Would it survive

[Bushbaby]

Hi Guys,

After a discussion on the weekend I’ve got a question for you.

I caught a bass a few weeks ago on a big Zara Spook, the centre hook took it in the mouth, but the tail hook caught it underneath and right between the gills (maybe actually in the lower gills too – it was dark and difficult to be sure), there was a fair amount of blood flowing. The fish was out of the water for a good 4 mins – to remove those trebles and try not to get them in me!!!, and was then released. It took a long time to re-cover and swim off (very slowly and on the surface for a few meters). Fish was about 1.8 kgs.

I thought it was doomed and wanted to kill it (and eat it), but was persuaded to try and release it.

Anyone had a similar experience and any guesses as to it’s chances of survival?

 

[Ryan]

Fish blood coagulates in water - so although they will bleed profusely out of water the bleeding will stop fairly shortly once they are placed back into the water.

I believe that fish will have a very good chance of survival provided when you put it into the water it swims freely on it's own......

 

[robfisher]

I have found that putting an injured fish into my live well and giving it muti (Please Release me) gives it a new lease on life... I’m not sure if it’s the calming agents or the anti-biotic or what but after a few hours in the live well the fish are often in better condition that before they were caught... well that’s my theory anyway. Obviously you have to have a decent live well that aerates etc.