A tip for when a fish is bleeding a lot: When a fish is bleeding a lot and you plan to throw it back, one thing that can stop the bleeding is to pour diet coke where its bleeding, if...

FS Digest

When a fish is bleeding a lot and you plan to throw it back, one thing that can stop the bleeding is to pour diet coke where its bleeding, if you happen to have any with you. I don't know the scientific reason why, but it stops their bleeding.

Also if the fish isn't going to recover, try to keep it, even if you don't like keeping fish (assuming it is legal to keep this particular species). Whether you want to use it as bait or eat it, don't let it go to waste

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by cam9704

Jeremy Loc: America

FS Digest wrote:

When a fish is bleeding a lot and you plan to throw it back, one thing that can stop the bleeding is to pour diet coke where its bleeding, if you happen to have any with you. I don't know the scientific reason why, but it stops their bleeding.

Also if the fish isn't going to recover, try to keep it, even if you don't like keeping fish (assuming it is legal to keep this particular species). Whether you want to use it as bait or eat it, don't let it go to waste

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by cam9704

All these observations are good intentions. Better consult Laws and Regulations before throwing a fish back you think will survive if there is law about it. Bait can be illegal if a sportfish or certain species etc.

mbrillhart1957 Loc: Southeast Wyoming

I use Mountain Dew. I put the fish in the livewell for about a half hour. Release if its doing well. If not I keep.

Jonage Loc: Wendell NC

mbrillhart1957 wrote:

I use Mountain Dew. I put the fish in the livewell for about a half hour. Release if its doing well. If not I keep.

Yup, I dont drink MD, but we keep one on the boat just for this reason.

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

FS Digest wrote:

When a fish is bleeding a lot and you plan to throw it back, one thing that can stop the bleeding is to pour diet coke where its bleeding, if you happen to have any with you. I don't know the scientific reason why, but it stops their bleeding.

Also if the fish isn't going to recover, try to keep it, even if you don't like keeping fish (assuming it is legal to keep this particular species). Whether you want to use it as bait or eat it, don't let it go to waste

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by cam9704

Most places where there's birds of prey, you don't have to worry bout a fish that you throw back. If it doesn't make it and comes to the surface later, the Ospreys or Eagles usually swoop down and pick them up before long where I fish. Somethin's gonna eat it.

Bostang Loc: Southeast Pennsylvania

It makes me wonder whoever came up with this idea And why were they dumping soda on a fish

Bill S Loc: Springfield, MO

The new In Fisherman has an article devoted to bleeding fish and does pouring a soda actually stop the bleeding. Save your soda, doesn’t prevent.

Jakestake83 Loc: Mooresville NC

Any drink with high acid content will work because it closes the capilaries in the gills to stop bleeding. Just like the septic stick that we use for shaving when cut. Works well.