WEBPAGE UPDATED              Tuesday  June 22, 2022

 Fishing News about livewells and bait tanks, oxygen safety, fishing, oxygen systems, live bait and tournament fish care and tournament fish kills, livewell oxygen systems, gas safety, livewell additives, chumming fish with oxygen, what works well in the summer and what doesn’t work at all, professional expert opinions… interesting news for fishermen.

August 24, 2021

LIVE BAIT OXYGEN SYSTEMS – DISPOSABLE

Texas Trolling Motors  

9705 Padre Island Dr.

Corpus Christi, TX 78418

(361) 939-8970

Oxygen Equipment salesperson says, “We sell medical oxygen equipment and compressed oxygen cylinder refill to fishermen, system components have no warranty. No hassels, no stress and no prescription required at South Texas Trolling Motors, cash payment OK.”

High Pressure Oxygen Regulator – SALES STAFF WILL NOT TELL CUSTOMERS WHO MANUFACTURES THIS HIGH PRESSURE or country of origin.  METAL ALLOYS USED IN MANUFACTURING OXYGEN REGULATOR and COUNTRY OF ORGIN (WHERE THEIR O2 REGULATORS ARE MADE IS PROPRIETARY.  

TEXAS TROLLING MOTORS ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR LIVE BAIT OXYGEN EQUIPMENT THEY SELL TO FISHERMEN.

Kool-O2 bait oxygen regulators – $95.00 EA – NO RETURNS, NO WARRANTY, NO REPLACEMENT and NO REPAIR  

Oxygen tanks – $125.00 EA – NO RETURNS, NO WARRANTY, NO REPLACEMENT and NO REPAIR

Ultra-Fine Blue diffusers – $95.00 EA – NO RETURNS, NO WARRANTY, NO REPLACEMENT and NO REPAIR

BUYER BEWARE

TEXAS TROLLING MOTORS PROVIDES CUSTOMERS NO WRITTEN OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS, NO OXYGEN GAS FIRE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AND NO HIGH PRESSURE OXYGEN CYLINDER INSTRUCTIONS  FOR THE BAIT OXYGEN EQUIPMENT THEY SELL.

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July 23, 2021

LIVE FISH TRANSPORT USING COMPRESSED AND LIQUID OXYGEN,  World Aquaculture, 37(3): 26-27. William A. Wurts Kentucky State University CEP www.ca.uky.edu/wkrec/Wurtspage.htm

Electric agitators or air blowers [aerators/aeration] are commonly used to enhance carbon dioxide removal and aerate live fish transport tanks.

Pure oxygen flow rates used for live transport generally range from 3 [or 1.0 L/min O2 for 33 gallons of fish transport water] – 6 L/min of oxygen gas for each 378.5 L (100 gallons) of fish transport water. Actual flow rates will vary from load to load and must be adjusted accordingly. Oxygen is introduced into the water as very fine bubbles through porous materials, such as air stones or diffuser hose. Certain types of irrigation hose work well for oxygen diffusion.

Oxygen concentrations can be adjusted up or down by increasing or decreasing gas flow rates with a regulator valve/gauge assembly and a flow meter. Oxygen levels below the minimum recommendation may stress or suffocate fish.

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January 21, 2021

Tips for Higher Catfish Survival Rates https://www.in-fisherman.com/editorial/tips-for-higher-catfish-survival-rates/384920 October 2, 2020 by Dr. Hal Schramm

“Live-release tournaments were a way to conserve a valuable resource and avoid the hideous sight of dead, floating bass after a tournament weigh-in, a situation that would make future tournaments unwanted guests at an access site.”

“A study by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has found oxygen generators (Oxygenator) add only a small amount of oxygen compared to pumped-­water aeration and should only be used to supplement pumped-water aeration. Anglers should be aware that oxygen generators can produce toxic chlorine gas from saltwater or livewell additives containing salt

3^rd party testing and evaluation – [Aqua Innovations/T-H Marine] The Oxygenator – How Effective is It – by Fishery Biologist Randy Myers TPWD, Inland Fisheries Division, San Antonio, TX Publication 2-14-2012 https://www.slideshare.net/raminlandfish/the-oxygenator-how-effective-is-it

3^rd party testing and evaluation – Oxygenator Bad Review (electrical shock problems)  by drhobbs28 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14nyjpAAFZI

** “Dissolved oxygen is essential for survival. Ensuring adequate oxygen is difficult because you can’t see it, and measuring it requires an expensive oxygen meter. When fish show signs of oxygen depletion, like trying to gulp air at the surface, it’s too late to recover them. And fish exposed even briefly to low oxygen may die several hours after release.”

AMBIENT AIR IS NOT OXYGEN – OXYGEN IS NOT AMBIENT AIR

**** “The solution [to hypoxia, the low-dissolved oxygen problems in livewells] is the fisherman must  provide the maximum amount of aeration possible. The water, especially surface waters, where catfish are caught usually contains adequate dissolved oxygen for catfish survival, but catfish in a livewell will deplete the oxygen. The rate of oxygen depletion increases with the number and weight of fish in the livewell and temperature. Therefore, it is necessary to add fresh oxygen-containing water. This is accomplished by pumping fresh lake or river water into the livewell. The pump should deliver at least 500 gallons per hour.”

“The livewell water can’t have too much oxygen. The surface waters will contain oxygen, but you can add more oxygen by maximizing the exposure of the water to air as it enters the livewell.”

Fact – ** Ambient air contains 20.9% oxygen at sea level or at the crest of Mt. Everest (29.032 ft.)

Fact – ** OSHA categorizes any oxygen level that is anything greater than 23.5% as oxygen-enriched air.

Fact – ** It is unlikely if not impossible that pumping more ambient air can possibly increase the oxygen concentration in the air to “oxygen –enriched concentrations” @ 1 Atm. pressure regardless of the total volume of air that is pumped.

“Dr. Hal Schramm is a fishery scientist and regular contributor to In-Fisherman publications. He has conducted research on tournament mortality of black bass and other species, and is co-author of the popular publication Keeping Bass Alive: Guidebook for Anglers and Tournament Organizers.”

1^st Edition Published by: ESPN Productions, Inc./B.A.S.S., 5854 Carmichael Rd., Montgomery, AL 36117: Copyright 2002 B.A.S.S.* Montgomery, AL http://assets.espn.go.com/winnercomm/outdoors/bassmaster/pdf/Keeping_Bass_Alive.pdf

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November 23, 2020

OXYGEN DEPRIVATION KILLS TOURNAMENT BASS

Several whistle blowers report tournament bass kill to Conservation Officers

BEN WOO CHOOSES NOT TO PROVIDE OR INSURE MINIMAL SAFE OXYGENATION FOR THE TOURNAMENT CATCH KILLING MANY BASS

TODAY THERE ARE REAL LEGAL CONSIQUENCES FOR SUFFOCATING, WITHHOLDING OXYGEN FROM TOURNAMENT CAUGHT BASS

Bass Tournament Organizer Fined $9,000 For Not Following Licence Conditions Bass Tournament Organizer Fined $9,000 For Not Following Licence Conditions | Ontario Newsroom

Ben Woo was the tournament organizer who held the license allowing fishing tournament participants to transport live fish from Ontario waters to be weighed and measured, and then to transport the live fish back to the waters they were taken from. Some of the standard conditions of the license require oxygen levels and temperatures that keep fish alive and healthy…

Woo chose not to provide minimal safe dissolved oxygen or water temperature in a 2 day tournament as required by The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

On November 10, 2020, via conference call, Justice of the Peace Stéphanie Goffin-Boyd convicted Ben Woo of Tracyville, New Brunswick of one count of failing to abide by the terms and conditions of a license.

An investigation discovered 195 dead bass, including 188 dead bass in plastic bags found in the garbage.

Woo was fined $9,000 and had his recreational fishing license suspended for five years.

Meet Mr. Ben Woo – NPS Fishing – Ben Woo (nationalprostaff.com) and http://www.woodoofishing.com/uploads/1/1/3/6/11362540/2016_ben_woo_fishing_portfolio.pdf

October 8, 2020

Tips for Higher Catfish Survival, By Hal Schramm, Ph.D., October 2, 2020 https://www.in-fisherman.com/editorial/tips-for-higher-catfish-survival-rates/384920

“Proper livewell operation to provide oxygen and good water quality is essential…”

“Dissolved oxygen is essential for survival. Ensuring adequate oxygen is difficult because you can’t see it, and measuring it requires an expensive oxygen meter. When fish show signs of oxygen depletion, like trying to gulp air at the surface, it’s too late to recover them. And fish exposed even briefly to low oxygen may die several hours after release. The solution is to provide the maximum amount of aeration possible.”

[No disrespect toward the writer, but for clarity, the writer is saying that if your catfish in your livewell are suffocating from low dissolved oxygen, suffocating and need more oxygen, the solution to this lo-O2 problem (suffocation) is to give the catfish more air (air is mostly Nitrogen. The writer implies that there is no difference between oxygen and air because it is the same gas. Many people really believe that plenty air will insure plenty dissolved oxygen, thus the low O2 problem can be easily corrected with more aeration (air) or more water pumped through the livewell.]

“The rate of oxygen depletion increases with the number and weight of fish in the livewell and temperature. Therefore, it is necessary to add fresh oxygen-containing water. This is accomplished by pumping fresh lake or river water into the livewell. The pump should deliver at least 500 gallons per hour.”

“The livewell water can’t have too much oxygen. The surface waters will contain oxygen, but you can add more oxygen by maximizing the exposure of the water to air as it enters the livewell.”

“A study by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has found oxygen generators (Oxygenator) add only a small amount of oxygen compared to pumped-­water aeration and should only be used to supplement pumped-water aeration. Anglers should be aware that oxygen generators can produce toxic chlorine gas from saltwater or livewell additives containing salt.”

3^rd party testing: [Aqua Innovations] The Oxygenator – How Effective is It – by Fishery Biologist Randy Myers TPWD, Inland Fisheries Division, San Antonio, TX Publication 2-14-2012 https://www.slideshare.net/raminlandfish/the-oxygenator-how-effective-is-it

“A variety of commercial livewell additives are available. Maintaining adequate oxygen in livewell water is essential to keep catfish alive and facilitate their recovery from the stress of capture. None of the additives add oxygen to the water.”

*Dr. Hal Schramm is a fishery scientist and regular contributor to In-Fisherman publications. He has conducted research on tournament mortality of black bass and other species, and is co-author of the popular publication Keeping Bass Alive: Guidebook for Anglers and Tournament Organizers: http://assets.espn.go.com/winnercomm/outdoors/bassmaster/pdf/Keeping_Bass_Alive.pdf

Visit: CONSTRUCTING AND USING A PRESSURIZED OXYGEN DELIVERY SYSTEM, pg. 37.

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4/23/2020

Chumming Stripers with Pure 100% Oxygen in Georgia “Oxy-Chum”

Clarks Hill Stripers Finding A More Oxygen-Rich Thermocline

A new oxygen system on Clarks Hill is making for better striper water. by Don Baldwin https://www.gon.com/fishing/clarks-hill-stripers-finding-a-more-oxygen-rich-thermocline

About 5 miles upstream from the Strom Thurmond Dam, near Modoc, the corps suspended a series of nine oxygen lines at varying depths through a stretch of the lake.

During the summer, oxygen gas is supplied to these lines, and the oxygen is released along the length of the lines through small openings. The system is simple but apparently effective.

The lines were put in place in 2011, and over the last three years the schedule has been as follows:

Year       Oxygen Start        Oxygen End
2011       June 8                   Oct. 13
2012       June 4                   Oct. 10
2013       May 28                  TBD

The oxygen tubes are placed upstream of the dam to allow for a longer stretch of improved oxygen levels as the current moves downstream.

The South Carolina DNR is conducting tagging and tracking studies to better understand the impact of the projects, but, if you ask local anglers, they’ll give the corps high marks. The striper population seems to be thriving, and there is still plenty of action even in the heat of the summer.

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 April 13, 2020

The Best Summer Tournament Bass Care Possible or Less Than The Best Bass Care Possible is every tournament fisherman’s personal choice today. And the choice one makes is crystal clear.

How much tournament fish care are you really willing to provide for your summer tournament catch all day in summer fishing tournaments?

How much tournament fish care is really “too much fish care,” too much trouble, cost too much… and another15 excuses to reject the best tournament fish care possible” this summer?

Are summer tournament caught bass, crappie, wall-eye, catfish, bonefish, redfish or speckled trout actually worth the “best fish care possible” in tournament boats all day or that just sound good

The old bass tournament conservation buzz words, “we provide the best tournament bass care possible” has taken on a totally different meaning for the fisherman’s fish care these days according to Todd Driscoll and other fishery prominent biologist.

Todd Driscoll TP&WD Fisheries Biologist Summer Fish Care Article with Links to O2 Injection System Specs http://assets.espn.go.com/winnercomm/outdoors/bassmaster/pdf/Keeping_Bass_Alive.pdf

Driscoll says, “To maintain livewell-held bass in the best possible shape, pure oxygen-injection systems (oxygen bottle, regulator, and fine-pore air diffuser) can be installed for under $300 [a homemade DIY oxygen-injection system].  Without question, lack of oxygen is the primary reason fish die in livewells.  During the most extreme conditions (i.e., 15 + pounds of bass in a livewell over 85 degrees), these oxygen-injection systems are the only way to maintain optimum oxygen levels.” 

Mr. Driscoll, TP&WD, recommends building a DIY livewell oxygen-injection systems using high pressure medical grade pediatric oxygen regulators and medical O2 cylinders.

Specifically: Cramer- Decker Brand, medical grade click style adjustable aluminum alloy pediatric medical oxygen regulators and high pressure medical oxygen cylinders (bottles). Driscoll uses medical oxygen equipment installed his bass boat, and would be happy to display and discuss this equipment with anyone that is interested.

Another component option Driscoll suggest, but does not use himself, is the Premier Industries, commercial grade 4700 Series Livewell oxygen regulator (high pressure valve). The Premier Industries regulator is commercial grade (not medical grade). It was built specifically for boat livewells, the oxygen flow rate (dose of oxygen) is non-adjustable and the dose of oxygen is fixed at 1/8^th of 1.0 LPM.

High pressure oxygen regulators that are limited because of low fixed flow rates (limited O2 dose) and cannot be increased can have specific oxygenating limitations similar for bass boat Oxygenators and mechanical aerators. When/if the livewell stocking density of fish exceed the physiological oxygen demand of all the fish collectively being transported in summer livewells, the pre-set fixed dose of oxygen may not be enough oxygen to insuring a continuous safe supply of oxygen resulting in chronic suffocation, high mortality and morbidity.

