JamFab Jigs and Just-Right Tools were nice enough to offer a Vent-Rite tool for the next GAFF forums contest. Just post in this thread now through the end of February and you are entered to win!
You can read more about the Vent-Rite by viewing our product blog.
okay........im going to there homepage to see what this little gizmo does...........
No joke, this little tool does a wonderful job. Its angled protective sheath slips right up under the scales. Then, simply pressing the red button releases the sliding sheath and the needle can be pushed through the flesh. Air releases out the back of the tool, and you never even see the needle, much less come in contact with it. It's truly a great design.
-MD
This is a neat tool. Plus, it keeps ya legal with the Man.
okay i need some help again.......why would i need to-- vent----------- a fish??
If you bring up fish from deeper water,60' or deeper, the fish will have its bladder out of its mouth and you have to vent this to allow the fish to swim back down etc.
Plus, it is the law in Fl and the Man will check you for it.
SOUNDS unusual...but okay.........and thanks
It is a pressure equalization thing. When you pull certain fish up from deep water, the rapid change in water pressure causes their swim bladder to over inflate. Many times the bladder will protrude from the mouth of the fish. Maybe you have noticed the funny looking red thing which appears to be sticking out of a fishes mouth in a photo you have viewed. When released unventilated the fish will simply float helplessly on the surface and the chance of mortality increases exponentially.
Hence the need for a vent tool. Vent tools are now required on all offshore vessels. This requirement was put in place as a conservation measure - along with several other recently implemented laws - circle hooks and hook removal devices. I won't go into the specifics, i.e state waters vs. federal waters, etc. The laws are available in print or online. IMHO, if you are offshore err on the side of caution and abide by the strictest rule it is cheaper than paying a fine.
Basically, a vent tool is no-more than a small needle, which when properly inserted, releases the excess air from the swim bladder and allows the fish to swim happily back to its home in the depths of the ocean... if it can out swim the porpoises and barracudas on the way. Again, IMHO, where this law theoretically comes into play is on smaller reef-fish species sub-legal in size, or out of season species that have to be released. The crux of the matter is getting anglers to use them. The law says they have to be on the boat, but who is watching and making sure the tool is being utilized. Hopefully, enough anglers realize the possible benefit; decide to be conservation minded and take the time to utilize a vent-tool when needed.
In closing: Only certain instruments are approved venting devices, so check the regulations. The vent-tool manufactured by JamFab is a whole lot safer (very safe) than some of the other approved devices on the market. We have used this model and it works very well and is extremely easy to use. I personally do not recommend the small sharps type (hypo needle)... to easy to get stuck, especially if dropped. Sharp objects can be very dangerous especially when used on a bouncing boat.
OK, I'm new to GAFF Forum today! Hope I'm doing this right. The vent tool looks safer to use than a syringe....
Welcome aboard CharleneB!!!
Yes, you are right, this particular tool is much safer to use than a syringe. The needle is protected by a spring loaded, retractable, plastic tube. When the button is pressed on the side of the tool the needle can be inserted into the proper place on the fish. If for some reason the tool is dropped or the button is released the tube automatically slides back over the needle.
Thanks GAFF for continuing the give aways, great site.
Matthew's Fishin Styx
Specializing in custom inshore rods
Each person who posted in this thread (excluding GAFF staff) was assigned a number. I went to Random.org and had it randomly select... Matthew!
Congrats Matthew! I'll be contacting you shortly to get your shipping information.
Aaand stay tuned for the next contest. We'll be annoucing it shortly.