Last night, I visited with an old school friend. He has a PHD from the world's best Marine Science University, and has worked for N.O.A.A. for close to 30 years. We were discussing release mortality as it applies to bottom dwellers in deep water, specifically snapper and grouper. There are 3 problems to be overcome for a successful release of deep-water fish.#1 inflated swim bladder;popping the protruding stomach performed by the uneducated, the introduction of harmful bacteria using the approved bladder deflation tool,or inserting the tool into an organ besides the bladder (fish anatomy varies between species). #2 thermal shock; rapidly bringing the fish through the thermocline can cause life threatening shock, especially in summer months. #3 predation after release; sharks,barracuda,or as we see on the Gulf Coast, porpoise that will follow boats to get under-size releases.There is another method for release that eliminates all of these problems, but a true "Sportsman" should take the extra time to implement it.
This method involves getting the fish into a " friendly" environment quickly. This method has been studied using underwater video with several species and it has been 100% successful.A barbless hook with the line attached at the bend is hooked into the lip area also attached to the line is a 5 lb. sash weight. The other end is cleated. The amount of line is dependent upon depth fished, but 66 feet should be a minimum length. Why 66 feet? For every 33 feet of descent, the pressure increases by 1 atmosphere.At 33 feet the bladder volume is decreased by 1/2. At 66 feet 1/2 again .... .Keep the line wt and hook device in a buck by your fishing station. Using wet hands, hook the fish ,and slide it over the side.Let it fall unimpeded to the length of the line (rapid descent to discourage predation), then give the line a gentle tug to release the hook. You have released your catch below the thermocline, faster than a predator can react, without a distended swim bladder. Takes an extra 2 minutes, but I'm sure you'll agree that the object is a successful release, not a feeding session for the lazy or opportunistic.
Something else to consider while culling; it takes 21, 1 1/4 lb fish to produce the same biomass of roe as a 10 pound fish. Size matters in sustaining the resource. Take a picture releasing a few of the bigger ones.

Next time you go fishing let me know, i'll come along and help.
In Texas they puncture the bladder and return the fish to the bottom.
Infection aside, ANY form of bladder reduction is better than none, as seeing multitudes of little red colored fish floating around really pisses me off.
To this end I now use
1.The biggest hook I can.
2. Only go rockfishing if my Godson is out here and I can't get him on a LR trip.

Fish Stix,

First welcome to the Chark boards. Your correct about a good release makes for a better and healthy fish. Check out this thred where we talked about the same thing.

http://charkbait.evecommunity.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/60...781084562#1781084562