Top-10 Tournament Care Tips
- Protect the slime coat - Don’t boat-flip bass. Keep them off the carpet. Grasp fish by the lower jaw or lift them by the line before they hit the deck.
- Use a rubber or vinyl-coated soft mesh landing net if allowed — not hard knotted nylon.
- Minimize air exposure, land fish & remove hooks quickly, handling as little as possible.
- Hold bass over 5 pounds with two hands supporting the fish under the anal fin.
- Use non-puncturing culling clips that lock but do not pinch tight on the bass’ mouth.
- Keep both livewells full and divide your catch. More water = more oxygen per fish.
- Install livewell lid ventilation devices to reduce heat buildup and allow fresh air in.
- Livewell Operation: Maintaining adequate oxygen & temperature control are critical.
- Water temps below 65°F — pump in freshwater at regular intervals to refresh livewell.
- Water temps from 65-75°F — pump fresh water regularly - and - aerate continuously.
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When water temp is over 75°F (70°F for Smallmouth Bass):
- Fill livewells early in the day, do not pump in hot afternoon surface water.
- Turn on recirculating aerator full time (manual). Do not pump in surface water.
- Cool livewell water with small amounts of ice -- no more than 10°F below lake temperature. It typically takes 8-10 lbs. of ice to cool a 25-gal. livewell 10°F.
- Add 1 cup non-iodized salt per 15 gallons of livewell water when recirculating.
- Monitor with floating thermometer and add more ice to maintain constant temps.
- With 20+ lb in the livewell, especially Smallmouth Bass, consider installing an oxygen system.
- Fizz fish immediately when they show signs of overinflated air bladder. Check regularly. Weighted fin clips do NOT cure barotrauma; fish must be fizzed to prevent damage.
- Fill weigh-in bag with at least 2 gallons of livewell water, not warm water at boat side.