A reminder from the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council to reef fish anglers - new rules requiring anglers to use non-stainless steel circle hooks when using natural baits to fish for Gulf reef fish in federal waters beginning June 1, 2008. Dehooking devices and venting tools are also required. Reef fish species include all snappers, groupers, sea bass, amberjacks, triggerfish, hogfish, red porgy and tilefish.

Research shows that circle hooks are more likely to hook fish in the mouth instead of in the gut cavity or throat. The unique hook shape of causes the hook to slide towards the point of resistance and embed itself in the jaw or in the corner of the fish’s mouth.

A de-hooking device is an instrument that allows the hook to be secured and the barb shielded without re-engaging when the hook is removed.  It must be blunt, have rounded edges and be of a size appropriate to secure the range of hook sizes and styles used for reef fish.

De-hooking devices come in a variety of shapes and sizes.  Use one that works best for the fish you are releasing.  If a fish swallows the hook or the fish is too big to release from a boat, it may be better to cut the line as close as possible to the hook instead of trying to remove it.

Reef fish that come from depths of 50 feet or more may undergo expansion of the gasses in the swim bladder as they are brought to the surface.  Signs of this condition are protrusion of the stomach from its mouth, bulging eyes and a bloated belly.  Proper use of a venting tool will help the fish survive by allowing it to safely return to the bottom.

A venting tool can be any hollow, sharpened instrument that allows gases to escape. Ice picks and knives are not suitable because simply puncturing the fish is undesirable and can result in a mortal injury.

It is best to vent the fish as quickly as possible with a minimum of handling. If the fish’s stomach is everted out of the fish’s mouth, do not puncture it or attempt to push it back into the fish’s body. Expelling the swimbladder gases will allow the stomach to return to its normal position within a few hours.

Hold the fish gently but firmly on its side and insert the venting tool at a 45-degree angle approximately one to two inches back from the base of the pectoral fin. Only insert the tool deep enough to release the gases — do not skewer the fish. The sound of the escaping gas is audible and deflation is noticeable. If a fish is extremely bloated, use the hand holding the fish to exert gentle pressure on its abdomen to aid deflation.


Return the fish to the water as soon as possible. If necessary, revive it by holding the fish with the head pointed downward and moving the fish back and forth to pass water over the gills until the fish is able to swim unassisted.

For more information, please call the Gulf Council at 888-833-1844, or visit www.gulfcouncil.org and click on Education and Outreach located in the left navigation column.

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