Marine Spotlight: Release Over 20

Marine Spotlight: Release Over 20

What started as a personal frustration on the water quickly became a conservation movement that has reshaped how anglers think about catch and release. Charleston native David Fladd is the founder of Release Over 20, a grassroots initiative built on a simple idea: protect the future of our fisheries by releasing larger gamefish, even when the law says you can keep them.

“I just made my own law,” David told us. “A 20-inch upper slot for trout. I made a website and social media around it and it really resonated with anglers around the country.”

That personal limit turned into a growing movement with national reach. Today, Release Over 20 spans the entire Gulf Coast and Atlantic shoreline, from Texas to Maine, and covers species like red drum, flounder, sheepshead, striper, and of course, speckled trout. Through education and a reward-based structure, the program encourages anglers to set personal limits that exceed legal regulations and prioritize the long-term health of our fisheries.

Why “Over 20”?

You might wonder why 20 inches became the benchmark. According to David, “It’s not really scientific. It’s just sort of a challenge to catch a 20-inch trout in SC, and it’s a nice round number.” More than anything, it’s about mindset. Anglers are encouraged to treat personal limits as if they were written into law, using 20 inches as a baseline for the program, but ultimately deciding what conservation means to them.

The Hidden Risk After the Release

One of the most misunderstood aspects of conservation is post-release mortality. Just because a fish swims off doesn’t mean it survives. While redfish tend to be resilient, speckled trout are more vulnerable.

“Most people think that just because the fish swam away that it’s going to survive. Usually redfish do because they are pretty hardy, but trout maybe not so much,” David explained. “We need to limit the amount of time out of the water as much as possible. Ten seconds or less is the ideal.”

That takes planning. David recommends having a release well or water-filled cooler ready at the start of your trip, especially when fishing solo. Rubber nets, wet hands, and keeping the fish submerged while you prep for a photo or tag can significantly reduce stress on the fish. “The scientifically accepted post-release mortality is 8–10% in practice, but if we were to follow best practices, we could drive that down to probably 2% I’m guessing,” he said. “We all suck at it and we all can do a lot better. Even speaking for myself!”

Anglers Leading the Way

The impact of Release Over 20 has gone far beyond Instagram shares and sticker packs. According to David, their state representatives are all volunteers who joined because they believed in the mission. “We love getting feedback from anglers we have influenced to change their behaviors,” he said.

And while the organization doesn’t lobby directly, its influence is being felt at the policy level. Since its launch in 2020, both Texas and North Carolina have incorporated “release over 20” principles into their fishing laws. “I don’t think that is a coincidence,” David said. “The future for speckled trout in those states is very bright.”

Simple Steps for Smarter Catch and Release

David left us with one of the most important reminders for any angler heading out: have a plan.

“If you are in a boat, especially solo, fill up your live or release well—or cooler—with water at the beginning of the trip. When you catch that fish to be released, unhook it and put it right in there. Gather your camera or tagging stuff. Pull the fish out, get a quick pic or tag, and release. Minimizing that time is crucial.”

At Marine Detail Supply Charleston, we’re proud to support conservation-minded anglers like David who are working to protect the waters we all love. Whether you fish professionally or just enjoy casting off the dock, it’s up to all of us to keep these ecosystems thriving for generations to come.

To learn more or get involved, visit https://www.releaseover20.com or follow them on Instagram @releaseover20. 

The fish, and the future, will thank you.