We are proud to introduce American Angler Magazine as the first Keepemwet Fishing Endorsed Publication.
Keepemwet Fishing Endorsed Publications pledge to publish images of catch-and-release fish that are in the water or dripping wet. Images and the representations of what catch-and-release angling looks like are foundations of the Keepemwet movement.
"We believe that setting good examples within angling media and social communities is essential for improving the norms of how catch-and-release fish are photographed and handled." said Bryan Huskey, founder of Keepemwet Fishing. "Absolutely nothing is lost if anglers and photographers simply understand what science is telling us about C&R practices and how minor tweaks and awareness can have major impacts."
American Angler Editor Ben Romans explains "I’m happy to say American Angler is the first fly fishing publication to receive the Keepemwet endorsement. Going forward, I have to be more attuned to every detail of every image I publish, and at the same time, continue making a conscious effort to use images that portray anglers properly handling fish."
Also embracing this effort and pledging to lead by example are digital and print magazines Swing The Fly and Catch Magazine. Swing the Fly Editor Zack Williams has long upheld stewardship as a pillar of the publication and explains "As anglers in an increasingly crowded world, we all have a responsibility to minimize our own impacts and leave our fisheries in better condition than we found them for future generations. Following the principles of Keepemwet Fishing is an incredibly easy way for us to do just that. It's really a no-brainer."
Catch Magazine and Swing The Fly demonstrate leadership and commitment to angler education as they join the Keepemwet Fishing Endorsed Publication inaugral class.
"Catch Magazine has and always will publish photos and videos that reflect exactly the values Keepemwet believes in, and as a Keepemwet Fishing Endorsed Publication we take serious the responsibility to promote healthy and proper fish handling and fly fishing ethics to our worldwide audience." says Todd Moen, editor and co-founder of Catch Magazine.
As an organization, a movement and community Keepemwet Fishing welcomes and embraces any and all that are willing to take a look at the standards they've considered 'good enough' in the past and challenge themselves to be better. Keepemwet is not divisive, but rather a unifying effort working to engage and bridge angling culture and communities of all stripes. We welcome any and all that wish to start with small simple steps and lead by example.
Keepemwet Fishing believes that the path forward to effective conservation for recreational fisheries is through promoting a culture of education and embracing science-based evidence. We thank the publications, organizations, partners and individual anglers around the globe who are joining us in this effort.