Keeping Live Bait - Alive and Active
by www.arkansasstripers.com
Live Bait Fishing is the most consistence method of catching Stripers, Keeping Live Bait - Alive and Active is a key requirements for successful live-bait fishing.
The best-designed lures or the freshest, most expertly rigged dead baits can’t imitate the action, flash and scent of a natural live bait. This is why many fishermen are turning to live bait.
8 pounds of fish will displace about 1 gallon of water. To keep 8 pounds of live bait healthy during hauling, they will require at least 10 gallons of clean water. As more fish are added the chances for keeping them alive and healthy decrease rapidly.
Factors that limit loading density are oxygen levels and the buildup of waste products, primarily ammonia and carbon dioxide but also mucous and feces. These break down rapidly, consuming oxygen and producing even more ammonia.
Oxygen injection for Live Bait.
Dissolved Oxygen levels in baittanks can be improved by flowing pure oxygen from a pressurized cylinder into the livewell through an air stone or bubble hose. A regulator or pressure valve controls the flow. The tiny bubbles contain 100 percent oxygen and provide a huge surface area for the oxygen to diffuse into the water. These systems will maintain adequate oxygen levels in the livewell under the most extreme conditions.
Oxygenation systems can be purchased commercially for $300 to $500.
CAUTION
Follow the manufacturer's directions very carefully, as there are serious safety requirements when dealing with oxygen.
DO NOT install a homemade oxygenation system on your boat without the guidance of an expert. If installation guidelines are not strictly adhered to, serious injury could result. Before investing in an oxygenation system, anglers must be totally familiar with the safety considerations regarding its use.
Pure Oxygen Systems require the utmost in Safety when using.
Electricity can be a source of ignition and fire, pure oxygen systems should never be routed through the port of any electrically operated aerator or bait-well pump. Doing so could cause a fire if the pump has not been certified for use in an oxygen-enriched environment. Oxygen tank tubing should not be routed, stored or secured adjacent to or close to electrical wiring, switches, batteries, in the bilge, or near petroleum-based products.
U.S. Coast Guard regulations require pressurized gas cylinders to be securely mounted to prevent damage to valves and regulators. The cylinder must be mounted in a well-ventilated location and smoking should be avoided during use. It should also be removed from the boat after each trip, cleaned and carefully inspected
Never use grease or petroleum-based lubricants on oxygen equipment fittings or connectors. This can cause an explosive fire.
The best-designed lures or the freshest, most expertly rigged dead baits can’t imitate the action, flash and scent of a natural live bait. This is why many fishermen are turning to live bait.
8 pounds of fish will displace about 1 gallon of water. To keep 8 pounds of live bait healthy during hauling, they will require at least 10 gallons of clean water. As more fish are added the chances for keeping them alive and healthy decrease rapidly.
Factors that limit loading density are oxygen levels and the buildup of waste products, primarily ammonia and carbon dioxide but also mucous and feces. These break down rapidly, consuming oxygen and producing even more ammonia.
Oxygen injection for Live Bait.
Dissolved Oxygen levels in baittanks can be improved by flowing pure oxygen from a pressurized cylinder into the livewell through an air stone or bubble hose. A regulator or pressure valve controls the flow. The tiny bubbles contain 100 percent oxygen and provide a huge surface area for the oxygen to diffuse into the water. These systems will maintain adequate oxygen levels in the livewell under the most extreme conditions.
Oxygenation systems can be purchased commercially for $300 to $500.
CAUTION
Follow the manufacturer's directions very carefully, as there are serious safety requirements when dealing with oxygen.
DO NOT install a homemade oxygenation system on your boat without the guidance of an expert. If installation guidelines are not strictly adhered to, serious injury could result. Before investing in an oxygenation system, anglers must be totally familiar with the safety considerations regarding its use.
Pure Oxygen Systems require the utmost in Safety when using.
Electricity can be a source of ignition and fire, pure oxygen systems should never be routed through the port of any electrically operated aerator or bait-well pump. Doing so could cause a fire if the pump has not been certified for use in an oxygen-enriched environment. Oxygen tank tubing should not be routed, stored or secured adjacent to or close to electrical wiring, switches, batteries, in the bilge, or near petroleum-based products.
U.S. Coast Guard regulations require pressurized gas cylinders to be securely mounted to prevent damage to valves and regulators. The cylinder must be mounted in a well-ventilated location and smoking should be avoided during use. It should also be removed from the boat after each trip, cleaned and carefully inspected
Never use grease or petroleum-based lubricants on oxygen equipment fittings or connectors. This can cause an explosive fire.
