Stewardship Tip Dec 15th, 2009- Deep Release
When a fish is brought quickly to the surface from the depths, usually greater than 60 feet, the change in pressure can cause the gas in the swim bladder to expand. An over-expanded swim bladder can rupture causing gases to escape and continue to expand in the fish’s body cavity. When a fish is in this condition, known as hyperbuoyancy or barotrauma, it may not be able to swim upright or properly submerge. Look for the following symptoms when you reel a fish in from deep water.
A bloated belly
Bulging eyes
Stomach protruding from the the mouth
Intestines protruding from the anus
Fizzing/venting is one method that can be used to release the gases from an overexpanded swim bladder. An alternative method is to use deep release.
Deep release, as the name implies, involves releasing a fish at capture depth. To execute a deep release, you will need a deep release rig, a large, inverted, barbless hook attached to a heavy weight. To execute a deep release, attach the inverted hook to the fish’s jaw or upper lip and lower it back down to depth at which it was caught. When your fish is down to depth, yank the line straight up to release the inverted hook from the fish. The Florida Sea Grant has an excellent presentation, Fish Venting: How to Use Venting to Improve Survival of Released Fish. It not only has detailed instructions about venting, it also provides details on how to construct your own deep release rig.
Many anglers use an inverted cage, open at the bottom, to perform a deep release. Often, anglers use laundry basket, turned upside down, with weights attached to the rim. When using a bottomless cage, lower the fish to the depth at which the fish was captured and raise the cage.
Many anglers have crafted cages with trap doors that can be opened remotely. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife pictures of two types of deep release cages on their website.
Whether you use an inverted hook or a weighted cage it is important to note the depth at which you caught the fish attempt to release the fish at approximately that same depth. If you are using an inverted hook, have a rod and reel with a line counter rigged with your deep release tool so that it is ready when you need it. A line counter will help gauge the release depth. If you are using a cage, attach it to a rope that is marked at ten foot intervals.
It is also important to make sure that your weight is heavy enough to override the fish’s weight. Take into account the weight of the fish that you are planning to pursue. The weight must also be heavy enough to counteract the fact that the fish will be hyperbuoyant. If you are in doubt, err on the heavy side.
Whether you use a cage, an inverted hook, or whether you choose to vent or fizz, be on the lookout for signs of hyperbuoancy and be prepared to take action.
Why deep release is important to fish: A fish that exhibits signs of hyperbuoyancy is less likely to swim back to a safe habitat depth. If the fish is released in this condition, the fish may float away and die from exposure to the elements or become an easy target for predators. By using a deep release, you are transporting the fish back to the depth where increasing water pressure acts to recompress the fish’s body cavity. This can reverse the effects of hyperbuoyancy and increase the fish’s chances for survival.
Now, discuss the Stewardship Tip online!
Have questions about the Stewardship Tip?
First-hand experience?
Want to add to what’s been said here?
Now, you can!
Join us at the Recycled Fish Conservation Forum hosted by Big Fish Tackle for discussions on the Stewardship Tip and other issues relating to the future of our fisheries.
This week’s sponsor-partner:Grabber Warmer
Grabber Warmers are the most complete and highest quality brand in the industry. From materials to packaging to outstanding customer service, Grabber’s dedication to quality helps them to maintain their position as America’s favorite brand of air-activated warmers.
Through the holidays, Grabber is offering
RecycledFish members 15% off on any order. Use code FISH2009 when you check out.
Grabber’s
partnership helps make this week’s Stewardship Tip possible.
In addition to their partnership to sponsor this week’s Stewardship Tip, we would like to thank them for sponsoring the Recycled Fish 24 Hour Fish a Thon.
Rising demand for our weekly Stewardship Tip and a new partnership with Fly Cast America now makes the Stewardship Tip available in Spanish. Ahora, reciba el Stewardship Tip en español. Gentileza de Fly Cast America.
To read the weekly Stewardship Tip in Spanish, click here Simplemente haga click aquí si desea recibir el Stewardship tip en Español.
Would you like to get the Stewardship Tip e-mailed to you weekly? Please visit our Stewardship Tips Sign Up page or use the form located at the top right portion of this page.