The Premier Industries commercial grade pressure valve has a fixed flow rate (dose rate) of 1.0 LPM oxygen delivered to the livewell @ 50 psi. This device delivers 700% more oxygen than the dose of oxygen Driscoll recommends for the Cramer-Decker pediatric medical grade oxygen regulator @ 1/8^th LPM. The Premier commercial fishing oxygen regulator delivers considerable more oxygen than is actually needed for the average tournament limit of bass. The excessive amount of oxygen delivered results in wasted oxygen and additional wasted oxygen costs. Delivering too much unnecessary oxygen is a waste of gas, money causing additional time and energy for additional oxygen cylinder refills.

Compressed oxygen is relative expensive compared to ambient air, but compressed oxygen gas volume is limited, dependent on O2 cylinder size and cylinder gas psi. Ambient air is unlimited, plentiful, always available and air FREE.

March 16, 2020

“A clarification about using hydrogen peroxide in livewells” https://www.westernbass.com/forum/clarification-about-using-hydrogen-peroxide-live-wells-t41246.html

“In the post below about the new special conditions at Diamond Valley, one of the subsequent posters in the thread suggested using hydrogen peroxide in the livewell to produce O2. Gene Gilliland and Hal Schramm, in their booklet Keeping Bass Alive say that H2O2 “can injure fish and should not be used” because it damages the gill filaments. “Damage to gill filaments, suffocation and death may result”, according to the authors.”

“The Department of Fish and Game asks that anglers and tournament organizations do not use hydrogen peroxide as a livewell water additive.”

Terry Foreman
Fisheries Program Manager
Fisheries Branch
Sacramento
(916) 445-3777

The booklet is available at:

Keeping Bass Alive, A Guidebook for Anglers and Tournament Organizers

http://assets.espn.go.com/winnercomm/outdoors/bassmaster/pdf/Keeping_Bass_Alive.pdf

By: Gene Gilliland [Gene Gilliland is currently the B.A.S.S. National Conservation Director effective January 1, 2014.]

By: Hal Schramm, US Geological Survey, Mississippi Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Center, Mississippi State University

Published by: ESPN Productions, Inc./B.A.S.S.   Copyright 2002 B.A.S.S.* Montgomery, AL

CHEMICALS – pg 21

Another chemical that has sometimes been used to treat livewell or holding tank water is Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2). Hydrogen Peroxide breaks down into oxygen and water in the presence of organic matter. However, this chemical can injure fish and should not be used. Most people have used this colorless, odorless, tasteless liquid to disinfect a cut or scratch. You can see it fizzing and bubbling on the skin as it oxidizes. Now imagine what it does in a livewell full of bass. The bass’ mucus coating protects its skin from the oxidation reaction, but there is no such protective coating on the delicate gill filaments. Unfortunately, anglers that use Hydrogen Peroxide think that is a little is good, a little more should be better. Wrong! Damage to gill filaments, suffocation, and death may result.   DO NOT USE HYDROGEN PEROXIDE IN THE LIVEWELL

January 30, 2020

Bass Mortality and the Tournament Angler, How to Keep Your Catch Alive, by Bill Hutcheson, Bass Angler Magazine 6/7/2006

https://bassanglermag.com/bass-mortality-and-the-tournament-angler/

This article was written 4 years after B.A.S.S. published Keeping Bass Alive, 2002, nearly 2 decades ago.

The writer writes:

“Oxygen and water temperature are the two most significant factors in determining initial bass mortality.  Colder water retains dissolved oxygen better than warm water.  As such, the cooler months of the year do not pose as great a threat to fish in the live well as do the summer months.”

Water Temperature and Oxygen

“… the number one culprit in initial mortality is water temperature and associated [hypoxic] oxygen levels according to the Texas Tech synopsis.” Texas Tech University professors led by Gene R Wilde. 1972 to 1996,” over 2 decades ago.

“The reason for this relates to the metabolism of the bass and dissolved oxygen in the [ambient environmental] water.  As water temperature increases [in the summer months], so does the fish’s metabolism.  Unfortunately, there is an inverse relationship between water temp and dissolved oxygen.  Increased metabolism results in increased oxygen consumption on the part of the fish.  However, the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water decreases as the temp increases.”  Texas Tech University professors led by Gene R Wilde. 1972 to 1996.”

“… the number one culprit in initial mortality is water temperature and associated oxygen levels according to the Texas Tech synopsis.  A minimum dissolved oxygen level in the live well should be five parts per million (ppm).  Dissolved oxygen levels of less than three parts per million are lethal to bass.” Texas Tech University professors led by Gene R Wilde. 1972 to 1996.”

[IMPORTANT NOTE: This DO Concentration (5 ppm DO Concentration) is considered the minimal safe EPA Environmental DO Standard for freshwater lakes, streams and rivers in steady state ambient conditions in America.

The EPA DO Standards for US environmental waters ARE NOT the Federal, State, and private fish hatchery minimal safe dissolved oxygen standards required when transporting live fish. The live transport DO water quality Standard and requires maintaining and insuring continuous 100% DO Saturation or DO Supersaturation regardless of the total stocking density; 1 Lunker Bass 800 miles across Texas or 700 Lbs. of mature or juvenile bass ¼ mile to a local lake. All live fish transports require 100% DO Saturation or greater for any and all live transports.

Any live bass transport in any bass boat livewell, live release boat tank, overland or intra-hatchery transports require 100% DO Saturation or DO Supersaturation continuously to insure minimal safe oxygenation and insure the prevention of hypoxia during transport.]

To correct the deadly hypoxic low oxygen problem in summer livewells, the primary cause of the high summer tournament mortality, this author recommends – “The FishBreath unit is made of volcanic rocks encased in a hard polycarbonate case.  While the science of this unit would take an additional 3,000 words to convey, in a nutshell tests have shown that the amalgamation of volcanic rock increases the levels of dissolved oxygen.  Another method of upping the O2 levels in your livewell involves using the old standby – dissolving oxygen tabs.  This method is not as clean nor is it reusable like the FishBreath unit.”

The author also suggest – “Further attention to catch and release has been brought about by the increased media coverage of modern day fishing and has further exacerbated the issue by shining a blinding light on the tournaments themselves.  Animal rights groups like PETA and other special interests have subsequently thrown their hats into the fray to try and limit or disrupt tournament fishing.” END

How did B.A.S.S. totally eliminated the Bassmaster Classic summer tournament bass kills?

Eliminating the summer tournament bass kill problem and eliminating the associated political/public relations problems of summer tournament fish kills was easy, a no-brainer that took many decades, fishery research and some affirmative action to solve.

B.A.S.S. simply changed the date of the BassMaster Classic tournament to the coldest time of the year because cold water holds more dissolved oxygen than hot summertime water… And the summer bass tournament mortality problem (bass boat livewell hypoxia) was solved!

But to date, although summer bass tournament mortality is not a fishery management issue, it continues to be a serious political and public relation issue for all C&R fishing tournament directors and organizers every summer… the problem is still livewell suffocation caused by insufficien dissolved oxygen, chronic sustained hypoxia during transports and hot summer water. The livewell hypoxia problem in the summer is caused by the fisherman and hours of transport in a hypoxic boat livewell that is aerated with ambient air. Many boat livewells are really “death-wells” in summer tournaments even though a tournament director Certifies the well as a “FUNCTIONAL BOAT LIVEWELL” when the directors hear the livewell water pump or the aerator air pump turned on and humming.

Originally the Bassmaster Classic was a fall event, (1971-1983). The tournament dates was changed to a summer event in 1984 through 2005 and held the end of July thru the 1^st few days in August “The Dog Days of Summer.” * After significant summer bass tournament mortality research. B.A.S.S. and countless summer tournament bass kills over decades, B.A.S.S. changed the Classic tournament date to the coldest late winter month in 2006.

• The tournament mortality from 2006 to date is -0- and summer BassMaster classic mortality was finally totally eliminated after the date was changed to 3 days of the coldest winter month. * Thus ended he summer BassMaster Classic tournament summer mortality problems caused by low insufficient dissolved oxygen in hot summer environmental livewell water was eliminated.
• The winter environmental water and bass boat livewell water was very cold (high 30’s F – high 40’s F) the livewell DO was no longer hypoxic and the catch did not suffocate during the 7-8 hour tournament transports in bass boat livewells. Bass boat livewell aerators and water pumps provided safe oxygenation because the water was cold and the fish metabolism and the cellular oxygen demand was minimal… the cold winter boat livewell water held plenty dissolved oxygen for the catch with simple ambient aeration.

Why the public image of C&R is so vitally important to the tournament               fishing industry!

Report shows U.S. anglers have $115 billion annual impact by Robert Montgomery 1/24/2016   https://www.bassmaster.com/conservation-news/report-shows-anglers-have-115-billion-annual-impact-united-states

“Fishing is more than a hobby. It’s an economic engine,” said Gene Gilliland, B.A.S.S. national conservation director. “This is powerful information that we can use to protect our fishery resources and access to them.” IT’S REALLY ABOUT MAKING LOT’S OF MONEY, MONEY, MONEY and THE BUBBA’S ARE THE TARGET MARKET!

For most competitive tournament anglers, this is all about all winning the money, prizes, endorsements and of course the fame. But, only (1) dead fish at the weigh-in insures the “dead fish penalty.” One dead fish penalty can immediately change a tournament winner into a tournament loser. All tournament anglers waste many hours before and during all summer tournaments thinking about all the different ways 1 fish can die in a boat livewell all day before the weigh-in.

[So what is the real reason, the back story behind B.A.S.S. and the bass tournament Catch and Release Ethos?

Was it really conservation of the fishery resources, or actually the politics and manipulating public opinion and especially powerful PETA pressure about killing a natural fishery resources that is financed with state fishing licenses, state and federal tax dollars.

The psychology behind manipulating/converting the hearts and minds of all the “BUBBA’S” from catch, kill and fry bass tournaments to Catch and Release bass tournaments. This is a work in progress and continues to date.

*VISIT:   B.A.S.S. – Ray Scott and “Bubba Power” Catch and Release Fishing Tournaments, The New Concept https://www.oxyedge-chum.com/catch-and-release-fishing-tournaments-b-a-s-s-history/

December 23, 2019

Bass boat Oxygenators with Sure Life™ Please Release Me™ livewell additives are toxic for your tournament bass.

Bass Resources.com – Keeping Summer Bass Alive, by Mike Gnatkowski  https://www.bassresource.com/fishing/keeping-bass-alive.html

Pro angler expert Scott Dobson claims, “Other products, like Sure-Life™ Please Release Me™ (http://www.sure-life.com/) eliminates weight loss, calms, replaces slime coat, and removes chlorine, but is toxic when used with an Oxygenator.”

December 17, 2019

KEEPING BAIT SHRIMP ALIVE EXPERT OPINION

The Bait Shrimp Industry of the Gulf of Mexico 1966 https://spo.nmfs.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/legacy-pdfs/leaflet582.pdf

This scientific research and shrimp transport oxygenation recommendations was published over 50 years ago. Research experts knew that shrimp needed oxygen like all aerobic aquatic species, but over ½ century ago. The researchers had no idea nor considered just how much oxygen these Gulf shrimp really required for live transports and during captivity.

White shrimp     Penaeus setiferus

Brown shrimp    Penaeus aztecus

Pink Shrimp        Penaeus durorarum

*Transport and Holding Methods – ”A few dealers aerate the water by bubbling oxygen through air stones from oxygen cylinders, but this method is not widely used because the expense is substantially increased without significant increase in survival.”

Aeration (21% oxygen) and oxygenation (100% oxygen) was considered the same thing then as well as by many today. Today this type aquatic oxygenation is called “oxygen-injection.” Pure 100% compressed oxygen, liquid oxygen and commercial PSA oxygen generators are commonly used to insure continuous minimal safe oxygenation for live shrimp transports and live shrimp dealer capability.

 *SUGGESTIONS FOR HOLDING LIVE BAIT SHRIMP – ”Greater oxygen demand should be met by increasing the water circulation or by aerating the water (mechanical aeration with ambient air).”

*STOCKING DENSITY – The number of shrimp kept in holding tanks ranges from 3 shrimp per cubic foot, if the water is not circulated, to 40 shrimp, if the water is circulated. A water flow of 8 to 10gal. (gallons) per minute has been suggested.” [1 cu. ft. water = 7.48 gallons of water]

1000 (50 count) shrimp in 25 gal circulating livewell – 20 lbs. of 50 count shrimp or 2.5 gallons shrimp is considered safe stocking density

GENERAL OVERVIEW

This 1966 published scientific research suggest the primary problem causing bait shrimp dealers high mortality is insufficient oxygenation (hypoxic livewell water). The researchers also recommends that more mechanical aeration and or increased water flow through live tanks will correct the high mortality problem caused by insufficient oxygenation (hypoxia) thus increasing survival rates.

For many coastal live shrimp dealers and fishermen that continue to practice these old recommendations, discouraging high shrimp mortality and morbidity continues to be problematic and expensive every summer.

FAST FORWARD TO ADVANCED COST EFFECTIVE LIVE BAIT OXYGENATION TECHNOLOGIES SCIENTIFICALLY BASED ON PUBLISHED FISHERY RESEARCH

Marine Advisory – Sea Grant College Program – Texas A&M University

  Live Bait Recirculation Systems for Coastal Locations

By John P. O’Connell, Calhoun County Marine Agent, Texas Marine Advisory Service http://texasseagrant.org/assets/uploads/publications/2000/00-501r.pdf

“Dissolved oxygen is the most critical factor affecting bait survival, and since oxygen does not dissolve easily in warm summertime water as it does in cold wintertime water, it is recommended that live holding systems use pure oxygen in summer months. By using 100% pure oxygen rather than 20% oxygen in air, the dissolved oxygen concentration in water can be increased to supersaturation levels (>100% DO Saturation), well above what can be achieved using spray bard and air stones.”

“A recent survey of live bait dealers in Texas who have incorporated oxygen into their live bait systems have indicated an average saving of $19,000 per establishment as a result of increased survival.”

Incorporating supplemental oxygen greater that 21% insures safe continuous oxygenation for live bait shrimp and bait fish transports and while in captivity even in the harshest hot summertime conditions. Live bait dealers as well as live bait fishermen eliminate poor hypoxic livewell water quality by using efficient commercial oxygen-inject systems and inexpensive welding oxygen. High survival and minimal morbidity rates in the harshest summer conditions is expected and insured using supplemental oxygen.

 November 24, 2019

HOW MUCH DISSOLVED OXYGEN IS SAFE FOR TRANSPORTING LIVE FISH AND LIVE BAITFISH IN BOAT LIVEWELLS AND BAIT TANKS?

