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Fishing Boat Accessories - Livewells And Baitwells

Aug 18, 2010; 5:46 AM ET

Livewells Keep Your Catch Alive and Healthy

Tournament fishing and increased fishing pressure have expanded the popularity of catch and release angling. Weekend anglers have joined with tournament anglers who face penalties for dead fish, and have demanded some way to keep their catch alive and healthy. A livewell is an aerated tank in the boat, similar to an aquarium, that holds fish in water until weigh-in time so that they have a better chance of survival when released.

The best livewells are big enough to hold a lot of water, enough water for the fish to remain upright and have some room to move about. Look for a dual pumping system with a filling pump for fresh water, a recirculating or aeration pump, and automatic and manual operating modes. Be sure that the plumbing is an adequate size to pass any foreign objects brought in with the fish and handle the amount of water to be pumped.

Cautions:

* Different fish species have different livewell requirements. Bass, for example, can handle high water temperatures and low oxygen levels that would kill walleye or trout. Cold water can hold more oxygen from an aeration system than warm water.

* Ammonia from fish excrement can build up in the livewell along with carbon dioxide.

* Both can prove toxic to your catch. Be aware of the conditions demanded by each species and how to adjust your livewell system to meet those demands. You can run the pumps continuously and add ice to reduce the temperature; use a specialized oxygen-injection system; add water conditioners made for livewells; and even add a mild saline solution to condition the water.

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