video on rockfish barotrauma

Hi All,

NOAA has just released an educational video targeting recreational fishermen on barotrauma and how to safely recompress sport-caught rockfish. Worth the watch, about 9 1/2 min.



Brandi

That video was terrible and all, but it was cool to see the actual video of the fish decompressing and swimming away.  I always wondered if they could actually survive.

I thought it was funny, and at least not borring.    Didn't know there were so many options on decenders either!  Thanks Brandi!

I laughed, and I learned too!

Nice Ray Troll artwork was a bonus (I'm a huge Ray Troll fan)

I can offer this non scientific technique:

I often use a Megabait type lure with the treble replaced with a single Siwash style hook, to minimize snags. When I have a rockfish with barotrauma to release, I pass the single hook through the smallest possible bit of skin on the fishes head, such that it will tear out with a sharp upward pull, as if I was setting a hook. Drop the fish down to depth, give it a minute, then a sharp tug. I can often feel the fish become more active at depth, and I believe (no research) that the fish survive.

If you tell me that there are better ways, you're probably right. But this works with no specialized equipment.

Paul

Thanks for this. I ordered the Seaqualizer. Glad to know the chances for their survival are better than I imagined. This device will be with me on every trip to the salt, even though I keep most Rockies that I catch up to the limit in season.

I can offer this non scientific technique:

I often use a Megabait type lure with the treble replaced with a single Siwash style hook, to minimize snags. When I have a rockfish with barotrauma to release, I pass the single hook through the smallest possible bit of skin on the fishes head, such that it will tear out with a sharp upward pull, as if I was setting a hook. Drop the fish down to depth, give it a minute, then a sharp tug. I can often feel the fish become more active at depth, and I believe (no research) that the fish survive.

If you tell me that there are better ways, you're probably right. But this works with no specialized equipment.

Paul

Same here. 4oz jighead usually does it for me

I try to fish shallow to keep from having to worry about it.  When I fish deep I use either the shelton descender or a home made jobber that is a 10 oz weight with a upside down barbless siwash hook.  Send him down, then pull up and the fish comes off.

I was wondering how that worked. It was nice they showed different methods to get the fish down to depth.

Thanks!

You are welcome Guys! I am glad you all got something out of my post.