Nick Haddad | How To Use A Descending Device & Get One FREE | Tom Rowland Podcast Ep. 744

Nick Haddad is with Return 'Em Right, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the use of descending devices to help reef fish survive after being caught in deep water. On this episode of the Tom Rowland Podcast, Nick reveals the science behind barotrauma—the injury that happens when fish are brought up from depth too quickly—and explains how a simple weighted device can reverse injuries like bulging eyes and inverted stomachs. But here's what makes this conversation essential: Nick shares how you can get a free descending device, why many released fish are actually dying even when they swim away, and how Return 'Em Right is working with legislators and commercial fisheries to expand this life-saving practice. If you fish in deep water, this episode will change how you think about conservation.

The Hidden Mortality Rate of Released Fish

Most anglers believe that when they release a fish, they're giving it a second chance. But Nick reveals a sobering reality: many fish caught from deep water are mortally wounded even if they swim away. The problem isn't visible—it's happening inside the fish's body as gases expand during the rapid ascent. Nick explains how fish caught at depths like 200 feet experience a massive pressure change from 6 atmospheres to 1 atmosphere, causing injuries that range from bulging eyes to internal damage you can't see. The kicker? Without intervention, these fish often don't survive, even if they look fine at the surface. Nick shares the specific depths where barotrauma becomes a serious concern and why traditional catch-and-release practices aren't enough. The full explanation of why released fish die starts at 2:11.

How a Descending Device Actually Works

The solution sounds almost too simple to be true: a weighted cage that takes fish back down to depth. But Nick breaks down the science behind why this works so effectively. When you return a fish to depth quickly, the gas in its swim bladder recompresses, and many of the injuries that looked severe at the surface actually reverse. The device itself is straightforward—you place the fish inside, send it down on your fishing line, and the weight pulls it down fast. What's remarkable is that this simple tool, which requires no special training to use, has been proven in multiple studies to dramatically increase survival rates. Nick describes exactly how quickly you need to act and what depth you need to reach. The detailed explanation of descending device mechanics starts at 3:33.

Three Ways to Get a Free Descending Device

Here's where Return 'Em Right's mission becomes tangible: they're giving these devices away for free. Nick outlines three specific pathways for anglers to get their hands on one. First, you can request one directly through the Return 'Em Right website at returnemright.org. Second, if you're part of a fishing club or organization, there's a good chance they already partner with Return 'Em Right for bulk distribution. Third, many charter fishing captains are now distributing them to clients. Nick emphasizes that while these devices range from $30 to over $100 retail, the organization's goal is to remove cost as a barrier. The program is designed to reach as many anglers as possible, because the more devices in circulation, the more fish survive. Nick details all three ways to get a free device at 4:47.

What's Next for Return 'Em Right

Return 'Em Right isn't stopping with recreational anglers. Nick shares the organization's ambitious plans to expand into territory that could have massive impact: commercial fishing. He explains how commercial operations deal with large volumes of discarded fish, and how descending devices could address that mortality problem at scale. Beyond that, Return 'Em Right is working with legislators to potentially incentivize the use of these devices, building educational initiatives to raise awareness about barotrauma, and partnering with more fishing organizations and clubs. Nick's vision is clear—they want to reach every angler who fishes deep water and make descending devices as common as a fishing rod. Nick reveals the full expansion strategy at 6:35.

Final Thoughts from Tom

This conversation with Nick hit home for me because I've spent so much time fishing in deep water, and I've seen firsthand what happens when you bring snapper and grouper up from 150, 200 feet or more. Their eyes are bulging, their stomachs are coming out of their mouths, and even if you release them, you know something isn't right. For years, we've all assumed that catch-and-release was the answer, but Nick makes it clear that without returning those fish to depth, many of them are dying anyway.

What I appreciate about Return 'Em Right's approach is that they're not asking us to stop fishing. They're simply asking us to be more thoughtful about the impact we have and to use tools that actually work. The fact that they're giving these devices away for free removes any excuse not to have one on your boat. If you fish offshore, if you target reef species, if you care about the sustainability of the fisheries we all depend on, this is a no-brainer.

Nick's passion for this mission comes through in every answer he gives. The science is solid, the solution is simple, and the impact is real. Do yourself a favor and listen to this whole conversation—it'll change how you think about conservation on the water.