Treating Barotrauma in Largemouth Bass (Fizzing)

In barotrauma, the bladders of largemouth bass brought up from deep water expand to a point that can seriously injure or kill the fish. This video shows a safe method for treating it.

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[swburton316]

About how deep are these fish caught when barotrauma starts becoming a problem?

[TexasParksWildlife]

We have seen it in fish caught at all different depths, from 8 feet on down. The best thing to do is to observe the fish after it is caught, and if it has to constantly swim to stay down, it has a problem. It’s best to fizz it before it becomes exhausted and starts floating on the surface.

[Barb Elliott]

If you are talking about salt water, I do not know. I am sure you could google it and see what came up - that was how I started learning about black bass!! One would need a knowledge of the internal structure/anatomy of the specific fish you were fishing for. I know there have been tools developed for some of the species - but I am only familiar specifically with fresh water black bass.

[Barb Elliott]

The TPWD value their bass fishery!! TPWD is an autonomous entity - they alone are responsible for their decisions/administration of funding etc. Pretty neat idea - TPWD are unique in their governance- and they make good use of it. Bass fishing is more or less a birthright in Tx - EVERYONE has a bass boat in their driveway!!!!

[Barb Elliott]

If the fish is floating ion its side in the livewell, or upside down and is struggling to turn itself upright - AND all the oxygenation and temperature components are in line and correct, the fish probably needs barotrauma (fizzing) relief

[Barb Elliott]

yes- very probably so. specially if you are catching the really deep. You should try and give the fish a head start by releasing them headfirst and shove them gently towards the depths - helping them gain some depth before letting go.

[Barb Elliott]

you can get a fizz kit - or just go to a veterinarian/Tractor Supply Store - they have hypodermic needles available. They will probably sell you one.

[Barb Elliott]

no - fizzing kits are available - contact Noreen Clough- Natl Conservation Director. Regular hypodermic needles (18 gauge- leave smaller holes) are best-16 gauge have been used. But if you use a needle without a reamer, you need to have a syringe or some sort of reamer to be able to clear the needle as it is not unusual for the needle to get plugged. If you catch and immediately release the fish (is you do not hold them in the livewell for any length of time, you should NOT need to fizz

[DBdestroyer12]

Where can i find a needle like this??

[exoticlolz]

i had this well idk wat it is but thet stuck a neddel in my side of my chest when i was 2 days old the scar has not gone away and its like a a zit and stuff comes out if u popit sort of an im now 15 an im stuck whit it forever

[tabutog]

can i use sharpened basketball needle? thank you.

[Fiisherdan]

Sometimes when i return fish instantly they float to the surface... Would this be because of Barotrauma?