The amount of sea bass and other species I've witnessed over the years floating away as sea gull bait on deep water trips is disturbing and at times significant. Learning how to properly vent fish is something that can only help the resource. Andy I agree with you, it's a tough pill to swallow when probably every fish brought up in nets whether kept or released ends up dying but we can control only what's in our control. Every off shore captain should have a venting tools on board with mates who know how to use them, they cost only a few bucks. Any anglers who knows the technique and wants to assist, even better.

You can just as easily look online to learn what is a very simple technique, just need the tools and a little pratice. Can only help even thought it doesn't level the playing field. Would rather in all cases see a fish not harvested swim away than float to the back of the boat as a death sentence. Just my opinion.