Venting bottom fish

TunaHead

TunaHead

Senior Member
I've never fished the east coast so I don't know how much of a problem this is for you guys.  On the left coast we target a number of bottom fish species that often live in deep, rocky habitat.  The problem of course is that when these fish are brought to the surface from depth, the swim bladder often ruptures and the fish arrive at the boat bloated with bulging eyes and protruding stomach's.  I don't keep all the fish I catch but the inflated ones can't swim back down.  In the long run I end up killing some small fish that haven't had a chance to breed.  Also, we have some species of rockfish which are protected.  These fish can't be kept but also can't be returned because they have become fish balloons.  It's a shame to see 'em floating away just to become seagull snacks.  

Last year I learned a technique of deflating the fish.  It's quick, it's easy and it works.  I found a web site with information and a video demonstrating the procedure. My tool of choice for this is a cheap meat injecting syringe purchased at the hardware store.
TunaHead

http://isurus.mote.org/research/cfe/fish-bio/how-to-vent-a-fish.htm
 
Re: How much of a problem this is fVenting bottom

Yeah..."gassin" 'em will usually work insertin' needle just behind pectoral... and I hate to see the ones that won't go back down, too...but keep in mind nature doesn't WASTE anything...those ''floaters'' will be somebody's dinner ;) ...
 
Re: How much of a problem this is fVenting bottom

I go thru the same thing fishing for Lake Trout here in the sweet water. They get the bends coming from 200-300 feet down. The non keeper sizes I have to hold into the current awhile until they revive.
Thats why once you get a deep water Laker off the bottom and raise him about 50 - 60 feet he has no fight left in him, your just pulling dead weight. But those first 50 can be tough.
 
Do what I did with the ex-wife, 5 or 6 cinder blocks, some chain......................................
 
My sister bought me a fisherman's multi-tool type deal for Christmas. I noticed it has a deflator which looks like a syringe. At first I thought it was some sort of tiny rigging needle, then I realized what it was. Hope I get to use it one day.
 
Re: How much of a problem this is fVenting bottom

reelapeelin said:
Yeah..."gassin" 'em will usually work insertin' needle just behind pectoral... and I hate to see the ones that won't go back down, too...but keep in mind nature doesn't WASTE anything...those ''floaters'' will be somebody's dinner  ;) ...
Click to expand...

My Grandfather would roll over in his grave if he knew people were throwing fish back into the ocean after catching them.

He would filet a 1/4 pound spot.
 
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