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| The venting area is in the middle pf the trailing edge of the pectorial Fin. |
Venting Deep Caught Bottom Fish
Reef species with spiny rays have closed swim bladders that help produce sound and maintain buoyancy, plus they hold nitrogen, oxygen, & carbon dioxide. When these fish are reeled rapidly to the surface, the gas molecules expand and rupture the bladder. The escaping gasses then fill the body cavity, forcing the eyes to bulge, the intestines to pop out the fish's anus and the stomach to protrude from the mouth. If the gasses aren't released (or vented), the fish can't submerge, which makes it an easy target for predators.
Based on extensive studies by Florida's Mote Marine Laboratory and other scientific groups, reef fish caught in water depths from 70 to 200 feet have excellent survival rates if the swim bladder gases are vented. To vent properly, follow these steps.
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| The venting area is in the middle pf the trailing edge of the pectorial Fin. |
STEP #1; Use a small hollow device like a hypodermic syringe or sharpened basketball inflation needle for a venting tool. Stainless steel is hygienic and resists rust.
STEP #2; With wet hands or a towel, lay the fish flat on top of a cooler or the boat's covering boards. Gently push the pectoral fin flat alongside the fish's body.
STEP #3; The venting area is in the middle of the trailing edge of the fin, in the fatty muscle tissue. Using a slight forward angle, slip the venting tool point under the scales and with moderate pressure, push the point barely inside the body cavity.
STEP #4; You will see the belly deflate and hear the gasses escape after the tool is inside. Take care not to puncture the stomach or intestines if they are protruding. Once the pressure is released, the fish will retract them.
NOTE; Don't use a solid object like an ice pick to vent. The gases won't fully escape and bacteria may be introduced. Rinse the venting tool after use to clean it so that it is ready for the next fish.
This article was taken out of Saltwater Angler (I think) Feb 2005
This article written by Dave Lear, Rich Barrett;
Illustration: Chris Armstrong
With the coastal deep water season, (halibut especially) in the Washington & Oregon waters using limitations on water depth & mortality quotas for Yelloweye & Canary Rockfish, this seems to be a step in the right direction
Last Updated 10-02-05
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