I'll be grabbing one of those. 

Is there actual data available on the statement "increases the survival rate of released reef fish"?

 Been venting fish for years ,and have recaught some dhuies 2-3 times. But i can see a lot of fish being vented the wrong way , Not as easy as sticking  a needle in under the fin and air comes out  .People need to learn to bring a fish up slowly ,and then how to handle a fish before release. Many still don't have a release weight on there boat, or don't use them ,I very rearly need to use a weight and most fish swim out of hands on release even in 50m+. 

Hi Ben,

Ryan did tell me that he had spoken to the Fisheries and Recfishwest re venting & the Vent Right tool and basically any tool that aids in releasing fish and used right is good. As Paul said its so important to do everything right even before getting to the venting process (or release weight).

This tool is recommended for anglers that have fish care factor and experience. We suggest following these below steps to maximize survival;

Wind fish up slow

Use wet hands when handling fish

Handling kept to a minimuim

Wet cloth over eyes

etc etc

Vent Right gave us this peice of info also;

Extensive studies have been done in America on the method of venting fish, subsequently venting tools are mandatory for fisherman to have on board in several states within America. This is a proven aid to release fish to give them every chance of survival.

 Is it ok to vent a fish and still use release weight? Or would you just vent it and chuck it back ?

Matt, bigger fish that suffer really bad barotrauma symtoms like large cods that would be ideal, in normal situations you can just vent or use the weight.

 Ok cool just wondering if you could do more harm than good by us ring both methods together .