of our angling heritage for years to come.

Leave your legacy, one fish at a time.