Page 21 - Lady Bass Anglers Digital Magazine July 2023

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

Lady Bass Anglers Association 21
4 Her Outdoors