FISH CARE GUIDELINES FOR
BASS FISHING TOURNAMENT ANGLERS:
KEEPING BASS HEALTHY
IN THE LIVE WELL

• Fill live well at first fishing spot.

• Use water from open lake areas with good water quality.

TURN ON THE RECIRCULATING AERATOR IMMEDIATELY!

• Set pump switch on manual (continuous operation)

• Run continuously all day.

• If aerator must run on a timer, run as often as possible.

• If boat does not have a recalculating aeration system, add one!

• This is a must to provide proper aeration while the boat is moving or on the trailer. The components cost less than $30.

• Grasp fish by lower jaw only, holding them vertically.

• Support large fish with a wet hand under the belly.

• Use soft, knotless nylon or rubber landing nets.

• Do not allow fish to touch boat carpet and rub off protective slime.

• Remove hooks quickly with as little tissue damage as possible.

• Attempt to remove deep hooks carefully. When attempts fail, cut line five or six inches above the hook.

• Don’t keep fish out of water longer than you can hold your breath.

KEEP FISH IN REAR LIVE WELLS IF VOLUME IS SUFFICIENT!

• Fish in forward live wells are more likely to be injured from sloshing and bouncing during rough water travel.
• Distribute fish evenly between rear live well compartments.

PUMP FRESH WATER REGULARLY!

• When water temperatures are below 75 degrees, pump fresh water as often as your system will allow (continuously if possible).

ADD ICE & SALT!

• When water temperatures are above 75 degrees, recalculate live well water rather than pumping in hot lake water.
• Ice cools the water and slows the fish’ metabolism.
• One eight pound block of ice (or two half-gallon plastic jugs) cools water in a 30-gallon live well about 10 degrees for three hours.
• Adjust the amount of ice according to live well size.
• Block ice melts slower and can be stored for later use.
• Monitor live well water temperatures.
• Non-iodized salt (available from farm/feed stores or food wholesalers) helps maintain electrolyte balance and reduces the effects of stress.
• Add 1/3 cup per five gallons. Pre-measure salt into zip-lock bags.
• Add Catch & Release as directed.
• Drain half of the live well water every three hours, refill with fresh water to remove toxic waste products (CO, and ammonia).
• Add ’/~ amount of ice, salt and Catch & Release each time.

OXYGEN DELIVERY SYSTEMS!

• Oxygen from pressurized cylinder is delivered directly into live well through air-stone or bubble hose, regulated by pressure valve.
• Solves oxygen demand problems.
• Usually no need for water temperature adjustments but adding salt is still recommended.
• Periodic flushing with fresh water is also required.
• Expensive ($300+) but worth it!

For more information contact:

Gene Gilliland
Oklahoma Fishery Research Laboratory
Phone: 405-325-7288
E-mail: gene_gilliland@mail.fws.gov