![]() Some of these devices have just come on the market in the past six to nine months, and Florida Sea Grant extension agents are now conducting field trials of various descending tools on Gulf species to develop expertise in their use. A number of ingenious anglers have developed a variety of devices that can be used to accomplish this with minimum injury to the fish. Recent research on rock fish on California’s West Coast has shown that many species of these deep-dwelling fish can survive if they are quickly returned to the bottom. In Florida, this means any vessel that is fishing for fish in the snapper-grouper complex (also known as reef fish) in the Atlantic will be required to possess descending gear when fishing greater than 3-miles offshore. Gases in the fish’s swim bladder, an organ used to control their buoyancy in the water column, expand and rupture the bladder, escaping into the fish’s body cavity. The problem is barotrauma, a condition caused by the rapid change in atmospheric pressure when the fish is reeled too quickly to the surface. After using their device, 70 of respondents indicated that they preferred this method of release. ![]() Prior to receiving their device, 72 of respondents had little to no knowledge of descending devices, though 89 had used venting tools in the past. In fact, it is fair to say it happens worldwide. Anglers released over 7,000 red snapper and 4,000 other reef fish using their descending devices. It’s not an issue unique to the Gulf of Mexico. ![]() Experienced deep-sea anglers are all too familiar with the challenge of releasing snapper, grouper and other reef species caught in deep water. Details Or fastest delivery Thursday, July 27. ![]()
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