Rock fish Conservation Release
SeaQualizer
The
SeaQualizer is an innovative release tool designed to help fish recover
from the effects of barotrauma. Barotrauma results from bringing a
fish up from depth too quickly, preventing the fish from releasing air
from its swim bladder quick enough as pressure on it is decreased. This
causes the swim bladder to expand beyond its normal size.
Physical
effects of barotrauma include: floating at the surface, stomach
protruding out of the mouth, bulging eyes, flared gills and inflated
body cavities.
The SeaQualizer is a pressure activated release device
that attaches to a fishing rod or downrigger and releases the fish at a
predetermined depth set on the SeaQualizer. The motion of the boat or
how the fish acts or is descended will not prematurely release the fish.
available Sizes:
Regular: 50-100-150ft
Deep Water: 100-200-300ft
By
bringing the fish back down to depth, pressure will re-compress the
enlarged swim bladder causing the fish to become neutrally buoyant
allowing it to swim regularly as well as eliminating all other physical
effects seen at the surface.
It is recommended that fish be returned
to 1/3 to 1/2 the depth that they were caught. Prepare the SeaQualizer
by selecting the correct release depth and open the jaws by pulling the
triggers on the side of the device. Position the open jaws over the
fish’s lower lip and close the jaws to lock securely in place. Place
the fish in the water and begin to lower the fish slowly back to the set
release depth. The SeaQualizer will only release the fish at the
pre-set depth. When the device has released the fish, the user will
feel their line free fall.
