I am Ordering a Venting Tool for Winter Fishing in VA area

[ComeOnFish]

I have noticed and experienced that fish got caught 30' down have suffered from something called Bladder Air Expansion. I tried to resuscitate some fish, mainly LM and large Catfish that are caught on the bottom of 30-50' of water.

I held them upright for over 20-30 minutes. But it didn't help. This is new to me. It looks certain species such as stripers are fine because they don't stay on the bottom. They move up and down I believe. But LM and Catfish may stay on the bottom for a long period time in winter. Somehow LM and Catfish can't adjust the sudden pressure changes. I have not seen the symptom in summer but in winter it is very obvious.

Today I saw a fishing show showing venting the bladder of a grouper. That confirms that even in 30'-50' down in freshwater, it can happen to LM and catfish.

So I am planning to learn venting the fish bladder

Joe

[M_Duong60]

That is very interesting. I also have seen people venting fish on tv from time to time

What happens the the catfish and LM when they are pulled up from that depth?

[Shady]

Im pretty sure all you need is a hypodermic needle but make sure you learn exactly wear to poke the fish for proper venting.

[ComeOnFish]

That is very interesting. I also have seen people venting fish on tv from time to time

What happens the the catfish and LM when they are pulled up from that depth?

Floating on side unconscious.
They won't be seen on my videos (my videos are rated G). So now you know what happened to the other one when I mentioned I caught 3 but only two were on the video...

Joe

[ictalurus]

From what I've read, venting tools are hit or miss for helping with survival. The major risk is hitting an organ other than the swim bladder. Plus, pathogens on the outside of the fish might get pushed through to the inside.

I saw a neat device that lets you drop the fish back down to the bottom before you release it. That lets the pressure equalize and keeps the fish from having to fight its way down to the bottom. It was basically a weight with an upside down hook suspended above it. You drop out down to the bottom, wait for the fish to revive, then "set the hook", which releases the fish. I can't remember the name, though. I haven't read any evaluations of it, either, but the video I saw was cool. I'll see if I can find it when I get home.