fish dying from pressure change?

[IcefisherSteve]

Today was first time I have fished in somewhat deep waters. I caught some perch close to 40' of water. Once I got them up to the hole they seemed dead..or really messed up anyways. Threw few back in hole and they just floated there.  Didn't want to keep some of the smaller ones but kept them because they just floated and didnt swim back down. Any way to avoid that? Reel slower? Is that normal?

[adkRoy]

Reel slower.

[Johnny3Walleye]

Reel slower.

Take your time bringing them up.

[H.T.]

Reel slower.

really

[IcefisherSteve]

Didn't seem like I was reeling fast but I will try to go slower. Jigging is new to me.

[adkRoy]

really

Really.

[Icefisher40]

Quick change in pressure causes their swim bladder to expand and often protrude from their mouth.

Best solution is to reel slower if you are not planing on keeping then.

[mcboatsret]

You could try fizzing them...we do that during bass tournaments when they are caught deep and it works.  You can find out how to do it on youtube.

[wnybassman]

You could try fizzing them...we do that during bass tournaments when they are caught deep and it works.  You can find out how to do it on youtube.

I have tried fizzing both perch and crappie, and it doesn't seem to work with them for some reason.

[AugustWest]

You could try fizzing them...we do that during bass tournaments when they are caught deep and it works.  You can find out how to do it on youtube.

Imagine what a minnow goes through when you send it down at Mach Speed in deep water
AW

[jperch]

I have had some success in dealing with this situation by pinching the barb down on my jig.  If after setting the hook you think it's too small to be kept, give it some slack for a few seconds.  They often will get off.  It's not a perfect solution but it works most of the time.  jperch

[AugustWest]

I have had some success in dealing with this situation by pinching the barb down on my jig.  If after setting the hook you think it's too small to be kept, give it some slack for a few seconds.  They often will get off.  It's not a perfect solution but it works most of the time.  jperch

Never thought of that...sounds like a great idea. You would probably have to reel like a raped ape to keep the slack off though
AW