How far a fish can go depends on the type of fish, some die almost at once, hatchetfish can go several feet before even hitting the ground, climbing perch can get into the next room at least, and I had an eel that went from the living room, across the kitchen, out the doorand about 40-50' to the nieghbor pool. luckily they did not chlorinate as it to a couple hours to catch the sob.