Pensacola Fishing Forum - View Single Post

captjoshrozier · 03-27-2008, 10:46 PM

mdrobe, any fish that cannot swim back down on its own needs to be vented, whatever the species. I try to give the fish the opportunity to swim off before I go poking a hole in their side, but often fish pulled out of water over 35-40' need a little extra attention, that fish was caught in 50+ feet of water. Just remember a diver has to STOP, multiple times, on his way up to regulate; we're (hopefully) not giving these fish that chance.

On that note; WhileI was fishing in Key West we caught an Amberjack in 250 ft, I couldn't find my vent toolso I cut a small slit in it's side with my fillet knife and released the fish. Two days later, on the same spot, we caught that same fish again. It was in great shape and in only 48 hours the fishes swim bladder was healed enough thatI had to reopen the previous slit to release him. That made me a believer, a properly attended fish has a good chance of survival ( provided they can swim faster than a Dolphin).

And, yes, I'm Capt. Wes' nephew.

03-27-2008, 10:46 PM	#7
captjoshrozier Senior Member Mingo Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Pensacola, Fl Posts: 100	RE: Mar 22 sunset trip mdrobe, any fish that cannot swim back down on its own needs to be vented, whatever the species. I try to give the fish the opportunity to swim off before I go poking a hole in their side, but often fish pulled out of water over 35-40' need a little extra attention, that fish was caught in 50+ feet of water. Just remember a diver has to STOP, multiple times, on his way up to regulate; we're (hopefully) not giving these fish that chance. On that note; WhileI was fishing in Key West we caught an Amberjack in 250 ft, I couldn't find my vent toolso I cut a small slit in it's side with my fillet knife and released the fish. Two days later, on the same spot, we caught that same fish again. It was in great shape and in only 48 hours the fishes swim bladder was healed enough thatI had to reopen the previous slit to release him. That made me a believer, a properly attended fish has a good chance of survival ( provided they can swim faster than a Dolphin). And, yes, I'm Capt. Wes' nephew.