Release Over 20

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Release Over 20

The Release Over 20" encourages anglers to set their own catch and creel limits more restrictive than the law allows.

We use scientific research and data to support reasons why fish should be released. Release Over 20 is a 501c3 non-profit organization.

08/28/2026

Did you know in-slot red drum have probably never spawned? Based on data from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, males don’t typically reach the age of maturity until around age 4 (28”), and females until around age 5 (33”).

That’s why we’re joining the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources in encouraging anglers to voluntarily avoid targeting bull red drum (35”+) during August and September while they’re spawning.

This isn’t about changing the law. It’s about giving these fish the best opportunity to produce the next generation of red drum.

We hope you’ll join us in giving South Carolina’s bull reds two months to do what nature intended.

08/27/2026

Join our team of over 90 charter guides! We are looking for guides to partner with us to help promote the concept of releasing bigger fish. There are so many upsides: a better fishery in the future, more trophy fish for your clients, and we've built in incentives for both guides and their clients to participate. Visit our website to learn more.

08/26/2026

🎣 Start the conversation. Set the example. Cast it forward.

Children who learn ethical angling practices early are far more likely to become conservation-minded adults. Teaching the next generation how to handle fish, release responsibly and respect the resource is how we ensure tomorrow's fisheries are better than today's.

08/25/2026

Catching and releasing doesn’t guarantee survival. Survival depends on what you do AND how you do it:

✔️ Land fish quickly
✔️ Wet hands & nets
✔️ Minimize air exposure
✔️ Revive before release

Each good choice you make stacks the odds in their favor. For more release best practices, please visit our conservation partners Keep Fish Wet at www.keepfishwet.org

08/21/2026

Z-Man doesn’t just support our efforts — they’ve found a way to let anglers be part of the mission, too. A portion of every sale of their popular Trout Trick Thick Trick soft plastics is donated directly to the Release Over 20 initiative.

That means every pack purchased helps support our work to encourage the voluntary release of larger fish and spread the message of responsible fisheries conservation.

A huge thank you to Z-Man Fishing Products for investing in our mission, our fisheries, and the future of the sport we all love.

Remember, you have a choice to make when shopping for fishing products. We hope you choose to support those who support the fishery and you!

08/20/2026

Release Over 20 isn’t about inches — it’s about intention. It’s about setting your own upper slot that protects the fishery, even when it’s stricter than the law. Be a more discerning angler. Every choice matters.

Photo: Ian Todd of Maryland, 40” Striper

08/19/2026

We’re joining the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources in encouraging anglers to voluntarily avoid targeting bull red drum (35”+) during August and September while they’re spawning.

Giving a fishery time and space to recover can be one of the most effective tools we have for protecting it for the future. Healthy fisheries depend on healthy habitats, responsible management and anglers willing to think beyond today’s catch.

Because protecting the resource today means more opportunities to enjoy it tomorrow.

08/18/2026

🎣 Three events. Three states. Plenty of reasons to get on the water.

Release Over 20 has some exciting events coming up this fall, from South Carolina to North Carolina and all the way to the Mississippi Gulf Coast!

Whether you’re competing, supporting a great cause or simply passionate about protecting the fisheries we all enjoy, we’d love to have you be part of what’s ahead.

08/17/2026

Big trout are rare, but for context as just exactly how rare — in most of the country, a 20” speckled trout is approximately 3.5 years old. (Around age 2 in Virginia and age 4 in South Carolina.)

If you start with 1,000 speckled trout in 2026, only 8 will remain by 2030.

Photo submitted by Keith Nuttall

08/14/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday at Shellring Ale Works for Beat the Heat with Release Over 20!

We had a great evening connecting with the Port Royal community, sharing more about Release Over 20’s mission and spending time with fellow anglers and conservation supporters — including Capt. Champ Smith, founder of the Lowcountry RedTrout Celebrity Classic which has raised over $2 million to date for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

A special thank you to Shellring Ale Works for hosting us and helping make the evening such a success, and to Mason and Tony of Bay Street Outfitters for letting us crash your monthly Taps & Ties event.

We appreciate everyone who stopped by, grabbed a cold one and learned more about how we can work together to protect our fisheries for generations to come.

Address

PO Box 810, 6201 N Highway 17
Awendaw, SC
29429

Website

https://linktr.ee/releaseove

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