venting fish

[zeppelin]

Just wondering if anyone here has some info on correctly venting/decompression of a fish or step by step info on how to do it right with bigger fish like snapper? I havent found much on the net about venting bigger fish, just mainly talks venting bass and smaller freshwater fish.

thanks

[Cowfish13]

For these sort's of fish, I usually prefer to use a release weight. It's basically an upturned hook, tied to a mass which will take the fish down to the deeper water quickly. Here's a diagram on what they look like, though it's easy to make your own. Just remember to crimp the barb on the hook

Tie your line/rope to the top (or the loop in that picture), put the hook through the jaw of the fish in a good place (so it won't damage the fish too much) and then let it drop down to the bottom. Once it's there, pull up sharply, the hook will come out, the fish will be back where it came from with equal pressure and it's all done No piercing of the swim bladder necessary

[zeppelin]

thanks cowfish13, however I cant seem to see diagram? The way you have described makes a lot more sense instead of poking the fish with a needle and taking the chance of not even puncturing its swim bladder. Ill give that a go next time.

[Cowfish13]

Hmmmm... That's weird. See if you can see this one. If not, here's a link to the photo

http://www.bluewater.net.au/catalog/images/Release_weight_Fe.jpg

[Feral]

Most research shows no increase in survival for fish that have been vented, quite a bit shows a higher mortality rate. If you honestly believe you have a barotrauma issue, the weights are the best option. They do show some increase in survival rate.