Catch ‘N’ Release Net Worth 2025 Update

It started with a stuck anchor and ended with a $200,000 Shark Tank Australia offer but Catch n Release’s real story begins where the cameras stopped rolling.

From a near-fatal boating incident to a purpose-driven business, Catch n Release has quietly carved a place in the marine safety industry.

But with its patent expired and competitors catching up, where does the company stand today?

Catch n Release Net Worth 2025: Financial Snapshot

While Catch n Release is a private, founder-run business, available data allows for a realistic and conservative estimate of its net worth in 2025 at approximately $0.5–$1 million.

This valuation reflects the company’s moderate growth following its Shark Tank exposure, combined with sustained founder involvement, a clear environmental mission, limited retail scale, and the expiration of its core patent.

How This Estimate Was Calculated

Revenue Estimate:

• Average Unit Price: AUD $130 (CatchnRelease.com.au product page, converted to USD ≈ $85)
• Estimated Annual Sales Volume: 1,200–2,000 units annually (based on niche market size and direct-to-consumer sales)
• Estimated Annual Revenue: $102,000–$170,000 USD

Profit Margin Estimate:

• Estimated Manufacturing Cost: ~$35 per unit
• Estimated Net Profit Margin: ≈35% (typical for marine equipment with low overhead)
• Estimated Annual Profit: $35,000–$59,000 USD

Valuation Method:

• Profit Multiplier: 10x–20x (standard for small, niche brands with limited intellectual property protection)
• Estimated Valuation: $0.5–$1 million (based on $50,000 average profit × 10–20)

Key Drivers:

• Shark Tank exposure
• Reported $91,000 AUD government grant (unverified)
• Nearly 20 years of in-water testing
• Strong reef protection mission

The Accident That Sparked an Invention

For Peter and Margaret Powell, Catch n Release wasn’t born in a boardroom. It was born out at sea during a frightening night when their boat’s anchor got stuck on the reef.

As Margaret tried to retrieve it, a wave lifted the boat and nearly crushed her hand while snapping the bowsprit.

The incident left more than just bruises. It sparked a realization: traditional anchor retrieval methods weren’t just dangerous, they could severely damage delicate reef systems like those in the Great Barrier Reef.

The couple, lifelong boaters based in Cairns, Australia, were determined to change that.

How the Device Works and Why It Matters

Peter Powell spent the next 17 years designing a solution. The result was the Catch n Release Anchor Retrieval Device a stainless-steel mechanism that stays attached to your anchor.

Instead of tugging the anchor free, users drop a sleeve down the rope. It compresses pins that release a coupling and shift the retrieval point, allowing the anchor to come up the same way it went in.

That means less dragging, less damage, and safer retrieval. Built from 316 marine-grade stainless steel and tested in Australian waters, the device has proven reliable for boats up to 12 meters.

A plastic version for smaller watercraft like jet skis and kayaks was proposed but has not been confirmed as launched by 2025.

The design is simple enough for recreational boaters, yet robust enough to function in a variety of marine environments. This inclusive usability is part of what makes Catch n Release appealing to boaters of all experience levels.

Shark Tank’s First Full Buyout Offer and the Twist That Followed

In June 2017, the Powells took their story to Shark Tank Australia. They asked for $200,000 in exchange for 20% equity, valuing their company at $1 million.

Most Sharks were intrigued but walked away due to one major red flag: their patent had only three years left.

Then came a first in Shark Tank Australia history. Glen Richards, a fellow boating enthusiast and Shark, offered a full acquisition: $200,000 for 100% of the company, with a 5% royalty to the Powells.

On air, they accepted. But after filming, the deal fell apart during due diligence. With retirement funds already invested, the Powells decided to stay in control and continue running the business themselves.

Government Support and Growth Hurdles

While the Shark Tank deal fizzled, public interest surged. The Powells received hundreds of messages of support, and their website traffic skyrocketed.

They reportedly secured a $91,000 grant from the Queensland government’s Advance Queensland Ignite Ideas Fund, which likely helped them market and scale the product across Australia.

Still, growth was limited. The device is sold primarily through their website, and there’s no clear evidence of retail distribution or successful international expansion as of 2025. Their YouTube channel has only 8 videos and a modest following.

RELATED: Things You Should Know About Shark Tank that every entrepreneur’s dream TV show

The Patent Expired – What It Means for the Future

When Margaret mentioned the patent’s limited lifespan during the Shark Tank pitch, it was a pivotal moment. The patent likely expired around June 2020, based on its three-year remaining term in 2017.

This opened the door for competitors and limited Catch n Release’s ability to defend its core innovation.

Without the legal protection of a patent, the business must now rely on brand recognition, quality assurance, and mission-driven loyalty to stay competitive. So far, it seems to be holding its own thanks to community trust and product reliability.

Competitive Landscape in 2025

The market for anchor retrieval devices is more crowded now. Competitors include:

• Anchor Saver: Uses backward pressure to release anchors.
• Fish Fighter Kwik-Pull: Installs post-deployment, works with various rope sizes.
• Anchor Caddie: Offers complete systems with buoy and storage.
• Ultramarine Anchor Ring: Doubles as a safety kellet in crowded anchorage.

Catch n Release’s key differentiator? It prevents damage rather than just reacting to it and it doesn’t rely on plastic or sacrificial parts like cable ties.

Environmental Commitment and Public Reception

Catch n Release has been vocal about its mission to reduce damage to coral reefs and ocean floors.

While there is no independent scientific study confirming the reef-saving impact, customer testimonials suggest real-world benefits.

Boaters across Australia report that the device makes retrieval easier and safer, especially for solo or beginner users. Many appreciate the simplicity, reliability, and peace of mind it provides.

The company could benefit from partnerships with marine conservation groups or universities to verify and amplify its environmental claims. This would also boost credibility in eco-conscious markets overseas.

The Founders’ Future and the Road Ahead

Peter and Margaret remain the public faces of the brand. Their website and demonstration videos feature them prominently, suggesting ongoing involvement. However, there are no details about a transition plan, licensing deals, or confirmed next-generation product launches.

Their vision for a plastic model suitable for kayaks and jet skis was proposed years ago, but its launch status remains unconfirmed. If brought to market, this lower-cost version could significantly expand their customer base.

Final Verdict: Can the Reef-Saving Vision Outlast the Patent?

Catch n Release is more than a tool, it’s a mission. What started as a terrifying boating mishap became a movement to protect marine ecosystems and make anchoring safer for everyone.

In 2025, its estimated $0.5–$1 million net worth reflects two decades of dedication, a pivotal Shark Tank moment, and grassroots support from everyday boaters.

The patent may have expired, but the brand still holds weight. The founders’ story, values, and customer trust are Catch n Release’s strongest assets. To thrive in the years ahead, the company must adapt—whether through licensing, community partnerships, or a broader product line.

For now, this anchor retrieval system continues to prove that sometimes, the simplest inventions make the most lasting impact—both above and below the surface.