"A lot of fish that are caught deep have problems," Harbin said. "Their swim bladders swell up with air. It's like a person getting the bends.  Harbin said bass come through the weigh-in scales, then simply float in the release boats until he and other BASS workers use hollow needles to "release" some of the fish's built-up gases, increasing their odds of survival. This build-up is a particular problem at fisheries like Erie and Champlain where the majority of fish brought in are caught in deep water.

"We've vented thousands and never had a problem," Harbin said.  (B.A.S.S. - read the full article)

Pictured to the right is Adam Wagner of Cookeville, TN "fizzing" a 21"+ Smallmouth at the Dale Hollow Sportsman tournament this fall.  He drew a big crowd in a hurry and by-standers watched in amazement as he "brought the Smallie back to life".