An opinion and recommendation from Texas Parks and Wild Life Fisheries Division

Visit: Oxygenation of Livewells to Improve Survival of Tournament-Caught Bass, June 2011, by Randy Myers and Jason Driscoll, Inland Fisheries Division, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, June 2011 https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/didyouknow/inland/livewells.phtml

Fishery Science FACT: “At a moderate water temperature of 70˚F, 100 percent oxygen saturation is 8.8 mg/l of oxygen, whereas at the higher temperature of 80˚F, 100 percent saturation is 7.9 mg/l. Both of these 100 percent saturation oxygen levels are suitable for keeping bass alive.”

WHAT EXACTLY DOES THIS FISHERY SCIENCE FACT REALLY MEAN TO  FISHERMAN TRANSPORTING LIVE BAIT AND C&R TOURNAMENT FISH IN LIVEWELLS AND BAIT TANKS ON A HOT SUMMER DAY?

                                          CAUTION 

DO NOT BE CONFUSED about what is Safe 100% DO Saturation required for high stress live bait and fish transports and the Steady State EPA Environmental dissolved oxygen standard of PPM and ml/L DO Concentration for all US rivers, lakes and ponds.

*EPA FACT: “SAFE DISSOVED OXYGEN”  is  5.0 PPM DO Concentration. 5.0 PPM DO Concentration is the EPA “SAFE” dissolved oxygen water quality standard for all US rivers, lakes and streams.

*Water temperature of 80˚F, 62.0 percent oxygen saturation is 5.0 mg/l or PPM DO Concentration    

*FACT: 62.0% DISSOLVED OXYGEN SATURATION FOR ANY LIVE FISH OR LIVE BAIT TRANSPORT WATER IS NOT SUITABLE, SAFE NOR SATISFACTORY FOR TRANSPORTING  LIVE BAIT FISH OR C&R TOURNAMENT GAME FISH ESPECIALL IN THE SUMMER MONTHS.

*Safe Dissolved Oxygen Saturation standards and requirements for fish hatchery and professional live fish transports vs. EPA DO standards and requirements for all US rivers, lakes and streams are NOT THE SAME AND VERY DIFFERENT.

*SAFE  HIGH STRESS LIVE FISH TRANSPORT OXYGENATION – (CONTINUOUS 100% DO SATURATION OR DO SUPERSATURATION). REGARDLESS OF WATER TEMPERATURE AND STOCKING DENSITY  (3.0 LBS. FISH/1 GALLON LIVEWELL WATER)

*SAFE STEADY STATE EPA ENVIRONMENTAL OXYGENATION FOR ALL US RIVERS, LAKES AND STREAMS (CONTINUOUS 5.0 PPM DO CONCENTRATION). REGARDLESS OF WATER TEMPERATURE AND/OR  STOCKING DENSITY (100 LBS. FISH/3000 GALLONS LAKE WATER)

What is a livewell? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Livewell A livewell is a portable life support system use for intensive live fish/live bait transport must be capable maintaining and insuring excellent, safe DO water quality. Livewells are life support transport containers and must be fully capable of keeping all the fish and/or live bait alive for live extended live aquatic transports lasting 15-30 minutes to 48-hour intercontinental transports.

“FUNCTIONAL LIVEWELLS” must be capable of insuring 100% DO Saturation or greater DO Supersaturation continuously when fish or live bait are placed into the livewell and transported. It makes no difference whether the livewell contains 1 pound of fish or live bait or 100 lbs. of fish or live bait.

“NON-FUNCTIONAL LIVEWELLS” or “DEATHWELLS” cannot, will not and are not capable of insuring, producing nor maintaining 100% DO Saturation or DO Supersaturation continuously when stocked with fish or live bait regardless of the livewell water temperature.

It makes absolutely no difference if the livewell is stocked with (5) 1 lb. fish (5 lbs. of fish total) or stocked with (5) 10 lb. fish (50 lbs. of fish total)… 100% DO Saturation must be sustained regardless of the stocking density.

The Texas ShareLunker Program (Athens, Texas) transports only 1 large bass >10 lbs. 100’s of miles across Texas highways for many hours. TP&WD insure minimal safe DO Saturation at 100% or Supersaturation continuously, they use pure compressed oxygen to insure safe oxygenation. TP&WD ShareLunker Program never uses mechanical aerators or water pumps to insure minimal safe DO Saturations for any live fish transports.

LIGHTLY STOCKED OR SERIOUSLY OVERSTOCKED LIVEWELLS/BAIT TANKS USING LIVEWELL WATER CONTAINING LESS THAN 100% DO SATURATION OR DO SUPERSATURATION IS NOT SUITABLE FOR KEEPING (TRANSPORTING) 1 BASS, 1 FISH, OR ANY LIVE BAIT ALIVE OR HEALTHY IN ANY BOAT LIVEWELL OR BAIT TANK.

 October 25, 2019

The Care and Maintenance of Crappie in the Livewell   http://www.crappiemasters.net/home/member-articles/228-the-care-and-maintenance-of-crappie-in-the-livewell by Lane and Tony Gergely

[THE GERGLEY TWINS OPINION’S ABOUT LIVEWELL OXYGEN AND T-H MARINE OXYGENATORS]

Oxygen
“Oxygen is vital to all life, and crappie are no exception. Some supplemental oxygen manufacturers use electrolysis to generate oxygen, but we do not recommend these units due to fluctuations in output. These systems cannot be used with various necessary electrolytes.”

Learn the real FACTS about Livewell Oxygenators-Electrolysis Type – http://www.crappiemasters.net/home/member-articles/228-the-care-and-maintenance-of-crappie-in-the-livewell

The Gergely twins are correct, “These [T-H Marine Oxygenators] should never be used with livewell electrolyte (salt) supplements, sodium chloride.

October 11, 2019

Oxygen system for bait well proves major benefit for anglers https://www.tampabay.com/sports/outdoors/Captain-s-Corner-Oxygen-system-for-bait-well-proves-major-benefit-for-anglers_172804814/?outputType=amp  Captain’s Corner Tampabay.com Outdoors 10/20/2018:

“Live bait is crucial offshore and will continue to be the bait of choice until water temperatures get into the lower 70s.

New technology… Oxygen systems are fast becoming standard on inshore and offshore fishing boats. The injection of pure oxygen in a bait well helps keep bait alive through most conditions, including Red Tide or extremely warm water.

These systems use a diffuser stone to concentrate the oxygen into microbubbles that saturate the water in the well with pure oxygen, thus giving bait an environment that’s actually better than the water they came from.

Our baits have been alive and frisky in the well even after driving through as much as 15 miles of Red Tide on trips offshore.”

There’s much more than just keeping bait alive: Supercharge your live bait, Georgo Poveromo’s World of Saltwater Fishing   https://www.georgepoveromo.com/content.php?pid=64

Supercharging live bait requires a huge dose of pure 100% oxygen. https://www.oxyedge-chum.com/supercharge-live-baits/

Expert opinion – How Supercharging live bait with oxygen really works:  https://www.oxyedge-chum.com/supercharge-live-baits/supercharge-live-bait-with-oxygen-how-does-that-really-work/

September 30, 2019

Keeping Summer Bass Alive by Mile Gnatkowski

Bass Resources – The Ultimate Bass Fishing Resource Guide https://www.bassresource.com/fishing/keeping-bass-alive.html

Scott Dobson, professional bass angler uses an add-on device called an Oxygenator (thmarine.com/th-marine-products/o2-marine-technologies/the-oxygenator) to keep bass alive.

Scott cautions that, “Oxygenator system can be toxic if not used properly. Sure Life Products like Release Me™ ( http://www.sure-life.com/ ) is toxic when used with an Oxygenator…”

*The ingredients of this livewell additive are secret and unknown. This livewell additive is also not FDA approved to be used on food fish (bass) that may be consumed by humans

Scott says, “The Oxygenator™ produces 100% pure oxygen by splitting the hydrogen molecule from the oxygen molecule in the water. This creates a super saturated oxygen environment, even in the warmest water. Independent testing has shown increasing oxygen in live well improves fish survival by over 35%.”

The Oxygenator (100% oxygen gas) is clearly capable of creating an oxygen enrichment and an oxygen-rich environment within the livewell’s gas space (24% – 100% oxygen concentration or greater).

Special fire safety rules do apply in oxygen-enriched atmospheres.

Texas Parks & Wildlife Department independent testing confirmation: Oxygenation of Livewells to Improve Survival of Tournament-Caught Bass by Fishery Biologist Randy Myers and Jason Driscoll TPWP, Inland Fisheries Division, San Antonio, TX Publication 6/2011
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/didyouknow/inland/livewells.phtml

Texas Parks & Wildlife Department independent testing confirmation: The Oxygenator – How Effective is It – by Fishery Biologist Randy Myers TPWD, Inland Fisheries Division, San Antonio, TX Publication 2-14-2012 https://www.slideshare.net/raminlandfish/the-oxygenator-how-effective-is-it

September 12, 2019

Ice, G-Juice, the Oxygenator, & TOWELS?!?! How to Keep Tournament Fish Alive During Summer Heat – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qy1VzDMho_s 6/24/2019

G-Juice contains electrolytes (salt). An electrolyte is a substance that produces an electrically conducting solution when dissolved in water, a polar solvent.

This salt is approved for use with T-H Oxygenator by someone, wonder who that is?

The oxygenator is temperature cycled, chilled water with ice turns the Oxygenator “OFF.” The Oxygenator generates no oxygen when it is in the “Off cycle.”

Clearly this young man in this infomercial is quiet the salesman and clearly this salesman has absolutely no idea nor understanding about how “Electrolysis Type” Oxygenators really work and why Oxygenators often fail to generate enough 100% pure oxygen in the summer in livewells containing fish.

Take a moment and learn more about Oxygenators and why some oxygen systems fail to insure minimal safe oxygenation when the livewell actually contains fish:

The scientific research: The Oxygenator – How Effective is It – by Fishery Biologist Randy Myers TPWD, Inland Fisheries Division, San Antonio, TX Publication 2-14-2012 https://www.slideshare.net/raminlandfish/the-oxygenator-how-effective-is-it

Livewell Oxygenator-Electrolysis Type – https://www.oxyedge-chum.com/oxygen-generator/electrolysis-type/

Why Some Oxygen Systems Fail to Oxygenate? – https://www.oxyedge-chum.com/why-some-oxygen-systems-fail/

August 18, 2019

The Bait Shrimp Industry of the Gulf of Mexico  [1966] https://spo.nmfs.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/legacy-pdfs/leaflet582.pdf

UNITED STATES DEPART MENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE      SERVICE, BUREAU OF COMMERCIAL FISHERIES, Fishery Leaflet 582

Contribution No. 211, Bureau of Commercial Fisheries Biological Laboratory, Galveston, Tex.

By  Anthony Inglis and Edward Chin, Revised by Kenneth N. Baxter, Fishery Biologist

Bureau of Commercial Fisheries Biological Laboratory Galveston, Texas

White shrimp     Penaeus setiferus

Brown Shrimp    Penaeus aztecus

Pink Shrimp        Penaeus durorarum

1966 TRANSPORTATION AND HOLDING METHODS – A few dealers aerate the water by bubbling oxygen through air stones from oxygen cylinders, but this method is not widely used because the expense is substantially increased without significant increase in survival.

1966 SUGGESTIONS FOR HOLDING LIVE BAIT SHRIMP – Greater oxygen demand should be met by increasing the water circulation or by aerating the water (mechanical aeration with ambient air).

This scientific publication was the best expert recommendations fishery science had to offer the Commercial bait shrimp industry for transporting and holding live bait shrimp in 1966.

Live shrimp transport and holding methods and live haul water quality standards have dramatically improved and are responsible for reducing live bait shrimp mortality and morbidity in the last half century, 50 years.

In the last 25 years, the introduction of new oxygen technology insuring efficient cost effective supplemental oxygenation systems (life support systems) and techniques of administering pure 100% oxygen for live transport has evolved.

Commercial live shrimp catchers, retail bait dealers, consumers and especially the sport fisherman all have discovered and use 100% oxygen life support systems on commercial and sport fishing boats transporting live bait shrimp in the last 2 1/2 decades. Today more bait shrimp dealers have discarded the old fashion mechanical aerations systems and replaced them then with high tech oxygen injection systems using pure 100% welding oxygen like Federal, State and private fish hatcheries transport live aquatic animals.

Understanding the cost effectiveness of using pure 100% Compressed oxygen vs. mechanical aeration with ambient air with live bait shrimp – 36 years later.

Visit:  Sea Grant College Program – Texas A & M University

Live Bait Recirculating Systems for Coastal Locations  [2002] http://texasseagrant.org/assets/uploads/publications/2000/00-501r.pdf

April 29, 2019

Keepalive Aluminum fishing oxygen regulators are Not Made for use in Marine Fishing Environments – RE: GALVANIC CORROSION

Keepalive Guide to Aeration and Oxygen systems – https://www.ebay.com/gds/Keepalive-Guide-to-Aeration-and-Oxygen-systems-/10000000021475023/g.html  “Marine grade fishing regulators are exposed to the marine elements and are made of brass with nickel plating. Aluminum regulators can corrode in salt air and water, and should be avoided.”

April 2, 2019

More Fish Kills Expected This Spring In Oxygen-Starved Lakes  http://www.northlandoutdoors.com/2019/04/02/more-fish-kills-expected-this-spring-in-oxygen-starved-lakes/

Once a lake is covered with ice, the amount of dissolved oxygen in the lake depends on how much is produced by aquatic plants. Winter kill occurs when snow and ice limit the amount of sunlight reaching those plants.

Brian Schultz, of the Department of Natural Resources office in New Ulm, said their agency measured some very low levels of oxygen in many lakes, “more so than usual.”

Chum gamefish using welding oxygen, create an unnatural under water environment rich with pure oxygen gas bubbling 15’ deep will consolidate fish https://www.oxyedge-chum.com/oxy-chum/92-2/

March 1, 2019

Aluminum Fishing Oxygen Regulator Failure, Galvanic Corrosion https://www.oxyedge-chum.com/why-some-oxygen-systems-fail/aluminum-fishing-oxygen-regulator-failure-galvanic-corrosion/

Click-style aluminum body oxygen regulators are Not “Designed for use in a marine environments” nor are they “Commercial Grade” oxygen regulators contrary to popular internet advertisements, infomercials, salesman talk and fishermen bro-science. Aluminum oxygen regulators are extremely prone to mechanical malfunction and failure specifically caused by Galvanic Corrosion.

Galvanic corrosion is a metallurgy problem with aluminum alloy, chrome alloy and salt exposure. The corrosion is that white powdery oxidation that forms outside and inside aluminum oxygen regulators.

