seaqualizerĬreated by adding weights to a milk crate or a drop crab net, these devices provide more protection from predators as the fish descend. Once the fish is lowered and reaches the pre-set pressure, the clamp automatically opens and releases the fish. The clamps are attached to a rod and reel along with the weight necessary to reach the depth where the fish was caught. Similar in design to the weighted hook or clamp, these devices use pre-set, pressure-activated clamps to return the fish to depth. diy weighted clamp using a fish grip diy inverted hook shelton fish descender roklees - the fish descending device Pressurized release. Once at depth, a quick tug on the rod will release the fish. They are tied to a rod and reel with heavy enough weight attached to get the fish back down to the depth where it was caught. These devices use an inverted barbless hook or a clamp to hold the fish. Photo courtesy of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. There are many types of descending devices that anglers can make at home or purchase. As the fish descend, their swim bladders naturally decrease with the increase in pressure. Anglers should assess each fish individually to determine if they need descending assistance and choose a method that they are comfortable using.ĭescending devices offer non-invasive options for anglers to depressurize fish by sending them back down to depth and allowing their swim bladders to return to size naturally. What Anglers Can Do to Reverse BarotraumaĪnglers can use descending devices or venting tools on fish showing signs of barotrauma. Sluggish swimming or inability to swim downward.Bloated midsection or distended intestines.Several factors such as species, depth, and time of fight can affect the severity of these signs. If the fish is able to return to depth, it may have health issues from prolonged impacts of barotrauma. These fish become easy prey for sharks, dolphins, and birds. Barotrauma is most common in depths greater than 90 feet.įish experiencing barotrauma have difficulty swimming back to their original depth, often floating on the surface for an extended time. Generally, fish caught deeper than 33 feet can experience barotrauma, but some species, such as bull red drum, may show signs at shallower depths. The pressure in the water increases 1 atmosphere approximately every 33 feet. As an angler quickly brings a fish up from deep water, the pressure of the fish’s environment decreases, causing its swim bladder to expand. Barotrauma is bodily injury to a fish caused by sudden changes in pressure.