Page 21 - Lady Bass Anglers Digital Magazine July 2023
P. 21

larger fish, vent for 5-8 seconds. When you have the
                                                                   fish underwater, you will feel the pressure of the fish
                                                                   pushing up, when enough air is released, you will feel
                                                                   the fish start to float or become neutrally buoyant.
                                                                   Likely you have released enough air.
     The key to fizzing is locating the swim bladder, and      7.  Remove the needle and watch the fish. If they are still
     depressurizing the swim bladder without hitting other         not able to submerge, vent additional gas.
     organs regardless of species, and doing so as soon as
     possible. Check your fish several times in the first hour   NOTE: If bubbles do not exit the needle, remove the
     after catching to monitor if they are in distress so that you   needle from the fish and check for blockage by blowing
     can address them sooner than later.
                                                               through the needle to clear debris. If using a syringe, you
                                                               can use the plunger to help clear the debris.
     Steps for Side-Fizzing A Bass                             Second NOTE: If possible, use a fresh or new syringe

                                                               each time. If not purchase the inexpensive antiseptic and
     (Texas Parks & Wildlife- https://tpwmagazine.com/         antimicrobial disinfectant called chlorohexidine solution
     archive/2011/aug/scout1_bassfizzing/)


     1.  Position the fish on it’s side at the surface of the water.
     2.  Position the pectoral fin flat against the body in a
        natural and relaxed position toward the tail.
     3.  Count back 2-3 scales behind the tip of the pectoral fin
        as the insertion point for the needle.
     4.  Face the beveled edge of the needle up and at about a   to clean. Spray it on and let dry before storing. This will
        10-20 degree angle toward the head of the fish and the   reduce bacterial infections.  This can be purchased on-line
        base of the scale.                                     at websites such as Chewy, Valley Vet, or Graingers as well
     5.  Submerge the fish  and the needle in the water. and   as at Walgreen’s and CVS.
        raise the needle to a 60-90 degree angle and insert the
        needle until air bubbles exit the base of the needle.
     6.  For small fish, less than 3 lbs vent for 3-5 seconds. For   As we stated earlier, smallmouth are slightly different when








































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