This invention story started with two pals on a fishing trip and ends with an innovative product that, as easily as you click a ballpoint pen, enables fishing enthusiasts to save the life of a distressed fish quickly and release it back to the ocean, lake, or river.
Not too long ago, two fishing buddies drove from Florida to Louisiana to fish for yellowfin tuna, and throughout the trip, their conversation turned to fish venting tools. You see, in June 2008, new federal regulations would require everyone fishing in the Gulf of Mexico to carry one or have at least one on their boat, and these fellows weren't very impressed with the tools they had or any of the others they had seen. By the conclusion of this inspirational trip, they had worked out their design ideas for the Ventafish, a tool that would soon set a new standard for safety, performance, efficiency, and economy.
Venting can be a matter of life or death for some fish that are caught and released. If you don't fish, you probably aren't aware that a fish brought up from the lower depths of the water may occasionally experience problems with an expanded air bladder that does not diffuse rapidly enough to allow the fish to survive when released. The air bladder (or swim bladder) is an organ in the lower part of its body that enables certain species of fish to remain at their ideal depth. Being reeled to the surface sometimes causes a sudden expansion that does not reverse right away. Before releasing it, the fisherman is required to vent the fish, a procedure that involves inserting a hollow needle into the side wall of the air bladder.
The need for venting doesn't just pertain to saltwater species like those found in the Gulf. Many freshwater species (including bass) can face harm or death when released with inflated air bladders. Responsible catch-and-release fishermen want to vent a fish quickly and correctly when the need presents. The innovations and features of the patent-pending design of the Ventafish make that easier and safer to do, and the tool features are in compliance with all U.S. and state regulations and recommendations. And if that weren't impressive enough, when their trip was over, these two inventors got to work: they sculpted a model, found a manufacturer, and brought their Ventafish to market in a matter of months.
From a practical point of view, the housing of the tool is a distinctive, easy-to-see bright blue and white, and it also has a rubberized grip. It can safely be kept in a pocket; the Ventafish features a sturdy cap that prevents the user from accidentally deploying its sharp, 16-gauge surgical needle. If the needle becomes dull, it can be replaced quickly and easily. (Packs of 10 replacement needle assemblies available.) All components may be thoroughly cleaned by immersing them in a detergent or bleach solution.
While these features may be noteworthy, the design advantages of the Ventafish are truly impressive when the tool is pressed into service. First, the housing incorporates a 45-degree angle on the tip surface, an easy guide for the proscribed needle angle when venting. Second, the plunger/needle assembly operates with a spring, so the needle quickly retracts into the housing when the fisherman releases the plunger after the air bladder diffuses. Third, the needle depth is the recommended 1.5 inches when the tool's plunger is pressed to its maximum depth, so no guesswork is involved. (Video: Ventafish in action on a stuffed toy fish.)
The demand for the Ventafish is not limited to the Gulf of Mexico and the soon-to-be-regulated South Atlantic coast by any means. Some in the sports fishing industry believe the catch-and-release culture among freshwater fishing enthusiasts is stronger than among saltwater fishing enthusiasts. One thing is certain: catch-and-release sports fishing is a way of life for the Ventafish entrepreneurs. They have established the Ventafish Foundation to support those who share and express the views of recreational fishermen and to support the conservation of U.S. fisheries. This includes contributing to the development of new artificial reef structures. Customers of the Ventifish and other company products can feel gratified that some of the proceeds from sales are being paid forward through the Foundation to worthwhile conservation efforts.
Photo courtesy of sports fishing writer Brad Weigmann. Read his review of the Ventafish tool.
