When bass decides to move from deep to shallower water, they will do it gradually, in small increments, so their internal swim bladders can adjust to the change in water pressure. Water pressure is very high in deeper depths and much lower nearer the surface. Bass can slowly add or remove air from their bladders to help them sink or rise easily.
When a fish is brought up rapidly from deep water, the air bladder adjustment can’t happen quickly enough, resulting in an over-inflated swim bladder that prevents the fish from swimming back under water when released. This may lead to death by exposure or by predation from birds of prey.
To help the fish release this excess pressure, it’s often necessary to use a procedure called “fizzing.” It can be done using a syringe designed to administer antibiotics to livestock that’s available at any farm supply store. A 1 1/2-inch syringe is sufficient, and the plunger is not needed.
Insert the needle straight into the back of the fish’s throat all the way. Often there will be a hissing noise as air leaves the bladder. Then, place the fish under water so any air bubbles coming from the syringe are visible. You may want to apply gentle pressure to the fish’s sides. When air bubbles stop coming out, remove the syringe and your catch should swim away.
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