Releasing fish brought up from deep water

[Guest McBain Clan]

I was wondering if it is safe to release a fish that has been brought up from deep water. i have noticed that most of these fish have their swim bladders visible in their mouth or through their gills. will the bladder go back to normal and will the fish survive if released? thanks for any info

[McGinnis_Fishing 49]

When fishing deep water bring them up slowly so that doesnt happen. Only advice i have

[Guest MNR]

When certain species such as walleye or smallmouth bass are caught from relatively deep waters (30 feet or greater), gases in the swim bladder expand unnaturally causing visible stress, known as barotrauma. The organ protruding from the mouth is not the swim bladder, but the stomach which is being pushed out by the enlarged swim bladder. If fish can be returned to the same depth the swim bladder will contract and the stomach will re-enter the body cavity. Short or long term mortality has been shown to generally be minimal if a fish can be returned to its original depth; however, returning the fish to the original depth is often difficult without some form of weighted device.

To avoid barotrauma, it is recommended that fish be reeled up slowly, or if fish are likely to be released, to avoid fishing in deep waters.

Also remember that you cannot posses a fish that is out of season or of a prohibited length even if its odds of surviving are low. It must be returned to the water immediately.