Oak Orchard River Bass Anglers
Keeping Bass Alive
Keeping Bass Alive
Minimize handling and air exposure time.
Land fish and remove hooks as quickly as possible
Protect the slim coat. Do not let fish flop around on the floor or carpet.
When the surface water temperature is less than 75,
aerate the livewell by flushing with fresh water.
Run recirculating aeration continuously when the boat is moving
and cannot pump in fresh water.
When the surface water temperature exceeds 75,
use continuous recirculation. Add ice to cool the water.
When operating livewell in recirculation mode with more than 5 pounds of bass,
replace half the livewell water with fresh water every 3 hours to remove ammonia.
Add ice to lower water temperature to target range.
When recirculating, add 1/3 cup of non-iodized salt for every 5 gallons of water.
While in the waiting line, dip fresh water into your bag several times from the life-support tanks.
Handle bass with wet hands, hold the bass vertically by the lower jaw
or support the bass with both hands.
Minimize handling and air exposure time.
Land fish and remove hooks as quickly as possible
Protect the slim coat. Do not let fish flop around on the floor or carpet.
When the surface water temperature is less than 75,
aerate the livewell by flushing with fresh water.
Run recirculating aeration continuously when the boat is moving
and cannot pump in fresh water.
When the surface water temperature exceeds 75,
use continuous recirculation. Add ice to cool the water.
| Surface Water Temperature |
Target Livewell Water Temperature |
| 75-80 | 75 |
| 81-85 | 78 |
| 85+ | 80 |
When operating livewell in recirculation mode with more than 5 pounds of bass,
replace half the livewell water with fresh water every 3 hours to remove ammonia.
Add ice to lower water temperature to target range.
When recirculating, add 1/3 cup of non-iodized salt for every 5 gallons of water.
While in the waiting line, dip fresh water into your bag several times from the life-support tanks.
Handle bass with wet hands, hold the bass vertically by the lower jaw
or support the bass with both hands.
Fizzing Facts
Fizzing through the side is 14% more effective than fizzing through the mouth
Bass that are immediately released do not need to be fizzed
Tournament anglers should check their bass frequently during the day
Bass that need to be fizzed will be floating on their side or upside down in the livewell
In extreme cases, bass can have a swollen belly and their stomach can be protruding from the gullet
Perform side fizzing on bass floating on the surface and unable to remain submerged
Use a 1½”, 16 or 18 gauge needle
For bass under 3 pounds, fizz for 3 to 5 seconds
For bass over 3 pounds, fizz for 5 to 8 seconds
Repeat side fizzing if a bass continues to float on the surface after 15 to 30 minutes
