LAST EDITED ON Aug-28-01 AT 08:17 AM (PST)

(not to be taken as criticism of your actions, you did what you could with the tools at hand, with the knowledge at hand)

The current view is that puncturing the air bladder can lead to infection. If you start getting into these critters on a consistant basis, take a 3 lb ball tie a big barbless hook to it. Tie your main line to the bend of the hook so that it is pulled down by the weight. Hook the fish in the lips, and lower him back to depth. When you pull up on the wieght, it will pull the hook out of the BSB and they will be at depth, where they will be able to regulate their air bladder. Email me if you want more details.

http://www.calfishing.com/dcforum/User_files/3b8bc39a18e5abc2.jpg

Marco Farrell
AKA Moondoggie
http://www.whiteseabass.com