What is Galvanic Corrosion? – Understanding the Metallurgy Science facts? –  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galvanic_corrosion

Galvanic Corrosion is an electrochemical process in which one metal corrodes preferentially when it is in electrical contact with another metal (i.e. metal alloys), in the presence of an electrolyte (salt). *** The presence of an electrolyte (salt) and an electrical conducting path between the metals in the alloys are essential for galvanic corrosion to occur.

May 5, 2018

Live Bait and Fishing Oxygen System – A comprehensive look at the Oxygen Edge fishing oxygen system 2018   

https://www.google.com/search?q=+site:oxyedge-chum.com+oxygen+edge+system&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiHsJPpoO_aAhVJ21MKHayQDf8QrAMIOQ&biw=1108&bih=501

April 12, 2018

Fishing for oxygen      

http://www.worldfishing.net/news101/fish-farming/fishing-for-oxygen April 5, 2010

OxSeaVision made a commercial breakthrough toward the end of 2007 with OxyVision controlled oxygen-injection system for offshore fish farms already has hundreds of instillations around the world.

Pumping [pure] oxygen into fish pens to help keep fish healthy and allow them to grow bigger…

April 5, 2018

Oxygenator Bad Review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14nyjpAAFZI by drhobbs28

Published on Apr 6, 2017

So after waiting 2 weeks for a new one I have finally installed my new oxygenator. My old one was giving me up to 8 volts in my livewell water. So I installed the new one and had half the voltage [4.5 V]. Every time I would put a fish in my livewell he would turn side up. Well that’s because he was getting shocked. After getting no answers and ignored I decided to pass this on. You might want to check yours out. Check it from negative battery post to the water. It really lights up as the water is draining from the oxygenator. I learned this one day while cleaning my livewell and was leaning on the piano hinge and reached into the water and got lit up.

Independent 3^rd party testing confirms substantial electrical current is present in livewell water using a volt meter when livewell Oxygenator is running and touching livewell water.

Positive test results confirms continuous electrical voltage (4.5V – 8.0V) in livewell water when the Oxygenator is submerged underwater, turned on and running.

Independent testing also confirmed (0.0V) when oxygenator is turned on and not touching livewell water and when the Oxygenator is in contact with livewell water and turned off. Tournament fish are exposed to hours of continuous electrical charged livewell water when the Oxygenator is running.

March 31, 2018

How did B.A.S.S. eliminated their Summer BassMaster Classic Tournament mortality problem?

B.A.S.S. simply changed the date of the Bassmaster Classic Tournament dates from the Dog Days of Summer (August) to the absolute coldest days of winter (February) when the lake water temperature was cold, in the low 40’s F.

*Cold water insures that bass metabolism is lowest and the dissolved oxygen levels are highest.

*Hot summertime water insures that bass metabolism is the highest and dissolved oxygen is lowest, hypoxia and oxygen deprivation being a primary cause of summer tournament bass fishing mortality has been well documented in fishery science literature in the 21st century.

And that’s all there was to fixing the Bassmaster Classic tournament fish mortality and the related tournament public relations problems caused by tournament bass fishing. For the Bassmaster Classic, these tournament mortality problems simply vanished forever.

Will Classic bass survive?

By Frank Sargeant

February 18, 2014    Bassmaster  News https://www.bassmaster.com/news/classic-survivalists

This story originally ran on AL.com.

Will bass survive after being caught on Lake Guntersville and hauled approximately 80 miles to the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Center for the Bassmaster Classic weigh-ins? That’s the question a concerned AL.com reader

For an answer, we went to Gene Gilliland, the new National Conservation Director for B.A.S.S. and former assistant chief of fisheries for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

Check out his [Gene Gilliland] opinion:

“When we had the classic at Grand Lake in Oklahoma last year [2013], we had a very similar situation. The fish were caught some 90 miles from Tulsa and had a 90-minute ride to weigh in and then back,” he said. “We lost not one fish during that event. I’d like to take all the credit for it, but the biggest factor was very cold weather. The water temperature was in the lower 40s, and anytime you have that fish can survive a lot of handling without any mortality.”

Gilliland said that based on the weather in north Alabama this year so far, it’s very likely that water temperatures will still be in the 40s when for the Classic, scheduled for Feb. 21-23.

March 10, 2018

SEE A LIVEWELL OXYGEN SYSTEM FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD IN A BASS BOAT

BEST Live Well OXYGEN SYSTEM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgI2ERfSkMs

“In this video, we install our brand new Oxygen system. Throughout this tutorial video, we cover the basics…”

This child is demonstrating a dangerous location for mounting and storing his high-pressure oxygen cylinder in a bass boat battery locker. The child is not aware of high-pressure oxygen cylinder safety in bass boat battery boxes. The child is totally unaware of oxygen fire safety on a bass boat.

See: “RULES OF THE OXYGEN ROAD” – GAS AND CYLINDER SAFETY https://www.oxyedge-chum.com/oxygen-safety/rules-of-the-road/

Never secure or transport high pressure oxygen cylinders in the boat’s bilge or battery box, to the lid of a plastic ice chest or anywhere that oil or gasoline can contaminate the equipment. Never secure or transport oxygen cylinders anywhere electricity can arch on any metal components of an oxygen system or burn oxygen tubing. FIRE HAZARD

March 2,  2018

Chumming fish with PURE 100% OXYGEN in the winter… Happening right now.

Lima area waters to receive trout

http://www.limaohio.com/sports/288401/lima-area-waters-to-receive-trout  By Al Smith – Guest Columnist

Following a winter when smaller or shallower bodies of water have had ice and snow cover for prolonged periods, “winterkills” are not uncommon.

The wildlife agency says winterkills are caused when persistent ice forms a surface barrier between water and air that prevents circulation of oxygen and blocks sunlight. If these conditions continue long enough, the oxygen fish need to survive may be depleted and result in some or all of them suffocating. Lacking sunlight, plants stop making oxygen and eventually start to use oxygen as they die back and decompose.

Such winter die-offs are fairly common in Ohio from late April through mid-June and during prolonged periods of hot summer weather, according to the DOW.

** [Chumming fish with pure oxygen during these winter conditions is extremely effective in northern climates. Creating an oasis of high dissolved oxygen under the ice is far more effective than chumming fish with food… consider chumming fish with pure 100% oxygen, Oxy-Chum]

August 8, 2017

When your live bait dies in your livewell in the summer… what then? Advice from Chuck, a fishing guide, when all his live bait dies in his livewell.

How to make dead bait look and act alive, This dead bait trick will help you fool more fish, by Brian Cope http://www.carolinasportsman.com/details.php?id=13898

“Dead bait is rarely as good as live bait, but with these tricks, anglers can make a slow fishing day a little better.”

“Chuck Griffin of Aqua Adventures in Charleston, S.C… a little sliver of Styrofoam can be an angler’s best friend… When all I have is dead baitfish and I can’t get a consistent bite on them, I’ll put a piece of Styrofoam inside the baitfish,” he said. “It doesn’t take much, but I like to put in as big a piece as I can.”

You can “SUPERCHARGE” your live bait, keep it alive and healthy all day or even several days if you really want to and catch more fish every summer. Successful live bait keeping is all about your ability to make great livewell water quality for all your live bait.

Great, live, healthy “SUPERCHARGED” bait will always attract more bites and catch more fish in the summer than fake bait or dead bait packed with Styrofoam.

August 6, 2017

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce     https://catalog.data.gov/dataset/oxygen-uptake-live-hauling-of-fish

Oxygen Uptake – Live Hauling of Fish

Metadata Updated February 7, 2017

In certain markets, live fish can be sold for substantially higher prices than fresh dressed fish.

The most significant advancement in hauling technology in the last 20 years has been the use of bottled oxygen gas or liquid oxygen to maintain adequate dissolved oxygen levels. These types of systems can maintain significantly higher DO levels than systems using air.

A significant live-haul industry has developed in the U.S. and fish are commonly hauled 1,500-2,000 miles (25-30 hours) to market. The most common species hauled are tilapia, channel catfish, and rainbow trout; a smaller amount of marine rockfish, hybrid striped bass, and carp are also hauled.

Some common stressors include harvest and loading procedures (pumping or out of water transfer), shaking as the transport vehicle is moving, low frequency sound from the vehicle and water treatment systems, crowding, and poor water quality (high ammonia and carbon dioxide levels, low dissolved oxygen), high light levels, or extreme water temperature.

Oxygen uptake of hauling water samples will be determined from the change in dissolved oxygen over a 30-minute period using a YSI ProODO dissolved oxygen meter.

April 30, 2017

Pre-slaughter oxygen – Marine Harvest secures the fish quality with automatic oxygenation. With a yearly production of 85 000 tonnes of salmon, the Eggesbønes plant is Marine Harvests largest processing unit in Norway.  http://www.oxyvision.com/index.php/news/item/51-pre-slaughter-oxygen

Mr. Cato Ryste, chief coordinator at Marine Harvest Eggesbønes, responsible for the transport and pumping of fish into the slaughtery.

The [pure] oxygen secures the fish against physical stress. At the slightest drop in oxygen, the systems will deliver sufficient oxygen to stabilise the condition. Oxygen measurements are recorded.   *If the oxygen drops below 100 % sat., the system will respond by adding oxygen in sufficient quantity, until 100 % is restored.

Fish constricted are often stressed if there is insufficient amount of oxygen available, however we can observe that adding oxygen calms the fish down, explains Mr. Ryste. Oxygen management is our most important tool in our task of securing quality…

Oxygen diffusers – Diffusers generate pure oxygen in the form of  gas bubbles in ivewell water. In each of the holding pens there are separate optical probes for continuous measurement of oxygen content. The addition of oxygen is dynamic, the amount being added is relative to the deficit of oxygen in the water. The system is self-regulating… The water quality of the sea is excellent, with no local pollution or disturbing effluents. However, the cages being placed inside a small bay, the surface temperatures rise during summer, causing not only less oxygen in the water, but also a larger oxygen need from the fish. Measurements show that oxygen drops during nighttime, when algae and seaweed also consume oxygen.

The well boats bring in 400 tonnes of fish at each delivery. After the fish are transferred to the holding pens and kept for minimum 12 – maximum 72 hours before slaughtering.

*At this stage extra oxygen is added to prevent hypoxic stress.  During pumping the fish is closely observed to make sure that the fish is not stressed unnecessarily.

Fish that experience oxygen deficiency becomes stressed and exhausted, which may lead to oxygen debt in the flesh and subsequent loss of quality. This may lead to earlier onset of rigor mortis etc. Oxygen helps to prevent this from happening…

The daily liquid oxygen consumption is 350 kg [770 lbs.] in average, supplying both the holding pens and the live cooling tanks. The oxygenation is self-driven and does not require electric power to function.

*Which means that in any given situation the fish will not experience oxygen deficiency, says Cato Ryste.

 

December 10, 2016

How to keep your catch alive by Bernie Schultz

May 29, 2016  http://www.bassmaster.com/bernie-schultz/how-keep-your-catch-alive

It’s late May and just about everywhere below the Mason-Dixon Line, water temperatures are beginning to soar.

Shaw Grigsby, He lost his entire catch first thing in the morning during the final event of an Elite Series season, and it cost him a trip to the Bassmaster Classic.

… all five of his expire, Even worse, a more than two-pound penalty was assessed to his overall weight, which ultimately killed his chances of making the Classic.

Cliff Prince suffered a similar setback. During this year’s Elite Series opener on the St. Johns River, he hit the wrong livewell switch on his console and, as a result, inadvertently killed his entire limit of bass.

My Ranger features what’s called an “Oxygenator,” a device designed to release thousands of tiny oxygen bubbles into the water. It’s a great supplement to conventional aeration systems, and it will ensure that my fish will have adequate oxygen throughout the day. They’re not all that expensive either.

In a game of ounces… You never know … healthier fish could mean a higher finish.

Editor’s Note- the views expressed by Bernie do not necessarily represent the views of B.A.S.S. For a look at the recommended fish care from our Conservation Department “Keeping Bass Alive” http://www.bassmaster.com/sites/default/files/keepingbassalive_guidebook_comp.pdf

Oxygenation. When large catches of bass are expected, oxygen uptake in livewell water can be improved by flowing pure oxygen from a pressurized cylinder, or via an oxygen-generating device. With the pressurized system, a regulator controls the flow through a bubble hose. Oxygen generators give off tiny bubbles directly into the water and are designed to work only when submerged.

Use caution with pressurized cylinders and make sure they are secured and hoses and fittings are maintained in optimal condition.

Oxygen generators should be wired through a switch that will allow the operator to turn them on and off as necessary.

 Livewell Chemical Additives. Bass expend a lot of energy keeping the salt concentration of their body fluids within a cer­tain, narrow range [osmoregulation]. Adding a small amount of salt to fresh water helps reduce stress [reduce the additional oxygen required for the work of osmoregulation causes by traumatic capture and all day livewell stress during transport].

Add non-iodized salt at a rate of 1/3 cup per 5 gallons of livewell water. Pre-measure the salt into plastic bags and carry several with you for later use.

Most commercial livewell additives contain salts, but some also contain ingredients that are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use on fish that may be treated, released, then caught again at a later date and pos­sibly eaten by humans. For this reason, State and Federal fisheries agencies cannot recommend the use of these products.

Oxygen generators can generate chlorine if used with livewell additives that contain salt. It is best to avoid the use of salt when running these devices.

There are also no approved livewell additives that help sus­tain adequate oxygen in the livewell water that have been proven to be safe at all concentrations.

OXYGENATION – SEE: Keeping Bass Alive in Hot Weather Tournament anglers encouraged to consider oxygen injection in livewells Texas Parks & Wildlife Inland Fisheries News Release. Media Contact: TPWD News, news@tpwd.texas.gov, 512-389-8030 June 15, 2011 “Dissolved oxygen is the single most important factor for keeping bass alive,” said Randy Myers, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Inland Fisheries biologist from San Antonio http://tpwd.texas.gov/newsmedia/releases/?req=20110615b

LIVEWELL OXYGENATORS – SEE: AquaInnovations Oxygenator – How Effective is It – by Fishery Biologist Randy Myers TPWD, Inland Fisheries Division, San Antonio, TX Publication 2-14-2012 http://www.slideshare.net/raminlandfish/the-oxygenator-how-effective-is-it

October 23, 2016

How to stockpile live bait like Professional bait dealer – Water Quality is key to success, shape of livewell is not mentioned.

Seagrant College Program @ Louisiana State University

Tips for Keeping Bait Alive for Healthy Sale http://www.lsu.edu/seagrantfish/pdfs/Tips_Keeping_Bait_Alive.pdf

Dissolved Oxygen (D.O.)

