Right Tools For Releasing Deep-Water Fish

It’s that time of year when you may be fishing for snapper and grouper. Continue your role as a conservationist when releasing fish by looking out for signs of barotrauma and being prepared to respond. Barotrauma is a condition seen in many fish caught at depths greater than 50 feet caused by pressure changes leading to an expansion of gases in the swim bladder. Signs of barotrauma include the stomach coming out of the mouth, bloated belly, distended intestines and bulging eyes.

Barotrauma can cause damage to internal organs and can be fatal unless appropriate steps are taken. It’s important to know in advance what tools are available and how to use them to help fish return to the bottom and increase their chances of survival.

Signs of barotrauma include the stomach coming out of the mouth, bloated belly, distended intestines and bulging eyes. Photos by Florida Sea Grant.

Descending devices take fish back down to a depth where increased pressure from the water will recompress swim bladder gases. They fall into three categories: mouth clamps, inverted hooks and fish elevators. With proper set-up and practice, descending devices can be easy to use and make a big impact on the survival of released fish. Learn more about descending devices and how to use them by clicking on the “Descending Devices” playlist.

Venting tools are also important for anglers who need to release deep-water fish. Venting tools are sharpened, hollow instruments that treat barotrauma by releasing expanded gas from the swim bladder, enabling the fish to swim back down.

Please note, items such as fillet knives, ice picks, screwdrivers and gaffs are not venting tools and should never be used to vent a fish. Venting a fish incorrectly may cause more harm than good.

To properly vent, lay the fish on its side (on a cool, wet surface). Venting tools should be inserted 1-2 inches behind the base of the pectoral fin, under a scale at a 45-degree angle, just deep enough to release trapped gasses. Never insert venting tools into a fish’s belly, back or stomach that may be protruding from the mouth.

Descending devices and venting tools should only be used when fish show one or more signs of barotrauma and cannot swim back down on their own. It is essential to work quickly when using these tools and return the fish to the water as soon as possible. Anglers should choose the device and method they are most comfortable with and that best fits the situation.

Anglers should also use proper gear when fishing for reef fish. Non-stainless steel inline (non-offset) circle hooks with the barb crimped down often hook in the mouth rather than the gut, making it easier to release fish. Dehooking tools also help quickly release fish so you can get back to fishing for that big one in no time. Using the right tools and acting quickly will make a big difference in the survival of fish you release. To learn about reef fish gear rules for circle hooks and dehooking tools, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations,” then click “Gear Rules” under the Reef Fish tab.

To learn more about proper fish handling techniques, visit MyFWC.com/FishHandling. Check out our descending devices playlist to learn more about barotrauma, descending devices and venting tools. And visit our YouTube channel at MyFWC.com/SaltwaterFishing for more saltwater fishing how-to videos. For answers to questions, contact 850.487.0554 or [email protected].