®
W
e are in the
dog days
of summer and headed into fall – but
livewell management
and fish care should
be something we pay
attention to year-round
– not just the height of
summer.
We anglers, and
especially tournament
anglers ripping around
with livewells full of fish,
are responsible for the
best care of fish to ensure
safe release and healthy
fisheries for generations
to come, but also ensure agencies continue to allow such
competitions. The following is a brief overview of some of
the basics we can all be aware of to reduce fish stress and
mortality. Reducing stress is paramount.
Overly stressing fish may result in latent effects to fish
occurring well after they are released, and you are onto your
next destination.
Tournament day can be hectic, so being prepared,
having a plan, and knowing your system will tremendously
improve your fish care and reduce potential penalties.
Healthy, non-stressed fish are also less likely to lose
weight!
There are several significant factors to manage your fish
– temperature, oxygen/aeration, fish density and additives.
TEMPERATURE
Temperature management is critical. Not only do you need to be aware of managing high temperatures – you need to make sure temperatures between your livewell and the natural environment are not significantly different which can lead to shock and additional stress.
I recommend filling your livewell early in the day in an area with the cleanest/coolest water available (i.e., not in a backwater marina, slough, or shallows).
You also need to be aware during your fishing day, if you have your well set to exchange water you are not doing so in a location that will bring in
hot water. It is not a bad idea to toss a cheap thermometer into your livewell – set a baseline early in the day and try to keep it at or near that baseline. It does not take much time on a 100+ degree day to warm up the boxes and well of your boat.
To manage temperature throughout the day – I like to incorporate fresh water to the greatest extent possible (this also helps with oxygenation and flushing toxins).
As temperatures want to climb – I strongly recommend adding small frozen water bottles. The little, small ones work great – they do not over cool and can be easily added and not take up much space.
Do not add ice directly; many have impurities and chemicals like chlorine, etc. If you have separation – and not a particularly heavy load of fish in the well – I recommend keeping the ice on one side or isolated from your fish to the extent possible.
Fall 2022
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