• Ideal range is 6 to 10 parts per million (ppm)
• At no time should it fall below 4 ppm
• Less than 0.5 ppm, death occurs within 10 minutes

Low D.O. levels preventing biological filters from Functioning correctly.

If you have bought bad live bait from any bait shop, poor livewell water quality is usually the reason for “bad live bait.”

August 24, 2016

Rules are rules: The dead fish penalty

January 4, 2016  https://www.bassmaster.com/bernie-schultz/rules-are-rules-dead-fish-penalty

Ray Scott and the Bassmaster Classic scales are about to give Dalton Bobo some very bad news.

No one knows the cost more than Dalton Bobo, the former Alabama pro who — if not for the dead fish penalty — would have won the 1997 Bassmasters Classic.

Like every other competitor in the field, Bobo tried to keep his fish healthy and alive, but one expired prior to reaching the scales. The resulting penalty was a 4-ounce deduction off his total weight. When all was said and done, he lost the title by 1 ounce to Dion Hibdon.

All tournament boats are required livewells with fully functioning aeration systems, and they are checked prior to each competition day. In addition, we carry ice and chemicals… What’s worse, had it been a year earlier, Bobo would have been the victor … even with that dead fish. At that time, the penalty was two ounces — not four.

[What does a fully “Functional Livewell” on a tournament bass boat really mean?

Livewell – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Livewell   ]

My Ranger even has an optional Oxygenator, designed to force millions of tiny bubbles into the water. It works great. Bobo never qualified for another Classic.

[A  3^rd party scientific opinion about “how great” Oxygenators really work –  AquaInnovations Oxygenator – How Effective is It – by Fishery Biologist Randy Myers TPWD, Inland Fisheries Division, San Antonio, TX Publication 2-14-2012 http://www.slideshare.net/raminlandfish/the-oxygenator-how-effective-is-it   ]

[Why Oxygenators really don’t “work very great,” a technical look at how Oxygenators work – OXYGENATOR™ – OXYGEN GENERATOR – ELECTROLYSIS TYPE https://www.oxyedge-chum.com/oxygen-generator/electrolysis-type/ ]

In 2007, Shaw Grigsby was competing on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes in the final event of the Elite Series.    … suddenly, his championship hopes were derailed.

He even had a 5-pound kicker to boot. At some point, however, the boat’s aerator shut down and with it, the supply of oxygen [air] to his fish.

[The results of this livewell failure and bass suffocation is sad, very disappointing and expensive.]

So what is the best method for insuring continuous minimal sale livewell oxygenation all day in any tournament bass boat livewell with a heavy limit of bass for every summer bass tournament? Certainly not any electrical mechanical aerator or livewell water pump or Oxygenator type oxygen generators.

Oxygenation of Livewells to Improve Survival of Tournament-Caught Bass by Fishery Biologist Randy Myers and Jason Driscoll TPWP, Inland Fisheries Division, San Antonio, TX Publication 6/2011 http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/didyouknow/inland/livewells.phtml

Livewell Oxygen Injection Systems by Fishery Biologist Randy Myers TPWD, Inland Fisheries Division, San Antonio, TX Publication 6/2011  http://www.slideshare.net/raminlandfish/livewell-oxygen-injection-8773301

Not all livewell oxygen systems are made the same, be informed.

There are many types of livewell oxygen systems: Google “compare livewell oxygen systems”

August 16, 2016

Livewell Oxygenators

The Biggest Fishing Company Nobody Knows https://www.bassmaster.com/biggest-fishing-company-nobody-knows

“The newest product Huntley [T-H Marine] himself has designed is the Oxygen Generator System, which literally separates oxygen from the air and pumps it directly into the livewell. Based on oxygen systems currently used in hospitals, it eliminates the dangerous oxygen bottles some anglers currently use, and the entire unit easily fits into a rear deck storage compartment.”

Livewell oxygen generators were scientifically tested and evaluated by a 3^rd party of fishery biologist at Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, Inland Fisheries Division at San Antonio, Texas. The unbiased findings are published on the internet.

AquaInnovations Oxygenator – How Effective is It – by Fishery Biologist Randy Myers TPWD, Inland Fisheries Division, San Antonio, TX Publication 2-14-2012 http://www.slideshare.net/raminlandfish/the-oxygenator-how-effective-is-it

The technical facts and information about oxygenators that  salesmen and boat dealers do not, will not talk about… ask them.

*Livewell Oxygen Generator – Electrolysis Type OXYGENATOR™ – OXYGEN GENERATOR – ELECTROLYSIS TYPE https://www.oxyedge-chum.com/oxygen-generator/electrolysis-type/

July 23, 2016

Multi Speed Oxygenated Live Bait Fishing Aerator

ONLY $19.99          ON SALE NOW – SAVE 20% TODAY

http://www.factorydirectfishinggear.com/products/multi-speed-oxygenated-live-bait-fishing-aerator

Wordy advertisement is common and confusing, catching many live bait fishermen.

What is the real difference between bait Oxygen Systems and bait Aeration Systems?

See: Guide to Fishing Aeration and Oxygen systems – https://www.oxyedge-chum.com/understanding-the-concept-between-livewell-aeration-and-livewell-oxygenation/

Did you know that some pure oxygen systems really DO FAIL TO OXYGENATE SAFELY – https://www.oxyedge-chum.com/why-some-oxygen-systems-fail/

July 23, 2016

Fishing Live bait

by Robert Sloan, May 1, 2016/Features Article   http://www.texasoutdoorsjournal.com/fishing-live-bait/

“It’s a sure fire sign that you’ll be able to load up on shrimp – just don’t forget your wallet. A quart of shrimp can easily set you back $20. And if you don’t have a good live well chances are good they will all die. The key is to provide them with an oxygen rich live well, and not let the water overheat. They don’t need a full blown live well. A five gallon bucket with an occasional change of water will keep them swimming, but a little infused oxygen is always good.”

Guide to Fishing Aeration Systems and Oxygen systems https://www.oxyedge-chum.com/understanding-the-concept-between-livewell-aeration-and-livewell-oxygenation/

July 1, 2016

Anglers put GRDA on the hook for fish deaths: Questions arise after photo surfaces on social media     http://www.grandlakenews.com/news/20160630/anglers-put-grda-on-hook-for-fish-deaths-questions-arise-after-photo-surfaces-on-social-media

Posted June 30, 2016 @ 6:54 PM by Kayla M. Huston-Miller

Terrell said he questioned Townsend, when GRDA officials probed the water in the release trailer, one side indicated that the oxygen level was 2.8 on one side of the tank, and 3.1 on another.

[How much dissolved oxygen do fish need during live transports?  https://www.oxyedge-chum.com/how-much-oxygen/  ]

Townsend said while the release trailer’s oxygen levels were lower than the state recommended levels of 5 milligrams per liter, the trailer’s water had an adequate supply of oxygen. “That’s a recipe for disaster,” Terrell said.

Dr. Darrell Townsend, GRDA assistant general manager and Ecosystems and Lake Management director, and a member of the GRDA Police Department.

Justin Alberty, spokesman for GRDA

Tournament Director Charlie Terrell

“Big” Al McCulloch, director of marketing and promotion with Midwest Fish Tournaments, the parent company for AIA

[These dissolved oxygen test clearly demonstrated these bass were simply suffocated (sustained low dissolved oxygen stress) in the live release tanks on this hot summer day on Grand Lake, and that’s all that happened here.]

A photograph circulating on social media has some anglers, and tournament officials, questioning how fish were handled by Grand River Dam Authority officials after a one-day event on Grand Lake.

[see the] The photo, captured by bystanders and posted to Facebook, appears to show a number of fish floating on top of the water as fish GRDA officials release the fish on Saturday, June 25, at the Red 11 dock in the Hickory Grove area of Grand Lake… GRDA officials collected fish caught at the Anglers in Action trailered tournament at Wolf Creek Park.

According to Justin Alberty, spokesman for GRDA, water temperatures were recorded at 87 degrees by 7 a.m., on Saturday. During the event, Tournament Director Charlie Terrell said of the 250 to 300 fish brought in by anglers, 13 came across the scales dead.

Terrell said it is not unusual to have some fish die during a summer month tournament, however, not to the extent as to what is shown attributed to the tournament.

“Big” Al McCulloch, director of marketing and promotion with Midwest Fish Tournaments, the parent company for AIA, said he and Terrell are already working to address the issues from a tournament’s perspective… End

Summer tournament bass kills are a Public Relations (tournament image) problem. https://www.oxyedge-chum.com/catch-and-release-fishing-tournaments-b-a-s-s-history/

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July 1, 2016

The Reel Deal: Check Live wells before tournaments

http://www.aroundosceola.com/the-reel-deal-check-live-wells-before-tournaments/   by Cindy Joint

Nothing is more devastating then seeing a fish not survive a long day in the fisherman’s livewell. When fish die, they loose weight too!

Maintain healthy oxygen and water quality in the livewells.

Keeping bass alive after being caught can be a challenge in the summer heat. During the summer, dissolved oxygen levels drop when the water temperature soars, causing the fish to stress. Tournament anglers know that to win a tournament you need a five fish limit and it is their responsibility to keep five alive to avoid penalties!

Make sure your recirculating pump works before you arrive at the tournament and use it continuously if you have more than 5 pounds of bass in the livewell.—- end.

Low dissolved oxygen problems in boat livewells is more deadly during night tournaments than day tournaments every summer. Why? Because there’s no sunlight, no photosynthesis, no oxygen production, additional hypoxia in environmental/livewell water… sick and dying fish in the livewell is often caused by chronic livewell suffocation (fishermen call this stress).

So how is (stress) this low oxygen problem in summer livewells corrected? Read the real fishery science…

Keeping Bass Alive in Hot Weather Tournament anglers encouraged to consider oxygen injection in livewells Texas Parks & Wildlife Inland Fisheries News Release. Media Contact: TPWD News, news@tpwd.texas.gov, 512-389-8030 June 15, 2011 “Dissolved oxygen is the single most important factor for keeping bass alive,” said Randy Myers, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Inland Fisheries biologist from San Antonio http://tpwd.texas.gov/newsmedia/releases/?req=20110615b

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6/6/2016

Keeping Croaker Alive

Posted 6/2/2016 @ http://2coolfishing.com/ttmbforum/showthread.php?t=1939026 by ”ReefBuster”

Keeping Croaker Alive

“I made this last week. 75qt igloo and my pro air [Pro-O2 high pressure oxygen cylinder, 2200 psi 100% oxygen] off my boat. Its a great way to keep croaks alive. … http://youtu.be/sPks-Ut5NaQ “

CAUTION – This U-Tube video demonstrated a dangerous homemade oxygen rig using a Pro-O2 Brand high pressure oxygen cylinder attached to the thin plastic lid of an ice chest. This video shows gross disregard for high pressure oxygen cylinder safety, pure 100% oxygen gas safety and passenger safety.

Imagine this for a moment…  Can the high-pressure oxygen cylinder in this video possibly rip of the thin plastic lid this ice chest and go flying across the deck of the boat or can the unsecured the ice chest go flying across the deck too?

How secure is a full 2200 psi high pressure oxygen cylinder attached to a thin plastic lid of a plastic Igloo ice chest with 4 small screws in a bouncing fishing boat in open water or trailering down the Interstate @ 80 mph?

The ice chest, unsecured, sitting on the deck of a small sport fishing and the boat running 45 mph in choppy water. Can this high-pressure oxygen cylinder possibly rip off the lid in an accident, choppy water or if the boats hits a large wave or an obstacle in the water?

What happens when the boat hits a large wave, and the unsecured ice chest skips across the deck and oxygen cylinder valve hits the hull of the boat in rough water?

BAAD Marine Supply in Texas distributes and sells Pro-O2 oxygen system high pressure oxygen cylinders, the oxygen cylinder in this video. https://www.baadmarinesupply.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=346    This company website provides No high-pressure oxygen cylinder safety instructions, oxygen gas safety instructions or cylinder securing instruction are published on this website. No mention of US Coast Guard or DOT codes and regulations that apply to securing and transport of high-pressure oxygen cylinders on vessels (boats) and on US Highways.

High pressure oxygen cylinder safety and oxygen gas safety (100% oxygen) IS A BIG DEAL, especially on a sport fishing boat:

https://www.oxyedge-chum.com/oxygen-safety/rules-of-the-road/

https://www.oxyedge-chum.com/homemade-oxygen-systems/

https://www.oxyedge-chum.com/homemade-oxygen-systems/medical-oxygen-regulators/

https://www.oxyedge-chum.com/oxygen-generator/fire-safety/

https://www.oxyedge-chum.com/oxygen-electricity-bait-pumps/ See these engineering safety opinions from numerous Brands of water pumps used in an oxygen rich environment >24% oxygen.

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June 2, 2016

In catch-and-release angling competitions, freed bass still face risk, by John Hayes, Pittsburg Post-Gazette, August 2, 2009 12:00 AM http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2009/08/02/In-catch-and-release-angling-competitions-freed-bass-still-face-risk/stories/200908020169

“It’s public relations,” said Mr. Wilde.  “If every fish caught in every tournament in the United States was killed, it would not have an appreciable impact on fish populations.” Texas Tech University biologist Gene Wilde, who has spent about 10 years studying fish deaths after tournaments, said they are believed to die from a combination of conditions.

“Stress comes from a variety of factors,” he said, “beginning with the angling event itself. Fish exert a lot of energy during the fight. Their muscles produce lactic acid, much like our muscles do when we’re running and our legs cramp up. Fish deal with that by respiring more oxygen from the water.”

[Oxygen saturation in all bass boat livewells is absolutely limited by water temperature and the partial pressure of oxygen. Mechanical aeration (AIR), air contains only 20% oxygen. Air contains mostly nitrogen-80%. Livewell oxygen saturation is further compromised by increased livewell stocking density and hot summer water temperature]

Research suggests that prolonged use of livewells and excessive handling contribute to the delayed deaths of tournament-caught bass. Death rates are highest in warmer water, which holds less saturated oxygen. They’re lower in the Northeast where waters are generally cooler.

[The month of the Bassmaster Classic Tournament was change from the first of August to the end of February, hot summer livewell conditions were totally avoided. The Classic tournament is now held the coldest time of year, in dead winter. Simply changing the date if this bass tournament to February is a public relations masterpiece that dramatically eliminated the summer bass tournament mortality problems immediately… cold livewell water contains more oxygen, reduces oxygen demand and lower fish weights in bass boat livewells requires less oxygen… the summer tournament mortality problem (bass boat livewell hypoxia and chronic suffocation) was eliminated]

Joseph Love says his job as tidal bass manager for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is great. The only part the fisheries biologist says he hates is dead fish counts.

