Posted by Brad on June 19, 2001 at 09:43:12:
In Reply to: Re: Black Sea Bass Status? posted by Steve on June 19, 2001 at 09:21:10:
I have designed a device that allows an angler to get the Giants back down to depth for decompression after an incidental catching. I fabricate them as time allows and there are currently about 30 of them out there. As you may know, the GSB are very pressure sensitive and when brought up from a depth of 40+ ft, they will inflate and many of them just lanquish on the surface and die. For years, the preferred method of release was to puncture the swim bladder with a hypodermic needle. Studies have shown that EVERY fish that underwent that proceedure eventually died of internal bleeding or infection. My device is non-invasive and will cause no injury to the fish. I give them away to anglers free of charge.
Please see the document at the bottom of this page.
http://www.loveofsea.com/new_page_6.htm