A brief talk with Bryan Huskey, the founder of KeepEmWet Fishing, to learn more about their efforts to educate anglers about proper fish handling and releasing practices. By P. Mac Allister.
Fd: What is the story behind the KeepEmWet movement?
KWF: The phrase "keepemwet" originated as a slide show title "Keep'em Wet" which was part of a trout photography presentation I gave many years ago for an Idaho fly fishing club. Point being that wet fish simply look better. They're glossy, colorful and reflective. My intention was also to encourage anglers to leave their catch in the water while they photograph, rather than tossing it up on the bank, in the boat or crushing it with a death grip while they snap photos.
With the eventual rise of social media, images of fish that were caught, photographed, then released, began to flood my screen. Many of these images showcased very rough handling for any fish that could be expected to survive, and few times if ever was this commented on. I wanted a way to express support for better handling of fish photographed then released, a statement of my own that others could adopt if they chose. I recalled my presentation title and began hashtagging my fish photos with #keepemwet. The tag developed great support among like-minded anglers and is now used widely in social media photographs and practice of fish caught then released.
Fd: How is the KeepEmWet Fishing team conformed today?
KWF: Angling buddies and friends in fly fishing business began taking note of the catchiness of the phrase. I wanted to refine, organize and focus this support and thus began Keepemwet Fishing - "The Evolution of Releasing Fish". With the help of Paul Moinester we created the website which serves alongside our social media pages as anchor point for the movement. Fisheries research scientist Dr. Andy Danylchuk backs up our information, providing scientific confirmation the content and messaging of Keepemwet Fishing is factual and sound.
Fd: What are the goals of the KeepEmWet campaign?
KWF: The overarching goal of Keepemwet Fishing is to minimize the impact that sport angling has on fisheries. Our message to anglers of all kinds promotes releasing fish in the best condition possible. It’s a motto for minimizing air exposure, eliminating contact with dry surfaces, and reducing handling. It’s a movement to empower anglers to take small, simple steps to responsibly enjoy and share fishing experiences with minimized impact and sustainability in mind.
Fd: What are the first steps anglers can follow to reduce the stress that fish experience when they are caught?
KWF: Three principle Keepemwet steps include:
1. Keeping the fish in the water as much as possible, minimizing air exposure.
2. Holding fish in or slightly above the water with wet hands,
eliminating contact with dry surfaces.
3. Handling fish as little and carefully as possible.
Fd: Are there any more tips to be taken into account?
KWF: More detailed descriptions and 10 additional tips are available at keepemwet.org
Fd: What is the next step for the KeepEmWet campaign?
KWF: Our hope is to develop Keepemwet Fishing further in angling communities, branding and unifying this message representing sustainability, conservation and mindfulness for anglers of all kinds around the globe. With several large scale campaigns and projects in the works, it's an exciting time for us that we hope will bring a net reduction in release mortality and more smiles for all those who cast a line!
Fd: How can anglers and organizations learn more about the movement and get in touch with you?
KWF: We invite anglers who are interested in keepemwet to visit keepemwet.org to learn more about the movement, and please let us know if they like (or hate) what we're up to! Also have a look at the brands, media outlets and conservation organizations who kindly endorse and support our efforts on our Partners page. Anglers can also show their support by following our Instagram and Facebook pages, liking/tagging/mentioning @keepemwetfishing in their own posts as well!