In June, Mr. Love was called to Smallwood State Park in Charles County, Md., to investigate reports of a fish kill following a weekend in which four bass tournaments were held simultaneously on the same stretch of the Potomac River. What he found surprised him.

DNR personnel counted 601 dead largemouth bass and some 200 other fish of assorted species belly up in a six-mile stretch of the Mattawoman Creek, where tournament organizers had released fish after weigh-ins. The Washington Times reported “the stench of dead, decaying fish permeated the air.”

“We haven’t seen these numbers on record,” said Mr. Love. “We’ve never seen such a high level of delayed tournament mortality.”

[Mr. Love should consider having C&R bass tournaments in the colder months of the year… if bass tournament mortality is really, really that important. We shall wait and see if any changes are made.]

***      “It’s public relations,” said Mr. Wilde. “If every fish caught in every tournament in the United States was killed, it would not have an appreciable impact on fish populations.”

CATCH and RELEASE Fishing Tournament – A NEW CONCEPT https://www.oxyedge-chum.com/catch-and-release-fishing-tournaments-b-a-s-s-history/

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December 18, 2015

Fishing Oxygen Systems, understanding a life support system’s characteristics

WHY DO SOME FISHING OXYGEN SYSTEMS FAIL?

WHAT IS THE BEST FISHING OXYGEN SYSTEMS – THE CHARCTERISCS

WHAT IS NOT THE BEST FISHING OXYGEN SYSTEMS – THE CHARCTERISCS

*Fishing Oxygen Systems fail when they DO NOT and/or WILL NOT deliver the minimal safe dose of pure 100% oxygen continuously whether the livewell is stocked correctly or overstocked.

Visit: https://www.oxyedge-chum.com/why-some-oxygen-systems-fail/

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November 13, 2015

 Bass Tournament Fish Care – The Tournament Angler’s Responsibility

Surviving the summer   by Hal Schramm, Ph.D

Wednesday, October 10, 2001 Updated: March 16, 2:52 PM ET

http://espn.go.com/espn/print?id=1262200

Survival by definition –

Once a bass is caught, it’s up to the angler to help the bass survive the dog days of summer. And by “survive,” I don’t mean “still wiggling at weigh-in.” Survival means alive and a part of the catchable bass population months after the release.

… ever wondered how good your boat’s aeration system is? Unless you are using an oxygen injection system — for more, see Gene Gilliland’s article in the June issue of BASSMASTER Magazine — I can tell you that your aeration system isn’t very good. I mean no insult to you or individual manufacturers of bass boats.

Does livewell temperature control mean that an oxygen injection system is unnecessary? Absolutely not.

*Temperature control, salt and supplemental oxygen are the best ways to ensure survival of bass held in livewells.

More information about maintaining optimum temperatures and oxygen levels in a boat’s livewell system, along with other simple but important handling procedures, will be available later this fall in the booklet “Keeping Tournament Bass Alive” from B.A.S.S.

Hal Schramm is leader of the U.S. Geological Survey Mississippi Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and professor in the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries at Mississippi State University. His research emphasizes fish ecology.

Tournament fishermen who choose their summer tournament fish care wisely and responsibly have a far greater likelihood of success and winning, while those fishermen who choose foolishly and irresponsibly have a far greater likelihood of the “dead fish punishment” and tournament failure.  Tournament success and failure usually exhibits by winning or losing, directly affecting pride, personal and family income.

Fast forward 14 years to November 13, 2015 – Do bass tournament anglers provide the Best tournament fish care possible now over a decade later or still chose to provide Less than the Best fish care possible in bass boat livewells all day in summer C&R bass tournaments?

Of course a boat livewell is not function when 1 tournament fish suffocates in a summer tournament.   What is a Functional “Livewell?” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Livewell

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October 25, 2015

BASS Times: Live release boats: recovery room or coffin?

http://www.bassmaster.com/node/96925#

By Gene Gilliland

Aug 27, 2008

Live release boats or trailer-mounted hauling tanks that are used to relocate bass following tournament weigh-ins have a Jekyll and Hyde personality. When used properly, these rigs can serve as recovery tanks where fish can recuperate from the stress of livewell confinement and the weigh-in process.

Unfortunately, a number of fish kills have been linked to the improper use of release boats or trailers. In most cases, investigations have revealed “operator error” as the culprit behind the kills. Overloading or lack of proper aeration resulted in the boat tanks serving as a coffin rather than a live release tool.

You can’t save every fish. The key is knowing which fish to keep and which to release. Dr. Hal Schramm, co-author of Keeping Bass Alive, defines a live bass worthy of release as one that (1) can maintain an upright position without assistance; (2) exhibits regular gill movement — i.e., it is breathing; and (3) responds to handling by trying to swim away if you touch it.

Fish that do not meet all three of these criteria should not be released. As it states in the live release booklet, “Don’t put marginal fish in the release boat or trailer.”

Pressurized oxygen systems are often the only way to provide sufficient oxygen to these tanks in warmer weather or with large loads.

A number of angling organizations are currently raising money or applying for grants to build release trailers or boats. This is a good cause — but only if there is also a plan in place to train the operators.

Simply having a boat or trailer, adding water, then adding fish is a recipe for disaster. Operators must be trained properly and they must understand the consequences if a mistake happens. Nontournament anglers, lakeside homeowners, state agencies and regulating authorities are watching. There is no room for mistakes.

ED — Gene Gilliland is a senior fisheries biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. — END    Mr. Gilliland is currently B.A.S.S. Conservation Director

SUMMER BASS TOURNAMENT CARE is often A SUMMER BASS CARE TRAVISTY – just kicking the can down the road, who owns the summer tournament mortality problems

Bass Tournament Officials – Fish Care Responsibility: Some tournament officials Do and Will Provide the best fish care possible in summer tournaments when they assume custody of the fish, a public relations issue. Tournament fish may spend 30 minutes at the end of the day in oxygenated live release tanks on release boats where minimal safe DO Saturations (continuous 100% DO Saturation or greater IS THE GOLD STANDARD) for live haul oxygenation practiced by all fish hatchery transporters every day). DO is controlled with supplemental welding oxygen administration, monitored with a DO Meter and recorded.

Bass Tournament Contestants – Fish Care Responsibility: Most tournament contestants Do Not and Will Not provide the best fish care possible; will not insure minimal safe dissolved oxygen in bass boat livewells while the catch is in their custody all day in summer tournaments, a personal choice made by every contestant, a winning or losing the money/prize issue. Tournament fish often spend 7-8 hours confined and transported in overcrowded, aerated, hypoxic, non-functional bass boat livewells in summer tournaments without minimal safe oxygen and slowly suffocate all day. A bad outcome is predictable in summer tournaments when boat livewells are overcrowded by only 1 fish.

Now why and how did C&R tournament fishing get started 4 decades ago and become so popular?   Review the B.A.S.S. history of catch and release tournament bass fishing – https://www.oxyedge-chum.com/catch-and-release-fishing-tournaments-b-a-s-s-history/

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September 12, 2015

STEWARDSHIP TIP – OXYGEN INJECTION SYSTEMS

http://www.recycledfish.org/blog/stewardship-tips/stewardshi%E2%80%8Bp-tip-oxygen-injection-systems/

By Arshia | May 1, 2012

Randy Myers and Jason Driscoll with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department,.. indicate that “delayed mortality ranged from 18.2 to 43.1 percent for tournament events held when water temperature exceeded 79 degrees,” but they add that “although the use of proper livewell management and fish-care procedures will somewhat increase the likelihood of long-term survival of tournament-caught and released fish, oxygen injection guarantees against low oxygen causing mortality.”

Even when there are no fish in the livewell, water recirculation systems cannot maintain oxygen concentrations higher than 100 percent saturation.  The action of mixing air with water introduces oxygen into the water; it also removes oxygen.  According to Myers and Driscoll, “with small to moderate limits of fish, five fish weighing up to 15 pounds total, fully functioning recirculation systems can maintain oxygen between 5 and 7 mg/L.

These TP&WD fishery biologist emphasize the fact that there is very little difference between the oxygen level that is harmful to bass and the level maintained by recirculation systems.

COMPARE OXYGEN INJECTION SYSTEMS   https://www.oxyedge-chum.com/compare-oxygen-systems/

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September 6, 2015

Oxygen Uptake (Live Hauling of Fish)

Metadata Updated: August 4, 2015 https://catalog.data.gov/dataset/oxygen-uptake-live-hauling-of-fish

The most significant advancement in hauling technology in the last 20 years has been the use of bottled oxygen gas or liquid oxygen to maintain adequate dissolved oxygen levels. These types of systems can maintain significantly higher DO levels than systems using air.

A significant live-haul industry has developed in the U.S. and fish are commonly hauled 1,500-2,000 miles (25-30 hours)…

[“The most significant advancement in livewell and bait tank oxygenation technology for the sport fishing industry in the last 20 years has been the use of bottled oxygen gas to maintain adequate dissolved oxygen levels.”]

That technology is The Oxygen Edge™, established 1993.

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September 2, 2015

SUPERCHARGING LIVE BAIT WITH PURE OXYGEN, how SUPERCHARGING really works

By David Kinser, CEO

The best live bait is a SUPERCHARGED live bait, bar none. Only a fisherman can make a Supercharged live bait and that requires the administration of supplemental pure oxygen – the same pure 100% oxygen used by fish hatcheries use to transport live fish… but SUPERCHARGING takes more oxygen, a lot more.

It’s not possible to Supercharge live bait with air, livewell aerators and bait pumps because air is 80% Nitrogen, an inert filler gas. There’s not enough oxygen in air to Supercharge bait or anything else.

Most live bait fishermen like a bait fish/shrimp that is “fresh caught,” healthy, energetic, active, durable and no “red-nose.” Many fishermen are happy if their bait is still wiggling a little by noon, sickly or red-nosed makes little difference by then. If the bait wiggles a little, it’s alive and that’s great. The bait shop always has more for sale when it dies, “yawl come back now when you need more live bait.” And when the bait dies in the livewell, it makes great chum albeit expensive chum.

HOW DOES SUPERCHARGING REALLY WORK

Supercharged live bait is not natural or normal.

Why can’t Mother Nature, livewell aerators and high-volume water pumps Supercharge bait fish? The short answer is there is not enough oxygen.

Supercharging bait fish requires considerably more oxygen (79% more oxygen) than Mother Nature has to give in air. She provides air to all fishermen, 21% oxygen. Air usually contains enough oxygen necessary to simply keep fish and bait fish alive in the steady state environment, bays, oceans, lakes and rivers.

But, Supercharging live bait fish and live bait shrimp in overcrowded livewells and bait tanks in the summer IS NOT THE NORMAL STEADY STATE ENVIRONMENT by any stretch of any fisherman’s imagination.

Oxygen is not a fuel by itself. Oxygen is the oxidant that is necessary to burn the fuel and create heat and energy. Oxygen doesn’t burn or explode like fuel gases. Combustion (a fire) requires O2 the oxidant plus a fuel (wood and food for cells). Pure 100% oxygen does not burn. Oxygen only supports combustion. Oxygen is not a combustible material itself. Oxygen is not a fuel gas.

Compresses welding oxygen is pure 99.9% oxygen. The higher the % oxygen, the larger the dose of pure oxygen the hotter the fire whether a campfire or the cellular fire of metabolism for fish and man. The hotter the cellular fire burns the stronger, more active and more durable the athlete or the bait fish.

The Cellular Fire: At the cell level (man and fish) this fire is called metabolism or the production of energy. The higher/greater the metabolism the hotter the cellular fire, the more energy produced that’s available for muscles and brain, physically stronger, more active, energetic, more durable the man or fish. Reduce the oxygen availability and metabolism falls precipitously. The result is a slow, sickly, sloppy, lethargic bait fish that is red-nosed and dying in the livewell. The stores are depleted, and the bait fish has run out of energy (literally run out of gas, the gas is cellular oxygen). The cellular gas tank is empty.

Which is the most potent oxidizer? Air or 21% oxygen or 100% pure oxygen? Of course it is the pure oxygen. Can’t get iron hot enough to cut and burn using air, but it is easy to reach the cutting temperature using pure 100% oxygen because the oxygen fire is so much hotter than an air fire.

The % of available oxygen is the oxidizer and the fuel is the cellular food stores… now add a massive dose of ADRENALINE (EPINEPHERINE) – the hormone produced by the adrenal gland that triggers the “Fight-or-Flight Response” that is often necessary for basic survival.

SUPERCHARGING live bait requires a very high concentration and large dose of pure 100% OXYGEN plus a massive amount of pure ADRENALINE (EPINEPHERINE) all mixed in the bait’s blood at the same time and a hook that really excites the bait activating the “Fight-or-Flight Response.”   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fight-or-flight_response

Only a fisherman can make SUPERCHARGED LIVE BAIT because totally unnatural in the wild environment. The fisherman must have a fishing oxygen system that is capable of delivering a very high dose of pure oxygen. Supercharging requires much more oxygen in the blood that is need just to keep a livewell or bait tank full of bait alive.

SUPERCHARGING is for fisherman that need/want the highest quality live bait possible.

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September 1, 2015

Oxygen System Transports State Record Flathead Catfish to Scales Alive and Safe

Posted By Tobias Wall, News-Democrat August 31, 2015

Metro East News http://www.bnd.com/news/local/article33041055.html

Carlyle man’s 20-year-old state record toppled by 81-pound catfish

James Klauzer and the 81.4-pound flathead catfish he caught from Sangchris Lake in the Springfield area early Saturday around 3 AM.

Trevor Miller, who works at a Bait and Tackle shop in Springfield, said Klauzer humanely anchored the fish in a shallow part of the lake and waited until morning to call around in search of a scale and a way transport the fish. Miller said he got in touch with Pete Ochs, a fishing tournament director whose contacts in the Illinois Department of Natural Resources could help.

Incidentally, Ochs also had an oxygen system in his fishing boat that he removed so Klauzer could use it to keep the fish happy in a plastic landscaping pond that everyone agreed was the best way to transport the fish. “(The fish) perked right up, its color changed,” Miller said.

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August 23, 2015

“LIVE TOURNAMENT FISH RULE” – REDEFINING A “LEGAL LIVE FISH”

The new definition for a “LEGAL LIVE FISH” is “SELF PROPELLED.”

If the fish can swim away, wiggles away or moves away from it’s captor grip to open water after it’s weighed… It is a “Live Fish.”

The weighmaster at the Springhill Medical Center speckled trout live weigh-in on the first day of the 82nd Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo on Friday had a big problem and changed the definition of “Live Fish.” A very simple way to fix a major public relations problem – redefine the meaning of a “Legal Live Fish.”

