When should you vent a fish? When fishing a certain depth? I have caught a few bulls in 25-30 feet of water. I have revived the fish and given them the “plunge” to get them back deep but should I have vented the fish? I know fishing grillage in 40+ feet then yes it should be done. Any advice is appreciated!
Usually deeper than 50 feet, but reds can’t regulate their swim bladder as well as deep water fish and may need it if pulled up fast from shallower water. If it’s stomach is protruding from the mouth, vent the fish. Don’t poke a hole in the stomach though!
See this:
http://saltfishing.about.com/od/catchandrelease/a/aa061220a.htm
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose
Awesome great information Larry! Thanks I appreciate the response.
Only vent them if they don’t swim off on their own. Reds can take a few minutes at boatside to get their wits about them again before swimming away.
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All you have to do it put your gaff in the fished mouth to hold it in the water.Let it rest and usually in about 5 minutes they will swim off.I use the gaff because i can not reach the water with out killing my back.I never gaff any fish.No gaff put it in the net and put it under water.Works for me.
Stonoman