Deep perch question

[kb]

When I pull up a perch from 30 feet of water, many times there appears to be a lung or air bladder in its throat.  Is this the lung or air bladder?    I have tried returning some of the perch but they always seem to go belly up.  Is there a way to safely return some of the smaller perch that I do not want to keep when they have this condition?

Thanks.

[BobOlink]

No, but if you bring them up slowly you can give them time to equalize and reduce it from happening.

[kb]

I'll try it next time. Thanks.

[fishook]

 Fish have gills...not lungs. What you see coming out of the mouth is the stomach. The air bladder inflates with gas rapidly as the fish is pulled out of deep water and forces the stomach out the mouth. As was said, SLOWLY pulling fish out of deep water will slow the process and some fish can be released safely.