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 Personal Notes On Fish Care and Air Bladder Relieffrom Debra Dean
The main difference for the fish in need of air bladder relief will be the reactions of the fish. This fish will appear extremely stressed, rolling, or trying to get deeper in the water without being able to, or in some cases will be "finning" while lying on it's side. That is, the fins behind the gill plate are trying to move, but the fish is not in the correct position to swim. They are very vulnerable if left to lie in an unnatural position. My technique begins with observation of the fish. Once it has been placed in the hospital tank I allow it freedom of movement for about five minutes. If the fish begins to attempt to roll, swim nose-down, or cannot seem to gain balance I then hold the fish for a period of about 10 to 15 minutes in a position that would be correct for swimming. Sometimes they just need to rest and get revived from the oxygen and fresh water. Sometimes they are just disoriented from being in the livewell. If after 15 to 20 minutes fish is still struggling or lying on it's side, the air bladder relief procedure is done. ____________ RETROSPECT ____________Steve Magnelia and I don't agree on this one subject. He is the biologist, I only know my gut feelings on some of these applications and that a fish in this condition will surely die without something being done. My own experiences have been that I have used the techniques described herein with success inasmuch as I have treated numerous fish in the same manner during big bass events at Lake Fork. At least three of these fish are recognizable by marks and/or deformations of the body and I have seen them more than once. What I do may continue to be controversial, but until studies are done to show me otherwise I believe I have saved many bass that would have otherwise died. The question of delayed mortality is still an unknown entity, however my experiences at Fork gives me reason to believe that my procedures should be studied further by the department. The last known study of air bladder relief was done in 1992, more should be done again and in broad spectrum. TP&W has no data on fish needing air bladder relief that have been caught in less than 30 feet of water. Magnelia does have information on a weigh in kit used by some tournament directors. Contact him at 512-353-0072 for more information. Everything you learn about fish care enhances the chances of survival for tournament caught fish.Both Steve Magnelia and David Campbell are respected biologists. My opinion of both these men is one of admiration. It should not be misconstrued that my fish care techniques may differ slightly from their own. I have used the knowledge I have gained from both to further educate myself on fish care. My position is such that I have the opportunity to try new ideas and am willing to do so in regards to the fact that with certainty some bass will die regardless of what's done to them or for them. Campbell told me years ago to go with my feelings and that is what I have done. I try new things because when you get to the point that some of these fish will most certainly die, it may be the only chance they have. If catch and release is important to you and you wish to believe you are truly practicing it then it's up to you to assist the fish in your care as much as possible. Such things as supersaturation with pure oxygen are now coming into question as anglers find new products for use in their livewells appearing on the market. But, oxygen doesn't have to be used in massive quantities to help fish. Smaller amounts are preferable at this time simply because oxygen poisoning is even worse than doing nothing to help the fish at all. Use of ice or any other product such as Catch & Release must be done with moderation in mind, not overdose. Just because something is good you don't necessarily accomplish good by using more. Too few anglers realize that simply being out of the water is hard on fish. See how long you can hold your breathe, then figure how long bass must hold theirs when removed from water. Delayed mortality is the shame left behind as fish die days later, this too, can be corrected with just a little more care on the part of anglers. Common sense will help fish and help anglers truly practice catch and release. Continue to: Diagram & Additional Procedure Notes |
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