Do you know when it's necessary to vent a fish?
If a fish is having a hard time getting back down into the water, you may have to vent it. In case you don't know what that is or how to do it, this video will teach you how to vent a fish properly.
Did you hear how loud the hissing was once the bladder was punctured? It sounded like a basketball that got stabbed with a scalpel. As you just saw this fish was properly vented and it swam off, eager to get back home.
When a fish is rolling onto its side, it usually means the swim bladder is inflated and needs to be vented. The swim bladder is located just above the gut cavity, and it will feel inflated when you find it. Then you need to put a hypodermic needle in to the bladder. If done right the air will leave the swim bladder allowing the fish to decompress and swim into deeper water.
NEXT: LEARN HOW TO HOOK SPAWNING BASS WITH THESE SPRING BANK FISHING TIPS
