Bassin' USA - Bass Fishing Forum Archives

Yesterday my club fished an 800 acre lake with a 10 HP limit, so we were all in john boats. We had to battle a 30 mph wind with 2 and a half to three foot white caps. After 9 hours I have my limit and head back to the ramp, only to find all of my fish are dead. I use an airator and Rejuvinaid in my live well and have never lost a fish. Since other guys also came in with dead fish, it's my guess that the fish couldn't take the pounding they were subjected to. Has anyone else had this problem? Any tips to avoid this in the future?

dear carl,
theres a good chance of the fish dying from the long and bumpy ride there are several things to take into consideration.....the amount of splashing in the livewell needs to be taken into consideration...you logically think that the splashing would produce more oxygen in the waster but you need to remenber that the splashing may also cause loss of axygen as well even with the aerator...next time your put in this situation try changing the water in the livewell about every hour to every hour and a half, yes i know time is money in the tournament world but if the tournament has restrictions on dead fish it may cost you the ounces needed to win...maybe this will help you.

That's good advise Josh...

Be advised that ruff conditions can absolutely kill livewell fish. Check the inside of your livewell and make sure there are no sharp screw heads or anything sticking out.

Thank you both for the replies. carl