“Self Propelled” is the new key word that meets the new definition for the “live fish tournament rule.”

New ADSFR live speckled trout weigh-in a ‘victory’ for conservation

http://www.al.com/outdoors/index.ssf/2015/07/new_adsfr_live_speckled_trout.html

By Jeff Dute   July 17, 2015 at 5:06 PM, updated July 17, 2015 at 5:07 PM

After about 15 minutes of recuperation time, the fish appeared to be strong, so the Dauphin Island Sea Lab’s Dr. Crystal Hightower placed the fish back into a fish bag and carried it to the water.

Despite working with the fish for nearly 15 minutes off the side of the boat and another 10 minutes after it was brought back to the highly oxygenated recuperation tank, Dr. Sean Powers made the decision that the fish, now with eyes starting to turn milky indicating imminent death, could not be saved.

During a lengthy meeting, rodeo rules committee members ultimately agreed with Powers’ assessment that, since the fish “self-propelled” out of Hightower’s grasp the first time, it met the requirements of a legal live release under the rodeo’s rules.

Rodeo Rules Committee Chairman Todd Bishop said the success or failure of all subsequent releases will be judged under the “sell-propelled” standard outlined by Powers.

Besides the $1,500 top prize, all speckled trout jackpot competitors who weigh in a live fish will have their name entered in a random drawing for a $500 Academy Sports and Outdoors gift card.

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August 1, 2015

Published fishery research from Texas Parks & Wildlife Department’s Inland Fisheries team in San Antonio demonstrates that, “dissolved oxygen is the single most important factor for keeping bass alive.”

Responsible Tournaments Include Live Release Boats, by Rachel Moffatt

http://www.worldfishingnetwork.com/community/post/responsible-tournament-angling-includes-live-release-boats

[Does this also mean that most tournament bass fishermen are actually irresponsible because they do not and will not provide the best bass care for their catch being transported all day in small bass boat livewells and do not use oxygen in summer tournaments and never check their livewell oxygen levels with a DO meter?

Oxygenation of Livewells to Improve Survival of Tournament-Caught Bass by Fishery Biologist Randy Myers and Jason Driscoll TPWP, Inland Fisheries Division, San Antonio, TX 6/2011 http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/didyouknow/inland/livewells.phtml ]

Anyone on any tournament circuit will know that there is often a bad public image associated with fishing tournaments and derbies. The non-fishing public, including those whose compliance makes these events possible, often link tournaments with massive fish kills, the remains of which are left floating near public docks and marinas. Public outrage at what is seen as careless waste of fish and destruction of fishery stock has led to heated controversy over the viability of competitive angling…

Live Release Boats (LRB) are one way in which organizations can promote catch and release fishing in tournaments, while keeping stressed fish stable and giving them a transitional resting space to recuperate from the stress of being caught and kept in a live well before being put back in their habitat. Properly trained LRB staff are able to keep the holding tank water at the proper temperature and oxygenation level to ensure the best chance of survival for every bagged fish.

Water temperature and oxygen saturation are checked at regular intervals and the boat must be manned by the trained crew at all times when there are fish on board.

Excessive handling, rapid temperature changes, predation, and unsuitable water conditions all led to high mortality rates for fish, causing a mass of floating dead fish in the days after the tournament. Understandably, this led to complaints by cottage owners, marina and dock users and the general public and contributed to giving anglers, and especially tournament anglers, a bad reputation.

[The Tournament Bass Care Paradox – The Best tournament bass care transport is provided by tournament officials on the live release boat livewells administering supplemental compressed oxygen for the 15-minute captivity and boat ride to the live release site at the end of the day. No livewell suffocation here and safe oxygenation is insured with DO testing.]

The public and media see this extraordinary fish care, the best care possible provided by tournament officials, a public relations bass care hallmark demonstrating the excellent  livewell care provided for the final, short 15-minute transport.

But, the public does not see, nor know anything about “less than the best bass care” provided by anglers in their bass boat livewells which is far less than the best tournament bass care possible provided on the release boat which is great…there’s  no oxygen provided nor required by the angler all day (7-8 hours)  in the bass boat livewell.  Oxygen administration is NOT the responsibility of any tournament director for the bass boat livewell nor required nor is the DO tested in a boat livewell containing a limit of tournament bass to insure that the livewell is really functional.

What is a “Functional Livewell?” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Livewell

QUESTION AND OBSERVATION: Why is the same compressed oxygen never required nor provided by contestants or tournament officials to prevent suffocation and sustained oxygen deprivation in small hot hypoxic tournament  bass boat livewells for the 7-8 hour all day boat ride?

Now why and how did B.A.S.S. invent that C&R concept 4 decades ago in 1970?…    Dead bass = Bad Public Relations.   https://www.oxyedge-chum.com/catch-and-release-fishing-tournaments-b-a-s-s-history/ ]

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July 31, 2015

Oxygenation systems could explain larger catches at Thurmond Lake

By Bill Baab, Fishing Editor, June 13, 2015

http://m.chronicle.augusta.com/sports/outdoors/fishing/2015-06-18/baab-oxygenation-system-could-explain-larger-catches-thurmond#gsc.tab=0

As fishing page editor for more than 30 years, I get to see the results of most bass tournaments held on Thurmond Lake.

One trend to which I had no answer, until earlier this week, was seeing five-fish catches totaling 25 pounds and a bit more. Just five years ago, the average five-fish catch was 15 or so pounds.

So why are the fish getting bigger?

John Biagi, Chief of Fisheries feels the oxygenation system operated in the Modoc area by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during the hot summer months when oxygen depletion is a problem could be a part of the answer.

“That system created new quality habitat for most species of fish, including largemouths,” he said.

[Digestion requires large amounts of oxygen, fish eat less when deprived of oxygen (the bite slows down in the Dog Days of summer, tight?

The multi-million dollar oxygen system built by the Army Corp of Engineers at Thurmond Lake insures plenty of oxygen every summer. Summer environment oxygen deprivation is no longer a predictable summer problem and fish eat when they can breaths.

Chumming baitfish and game fish with an oasis of high dissolved oxygen is a win-win situation in the summer for fish and fishermen.]

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July 18, 2015

This Smallmouth Bass Tournament at Ridgway Reservoir near Telluride, Colorado is atypical.

A Smallmouth Bass Kill Tournament, kill all the smallmouth bass you can, kill all you want.

Officials Use Tournament to Address Smallmouth Bass Issue

http://www.denverpost.com/outdoors/ci_28449553/officials-use-tournament-address-smallmouth-bass-issue

Posted 7/7/2015 by Scott Willoughby (The Denver Post)

“…they’ve [Tournament Officials] put a bounty of more than $6,000 on the fish for the next week. Catch them early, catch them often and consume as much as you can. Starting Saturday, it’s all about that bass. “

“They are fun to catch, and they are very good eating,” said Eric Gardunio, aquatic biologist for Colorado Parks and Wildlife in the Ridgway area.

“… the weeklong smallmouth bass fishing tournament beginning 7 a.m. Saturday and running through 8 p.m. on July 19.”

“…a 14-foot fishing boat, engine, trailer and accessories as its grand prize…”

“The tournament is open to all anglers with a Colorado fishing license and requires no entry fee (beyond the standard park admission fee). Anglers are automatically registered when they present smallmouth bass at the check-in area at the boat ramp. Those catching tagged fish at any time during the week qualify for the grand-prize boat-package raffle.”

[The point of this bass tournament is to kill as many smallmouth bass as possible, the tournament last 1 week.

This is serious smallmouth bass genocide by a sanctioned fishing tournament. Kill all the smallmouth bass you can, no tournament limits, take no prisoners and absolutely NO LIVE RELEASE.]

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July 18, 2015

[Why is live bait prohibited in bass tournaments?]

Classic Fishing Derby Cheats

http://www.fishhunter.com/classic-fishing-derby-cheats/

Posted July 8^th at 09:00h in FishHunter Left by Rob Cambell

“Winning major competitions is a very lucrative endeavor as fishing line suppliers, fishing tackle providers, electronics companies, rod & reel makers and motor boats & engine manufacturers, beverage companies and clothing designers out bid each other to sponsor these competitive events. They like getting behind the matches because it really elevates one brand over their competitors’ and the local bait and tackle shop is a crowded marketplace.”

“Live bait is also disallowed at most tournaments, but that’s not because it offers an unfair advantage, but rather because it employs methodology that runs counter to the commercial designs of the fishing tackle sponsor.”

[FACT: Live bait or any products supporting live bait simply does not fit into any brand schema supporting the lucrative bass tournament fishing industry. Bass tournament fishing is serious American Capitalism, business for profit.]

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July 15, 2015

Al’s Angling Adventures

http://www.alsanglingadventures.com/flathead-fishing-techniques/

Flathead Fishing Tips And Tricks

Summertime is catfishing time. Whether you fish from a $20,000 bass boat or a lawn chair, the catfish action can be hot and fast-paced as any summer fishing venture. The key is to be inventive.

Keith Warren, host of television’s “The Texas Angler” and “Hunting & Outdoor Adventures,” has tried it all when it comes to catfish. He thinks being inventive is what separates a fisherman from a cat fisherman. Borrowing from his wealth of bass fishing knowledge… Warren is a firm believer in chumming for flatheads.

Chum Techniques – O2 Chumming?

Most catfish chum consists of soured grain or fish parts. A Texas man, however, has developed a technique involving chumming with oxygen.

Check this out. In more than 30 years of research, Texas wildlife officials have found that low levels of dissolved oxygen kills more fish in Texas waters than any other single cause. The potential for fish mortality increases dramatically during the summer months when rising water temperatures contribute to lower oxygen levels.

David Kinser of Anahuac, Texas, has a unique insight into this phenomenon that can benefit anglers. Kinser has spent more than two decades creating and modifying human life support systems for the medical field and has developed an uncanny understanding of the links between oxygen, life, and death.

Kinser, who owns Oxygenation Systems of Texas, has garnered quite a reputation among live bait enthusiasts and bass tournament anglers for his “Oxygen Edge” fish and bait oxygenation system.

Instead of relying on standard aeration to keep bait or tournament fish alive, Kinser’s system involves supercharging the water with pure oxygen.

“Standard aeration systems draw from the air, which is composed of 21 percent oxygen. Factor in that many units only achieve 65 to 80 percent efficiency and it becomes obvious what happens when water temperatures start to heat up. The fish start to die because they’re not getting enough oxygen,” Kinser said.

Building on the success of his Oxygen Edge system, Kinser is set to release a new product that is designed to “chum” fish with oxygen. Kinser said this new unit is similar to his Oxygen Edge, but it contains some technical modifications and a long hose to allow chumming in deep water to create what Kinser calls a “Dissolved Oxygen Chum Line.”

The concept, while seemingly contrived, was actually born by accident while installing an oxygen system at a bait camp on the Bolivar Peninsula.

“This guy had a big aerator running to a big tank full of mullet. All of the mullet were severely stressed with red-noses and they were on top of the water, gasping. After the oxygen system was on for a short while, the fish calmed down and were all gathered directly over the oxygen stone,” Kinser said. “That’s what first got me to thinking about creating an oxygen chumming system.”

“This is going to be something that you have to use during the extremely hot months,” said Kinser, “when there is little oxygen in the water and around structure where fish are. You’re going to use it just like you would regular chum.”

“The only difference is that fish need oxygen more immediately than they need food. That’s why fish stay in a certain part of the water column during summer–that’s where the oxygen is. Fish seek and stay where oxygen is,” he added.

How much oxygen will it take to draw in fish? In a pond it’s easy to see how it might work, but in an area as large as the Gulf, the perspective broadens tremendously.

“The envelope drifts with the current, and fish can detect 1/10 of 1 part per million oxygen change. Offshore anglers in particular know that chumming creates an oil slick that spreads way out and draws in fish. The only difference is that oxygen is invisible, but it spreads much the same,” Kinser said.

Kinser’s confidence in his new product isn’t just based on personal observations and hypothesis either. He has a couple of aces in the hole already.

“Some of the top anglers on the Crappie USA tournament started using a prototype back in 1997 and did very well with it. Also, at a sports show, I met a commercial diver who uses oxygen bubbles to increase his buoyancy while underwater. He said he has major problems keeping fish away from him while diving. They’re drawn to the oxygen like a magnet,” Kinser said.

And what do I think about the idea of chumming fish with dissolved oxygen?

I think it sounds crazy enough to work. (For more information contact David Kinser at Oxygenation Systems of Texas at 409-267-6458).  [  https://www.oxyedge-chum.com/oxy-chum/92-2/  ]_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

July 9, 2015

Frabill Releases Affordable Oxygen

https://classicbass.com/blog/frabill-releases-affordable-oxygen/

NEW FISHING OXYGEN SYSTEM?

FRABILL PROMOTIONAL ADVERTISEMENT

“The best way to improve livewell performance is to introduce more dissolved oxygen.”

“Provides pure oxygen for up to 50 gallons of water. No more excuses for dead fish or dead bait.

“And the best way to accomplish this is to install a workmanlike Frabill Aqua Life Dual Output 12 Volt DC Aerator.”

“Aerator can be rigged to provide supplemental oxygen to one or two different livewells…”

“… Aqua Live Aerators use industry proven technology coupled with Frabill’s engineering excellence to deliver near 100% dissolved oxygen in up to 50 gallons of fresh or saltwater…”

“The powerful but lightweight Frabill Aqua Life Dual Output 12 Volt DC Aerator is the perfect solution for the delivery of high-performance, cost-effective oxygenation whenever a 12-volt power source is required.”    

THE FACTS

OXYGEN SYSTEMS ARE NOT AERATION SYSTEMS –  https://www.oxyedge-chum.com/understanding-the-concept-between-livewell-aeration-and-livewell-oxygenation/  

OXYGEN IS NOT AIR –  https://www.oxyedge-chum.com/oxygen-is-not-air/

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July 7, 2015

CCA Star  Fishing Tournament Edge

Dead tournament fish weigh less than live tournament fish – is fish weight important?

Michigan State University Extension

“Options for preventing weight loss with record fish and tournament winners”

http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/options_for_preventing_weight_loss_with_record_fish_and_tournament_winners

July 8, 2013 by Dan O’Keefe, Michigan State University Extension

“It is best to weigh fish alive…”

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu .

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July 6, 2015

Chumming Bass and baitfish – Highly Oxygenated Tailrace of Dams

Tailrace Bass Fishing to Combat Summer Heat

http://www.scout.com/outdoors/wired2fish/story/1560956-tailrace-bass-fishing-to-combat-summer-heat

By … David A. Brown, Contributor, July 6, 2015

“In the summer. Higher oxygen content draws the baitfish and the bass,” he said… In a tournament, bass of equal length will generally be heavier in… bends and other decompression issues, so the fish live longer in livewells.

