June 02nd, 2025
Tips for taking the best fish selfies and shots holding fish—using just your smartphone.
Want to show off your amazing catch, create a memory—or just update your profile picture? We’re sharing the best ways to capture your memorable fishing moments with just your smartphone. We spoke with Nick Haddad, sustainable fisheries communications manager for Return ‘Em Right (and photography enthusiast), to get some tips.
Have a Good Grip
Photographing fish can be tricky, and it all starts with a good grip. If you're not comfortable handling your catch, it’ll show in the photo. Tools like lip grips can make it easier and safer—for both you and the fish—to get that perfect shot.
If you don’t have a lip grip, keep your hands subtle in the shot. A great fish photo should highlight the fish, not your fingers. Try supporting the fish from underneath or behind so your hands stay mostly out of view and don’t take away from your catch.
Focus on the Fish
Keep your photo clean and focused by choosing a quiet spot on the boat, somewhere you can safely sit or stand. Rods, people, consoles and other gear can clutter the frame and be distracting. Frame your catch with just open water behind you for a distraction-free background.
And, make sure that your lens is clear: Water spots, fog, or smudges on your lens can ruin an otherwise great shot. Give your lens a quick wipe before snapping the pic, especially if you’ve been around salt spray or morning mist. There’s nothing worse than a dirty phone camera ruining a great shot!
Move Quickly
Timing is everything. Fish lose their vibrant color fast once they’re out of the water, especially once they’re on ice. A lot of anglers throw fish in the box then take pictures later, but you should take them before you throw them in the cooler.
To capture that natural, lit-up look, have a buddy ready with the camera and take the shot as soon as the fish comes out of the water. Keeping it wet will also help those colors pop and keep the fish looking fresh.
Use Natural Light
Lighting can make or break a fish photo! One of the most important tips: Face the sun while the photographer keeps the sun at their back. This ensures you and the fish are well-lit, allowing the natural colors and details to really stand out. With the right angle, you’ll capture a crisp, colorful shot that does justice to the catch.
Also, keep shadows in mind, since they can block the light. The photographer, gear, t-tops, and other people can cast shadows that affect your picture. Even your hat can cast shadows onto your face, so you might need to remove it for your shot. Sit down and tilt your head slightly upward toward the camera to bring more light onto your face. Or, have the photographer shoot from a slightly higher angle to let more light in and reduce harsh contrasts.
Make the Most of Your Smartphone
You don’t need a fancy camera to take great fishing photos. Smartphones can capture high-quality images (and videos) that look great for social media, websites, and even print. If you’re taking shots for social, you’ll want to take photos in portrait orientation, but landscape is great for capturing the full scene.
Burst mode: Takes a bunch of pictures quickly and grabs the best shot—this gives you more options and helps catch that split second where everything looks just right
Portrait mode: Adds depth and a soft background blur (especially great for highlighting the fish)
Accessories: Using a selfie stick or camera mount can help you keep your phone stable and focused if you’re fishing alone
Handle Fish Safely
Prioritize taking pictures of the fish you are going to keep. You’ll have much more time to reposition, find the correct lighting and angle, and get the perfect picture without risking the survival of the fish.
If you want a picture with a fish you are going to release, keep the fish wet and make sure the camera is ready before lifting it out of the water. Speed matters, and time out of water is a significant aspect of post-release survival. No fish photo is worth unnecessarily sacrificing the life of your catch!
A safe release is more important than a picture. If the fish is gut hooked or in poor condition and has to be released, skip out on the photo and take the chance that you’ll catch one even bigger another day. back...
Want to show off your amazing catch, create a memory—or just update your profile picture? We’re sharing the best ways to capture your memorable fishing moments with just your smartphone. We spoke with Nick Haddad, sustainable fisheries communications manager for Return ‘Em Right (and photography enthusiast), to get some tips.
Have a Good Grip
Photographing fish can be tricky, and it all starts with a good grip. If you're not comfortable handling your catch, it’ll show in the photo. Tools like lip grips can make it easier and safer—for both you and the fish—to get that perfect shot.
If you don’t have a lip grip, keep your hands subtle in the shot. A great fish photo should highlight the fish, not your fingers. Try supporting the fish from underneath or behind so your hands stay mostly out of view and don’t take away from your catch.
Focus on the Fish
Keep your photo clean and focused by choosing a quiet spot on the boat, somewhere you can safely sit or stand. Rods, people, consoles and other gear can clutter the frame and be distracting. Frame your catch with just open water behind you for a distraction-free background.
And, make sure that your lens is clear: Water spots, fog, or smudges on your lens can ruin an otherwise great shot. Give your lens a quick wipe before snapping the pic, especially if you’ve been around salt spray or morning mist. There’s nothing worse than a dirty phone camera ruining a great shot!
Move Quickly
Timing is everything. Fish lose their vibrant color fast once they’re out of the water, especially once they’re on ice. A lot of anglers throw fish in the box then take pictures later, but you should take them before you throw them in the cooler.
To capture that natural, lit-up look, have a buddy ready with the camera and take the shot as soon as the fish comes out of the water. Keeping it wet will also help those colors pop and keep the fish looking fresh.
Use Natural Light
Lighting can make or break a fish photo! One of the most important tips: Face the sun while the photographer keeps the sun at their back. This ensures you and the fish are well-lit, allowing the natural colors and details to really stand out. With the right angle, you’ll capture a crisp, colorful shot that does justice to the catch.
Also, keep shadows in mind, since they can block the light. The photographer, gear, t-tops, and other people can cast shadows that affect your picture. Even your hat can cast shadows onto your face, so you might need to remove it for your shot. Sit down and tilt your head slightly upward toward the camera to bring more light onto your face. Or, have the photographer shoot from a slightly higher angle to let more light in and reduce harsh contrasts.
Make the Most of Your Smartphone
You don’t need a fancy camera to take great fishing photos. Smartphones can capture high-quality images (and videos) that look great for social media, websites, and even print. If you’re taking shots for social, you’ll want to take photos in portrait orientation, but landscape is great for capturing the full scene.
Burst mode: Takes a bunch of pictures quickly and grabs the best shot—this gives you more options and helps catch that split second where everything looks just right
Portrait mode: Adds depth and a soft background blur (especially great for highlighting the fish)
Accessories: Using a selfie stick or camera mount can help you keep your phone stable and focused if you’re fishing alone
Handle Fish Safely
Prioritize taking pictures of the fish you are going to keep. You’ll have much more time to reposition, find the correct lighting and angle, and get the perfect picture without risking the survival of the fish.
If you want a picture with a fish you are going to release, keep the fish wet and make sure the camera is ready before lifting it out of the water. Speed matters, and time out of water is a significant aspect of post-release survival. No fish photo is worth unnecessarily sacrificing the life of your catch!
A safe release is more important than a picture. If the fish is gut hooked or in poor condition and has to be released, skip out on the photo and take the chance that you’ll catch one even bigger another day. back...
