How to vent a Bass caught in deep water

[nmanley]

I came across this while checking videos of a tournament weigh-in at LanierMAPPED.com
I clipped the portion of this technique. While not everyone will need this, Tournament Directors of clubs and frequent deep fisherman might use it to save any fish released.

[Bassinkorea]

Cool informative video 

Thanks for sharing nmanley 

[BustinBass197]

I fizz almost all of my summer fish that I catch.  Like many of you most of my summer fish come from at least 12ft of water.  When you pull them up fast and they sit in the livewell all day their swimbladers fill with oxygen they cannot get rid of.  They need to be fizzed immediately after you see that they are floating on the top.  It is not that the fish is dying, it just cannot sink without your help.  Also, DO NOT LET ALL OF ITS AIR OUT OR IT WILL JUST SINK AND DIE ON THE BOTTOM.  I recommend using the Benz Mender.  You insert the needle into the swim bladder fro one of two locations.  My preference is from the inside of the mouth.  Insert needle into the correct area until you feel the bladder being punctured.  Hold the fish underwater parallel and the air bubbles will rapidly start o come out of the tube or syringe.  As the bubbles begin to lessen STOP.  This is probably when the fish is ready to swim away or chill in the livewell until weigh-in.  Let the fish go and if it still floats take a little more out until it looks like it is neutral again.  Hope this helps!  Again I recommend the Benz Mender (the packaging comes with everything you need to know about the process and diagram of the method).  It really works!

[nmanley]

Very good post.   
Found the Benz Mender video too. Thanks

[fishinfranklin]

I was showed how to made the tool out of a football inflation needle and the case of a ballpoint pen. And showed both methods of deflating the bladder. I have had to do this to most all the fish i catch on spoons 30ft plus deep and on some caught in shallow water to. Great tip Nmanley!!   this is a simple task we all should know and use.

[-Shawn-]

Great Tip!!  If al deep caught fish are fizzed as soon as they are put in the livewell they will be a LOT healthier at the scale!! 

[BustinBass197]

And in the summer you also need to remember your ice and Rejuvenade too.