“Pickwick Lake guide Jimmy Mason points out that the current also serves as an aerator. And, highly oxygenated is generally cooler.”

“Pickwick Lake guide Jimmy Mason points out that the current also serves as an aerator. And, highly oxygenated is generally cooler.”

“From a tournament angler’s perspective, Mason offers these observations:

“In the summer, higher oxygen content draws in the baitfish and the bass,” he said. “A dam’s tailrace is loaded with baitfish, so the fish are fatter. In a tournament, bass of equal length will generally be heavier in the tailrace.” [Chumming bass and baitfish with higher dissolved oxygen concentrations]

“Also, in summer tournaments, it’s common to fish either deeper offshore structure or a tailrace. When you catch them in the tailrace you don’t deal with the bends and other decompression issues, so the fish live longer in livewells.” [Bass are healthier] End.

During the Dog Days of Summer when environmental dissolved oxygen concentration are naturally lowest, the bite slows down often seems to stop. Why? Seasonal Environmental Hypoxia, bass don’t eat or move much when they don’t have enough oxygen this time of year, the same reason why patients with serious COPD don’t move much or eat much.

A well aerated (air or 21% oxygen) dam tailrace creates an artificial man-made oasis with a slightly higher dissolved oxygen concentrations than normal non-aerated environmental water thus increasing the dissolved oxygen concentration slightly. This slight DO increase is enough to attract fish away from more hypoxic areas consolidating bass and baitfish. Bass and baitfish will avoid the environmental areas that have lower dissolved oxygen concentrations naturally. Bass will eat when they have enough oxygen and can breathe well again. Oxygen is great chum, far better than food or sex. The fact is, if you can’t breathe, you will sit very still, you will not waste your remaining energy moving much, you will not eat much or have sex. More oxygen changes all this behavior drastically.

Imaging what bubbling pure 100% oxygen in environmental will attract bass and baitfish the Dog Days of Summer! Where and who does this? The US Corp of Engineers chums fish with pure 100% oxygen here: Clarks Hill Reservoir neat Atlanta, GA https://www.gon.com/article.php?id=3447

Oxygen chumming with oxygen-injection systems is not cheap, US taxpayers paid millions of dollars for this oxygen-injection system and works great!

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July 1, 2015

[State DNR Intervention Required to Reduce Summer Tournament Bass and Walleye Kills]

 Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Fishing Tournaments [Rules]

http://www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/FishingLicensesLaws/AdditionalRegulations/FishingTournaments.aspx

Beginning in 2014, all bass tournaments in June, July and August will end at 2:00 PM.

Since 2000 Iowa DNR has had a policy to prohibit walleye kill tournaments during the months of June, July and August.

Fisheries biologists across the state felt that holding fish in live wells during warm water conditions causes undue stress and higher latent mortality.

This new rule will be enforced statewide. An exception to this rule exists, allowing tournaments to continue past 2 PM, if the tournament holds multiple weigh-ins, at least once every four hours.

The Iowa DNR agrees with many of the recommendations in the Keeping Bass Alive publication by B.A.S.S. (Bass Anglers Sportman Society) and suggests that all tournament sponsors review this document and encourage the implementation of these practices to help maintain a healthy bass fishery in Iowa.

“KEEPING BASS ALIVE”

http://assets.espn.go.com/winnercomm/outdoors/bassmaster/pdf/Keeping_Bass_Alive.pdf

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June 18, 2015

Chumming game fish with pure oxygen…  “Oxy-Chum”

Oxygenation system could explain larger catches at Thurmond Lake

By Bill Baab, Fishing Editor, Thursday June 18, 2015

http://chronicle.augusta.com/sports/outdoors/fishing/2015-06-18/oxygenation-system-could-explain-larger-catcher-thurmond-lake

As fishing page editor for more than 30 years, I get to see the results of most bass tournaments held on Thurmond Lake.

One trend to which I had no answer, until earlier this week, was seeing five-fish catches totaling 25 pounds and a bit more. Just five years ago, the average five-fish catch was 15 or so pounds.

So why are the fish getting bigger?

Biagi feels the oxygenation system operated in the Modoc area by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during the hot summer months when oxygen depletion is a problem could be a part of the answer.

“That [oxygen] system created new quality habitat for most species of fish, including largemouths,” he said.

May 13, 2015

FISHING OXYGEN SYSTEM for TOURNAMENT BASS and LIVE BAIT FISH

OZONE (O3) GENERATOR – NEW FISHING OXYGEN SYSTEM

THE SAVE YOUR CATCH SYSTEM® http://saveyourcatchsystem.com/

The Save Your Catch System is endorsed by Hall of Famer and Ten Times World and National Bass Fishing Champion John Fox.

John has hosted America’s MOST POPULAR ‘American Angler’ and ‘Outdoor Adventures’ Television Bass Fishing Shows on ESPN, Fox and top TV stations across America for twenty-eight years. John Fox is the Pro’s Pro’, respected by Bass Fishing Super Stars as one of the very best Bass fishing professionals in the world. John has filmed his new season which debuted on TV in January 2014. John highlighted the benefits of The Save Your Catch System.

[John’s video testimonial tells about this system]    http://saveyourcatchsystem.com/about/

Pro’s Ozone Choice has developed a unit especially for bait and catch wells in fishing boats… The Save Your Catch System works on fresh, salt water, commercial boats and pleasures boats!

The Save Your Catch System. This particular generator provides a steady continuous supply of OZONE to both the bait and catch wells in Pleasure Boats, and Sports Fishing Boats. The addition and introduction of ozone gas to the bait wells keep the live bait fresh, vibrant, and active until they are used.

The ozone not only disinfects and sanitizes the water the bait is in, it also increases the level of oxygen in the water boosting the activity of the live bait. The addition of Ozone to the catch wells has the same result with the fish you have landed.

As you know, in tournament or contest fishing, if the fish dies, you lose weight on the scale. If the fish is dying and not active, it will decrease its weight by an ounce or two. Sometimes that is all it takes to lose out on a Championship Prize or Trophy.

The introduction of ozone to the catch well sanitizes and disinfects the water in the well and also increases the oxygen content in the water, resulting in fish that remain healthy, active and alive.

AKA: O2 WIZARD®   http://www.o2wizard.com/fishermen.html 

“Save Your Catch Keeps both bait and your catch FRESH, VIBRANT, AND ACTIVE By sanitizing, disinfecting and increasing the oxygen in the water!”

Save Your Catch was developed for bait and catch wells in fishing boats. This particular device continuously sanitizes the water providing a steady supply of increased oxygen to both the bait and catch wells in Pleasure Boats, and Sports Fishing Boats.

What kill fish is bacteria in the water from the fish continuously excreting (or pooping) in the water. While this device disinfects and neutralizes the bacteria, it also increases the level of oxygen in the water boosting the activity of the live bait and the fish you have landed.  As you know, in tournament or contest fishing, if the fish dies, you lose weight on the scale. If the fish is dying and not active, it will decrease its weight by an ounce of two. Sometimes that is all it takes to lose out on a Championship Prize or Trophy.

Several Fishing Champions have used this device for years and reported their fish remain healthy, active and alive.

Save Your Catch comes with a ONE YEAR UNCONDITIONAL PRODUCT WARRANTY.

4 Sizes 4available: Small – for bucket; Medium – for coolers: Large: Extra-large – for 2 live wells: Custom designs for fleets or individuals available upon request!

Cost: $795+$25 shipping… $820.00

                                     —  BUYER BEWARE  —

                                                           EXPERT OPINION

“I would certainly recommend against using ozone as a means to oxygen water for fish transport. As I mentioned to you over the phone, ozone can be toxic to fish even at low doses. I’ve attached a research paper from the Freshwater Institute that discussed using ozone as a disinfection method in a trout recirculating aquaculture system. In the study, they had multiple lethal does events where they measured just 0.08mg/L of ozone.

The vast majority of transport systems we design used compressed oxygen cylinders and microbubble diffusers to oxygenate water during transports.

I have never designed nor seen a single system that utilizes ozone during fish transport.”

Rob Dominelli, Senior Applications Specialist

Pentair Aquatic Eco-Systems

103 – 16 Fawcett Rd.

Coquitlam, BC, V3K 6X9, Canada

Consider the scientific facts before you start dissolving ozone (O3) gas into your livewell water hoping that O3 will insure safe oxygenation for your prize-winning tournament bass and expensive live bait.

                                 SCIENTIFIC FACTS: OZONE (O3)    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozone

Ozone is also widely used in treatment of water in aquariums and fish ponds. Its use can minimize bacterial growth, control parasites, eliminate transmission of some diseases, and reduce or eliminate “yellowing” of the water. Ozone must not come in contact with fish’s gill structures. Natural salt water (with life forms) provides enough “instantaneous demand” that controlled amounts of ozone activate bromide ion to hypobromous acid and the ozone entirely decays in a few seconds to minutes. If oxygen fed ozone is used, the water will be higher in dissolved oxygen, fish’s gill structures will atrophy and they will become dependent on higher dissolved oxygen levels. Hypobromous acid is used as a bleach, an oxidizer, a deodorant, and a disinfectant, due to its ability to kill the cells of many pathogens.

* Lethal concentrations for fish can be as low as 0.0093 ppm. That is equal to 93/10,000 of 1.0 ppm.

*Ozone is harmful to humans as well as aquatic organisms.

*Only ozone compatible materials should be used with ozone, stainless steel, Teflon®, special fiberglass and cement.

*Ozone is unstable and highly reactive in water. In pure water the half-life is 165 minutes. It is used as a disinfectant.

  FACTS: OZONE USED IN AQUACULTURE (FISH FARMING)

*Ozonation – a process of infusing water with ozone – can be used in aquaculture to facilitate organic breakdown.

Ozone for Beginners      http://www.slideshare.net/ScottPostma/definitive-ozone-guide

After considerable research, we find no application or scientific justification for using OZONE (O3) gas to insure safe dissolved oxygen saturation in livewell water (freshwater or saltwater) used for live fish or live bait transports.

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April 29, 2015

Hydrogen Peroxide in the Livewell

Hydrogen peroxide not recommended from S. Magnelia (204.64.0.171)  10/1/2007 10:18:00 AM  Steve Magnelia, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Fisheries Biologist http://www.wmi.org/bassfish/bassboard/fishing_tactics/message.html?message_id=152582

FLW outdoors said to put hydrogen peroxide in with your Rejuvenade and ice…

“…and [I] was sorry to see them recommending it.

Adding Hydrogen Peroxide to the livewell is not recommended.

This recommendation from TP&WD was 8 years ago, it’s 2015 now. Are you still pouring Hydrogen Peroxide into your bass boat livewell hoping this chemical will safely oxygenate your catch?

 “Keeping Bass Alive”  A  B.A.S.S./ESPN publication

“Another chemical that has sometimes been used to treat livewell or holding-tank water is hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)). Hydrogen Peroxide breaks down into oxygen and water in the presence of organic matter.

However the chemical [H2O2] can injure fish and should not be used.

Most people have used this colorless, odorless, tasteless liquid to disinfect a cut or scratch. You can see it fizzing and bubbling on the skin as it oxidizes. Now Imagine what it does in a livewell full of bass.

The bass’ mucus coating protects its skin from the oxidation reaction, but there is no such protective coating on delicate gill filaments. Unfortunately, anglers who use hydrogen peroxide often think that if a little is good, a little more should be better.

Wrong! Damage to gill filaments, suffocation and death may result.”

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April 16, 2015

Oxygen Uptake (Live Hauling of Fish) updated March 3, 2015

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce     Dataset   https://catalog.data.gov/dataset/oxygen-uptake-live-hauling-of-fish

A significant live-haul industry has developed in the U.S. and fish are commonly hauled 1,500-2,000 miles (25-30 hours) to market.

The most significant advancement in hauling technology in the last 20 years has been the use of bottled oxygen gas or liquid oxygen to maintain adequate dissolved oxygen levels. These types of systems can maintain significantly higher DO levels than systems using air.

Some common stressors include harvest and loading procedures (pumping or out of water transfer), shaking as the transport vehicle is moving, low frequency sound from the vehicle and water treatment systems, crowding, and poor water quality (high ammonia and carbon dioxide levels, low dissolved oxygen), high light levels, or extreme water temperature.

Very little information has been published on the chemical and physical conditions in transport systems during long-distance transport and this limited data may not be representative of current commercial systems.

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March 28, 2015

“Minimizing Stress during Tournament Weigh-ins”

Berkley® Angler Education

http://www.berkley-fishing.com/Minimizing-Stress-During-Tournament-Weigh-Ins/Berkley-ae-minimizing-stress-during-tournament-weigh-ins,default,pg.html

“It’s a crying shame to keep a bass alive throughout the fishing day only to have it die at a tournament weigh-in station. Thanks to angler education programs and the ready support of tournament organizers, sponsors, bass clubs, and state conservation agencies, we’ve come a long way. But we can do better.

If weigh-in bags must be used, then minimize the time the fish spend in the bags. Studies have shown that ten pounds of largemouths held in a plastic bag with two gallons of water at 86°F will reduce oxygen levels to near lethal levels in less than two minutes.

Consider using bottled oxygen at the bagging site. Using this method, I have successfully shipped adult bass across the country, with transport times extending well beyond twelve hours.”

Berkley® recommends oxygen administered at the public weigh-in at the end of the day, approximately 10-15 minute procedure… but stops short there and does not recommend tournament anglers using supplemental oxygen during the 6-8 hour (all day) boat ride in  a bass boat livewell. Sustained oxygen deprivation in bass boat livewells all day and in tournament weigh-in bags after two minutes confinement in 86 F water is the # 1 killer of tournament bass in summer tournaments throughout America.

*The author notes: “Using this method (bottled oxygen), I have successfully shipped adult bass across the country, with transport times extending well beyond twelve hours.”

* The Science – Oxygenation of Livewells to Improve Survival of Tournament-Caught Bass by Fishery Biologist Randy Myers and Jason Driscoll TPWP, Inland Fisheries Division, San Antonio, TX Publication 6/2011 http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/didyouknow/inland/livewells.phtml

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January 11, 2015

Livewell-Held Bass Require Special Care During Summer Months

http://www.getalimitoutdoors.com/17-articles/t-driscoll/9-livewell-held-bass-require-special-care-during-summer-months

By following the guidelines below, anglers can minimize stress on bass while held in livewells. Stress in the livewell occurs as a result of low oxygen levels…

To maintain livewell-held bass in the best possible shape, pure oxygen-injection systems (oxygen bottle, regulator, and fine-pore air diffuser) can be installed for under $300. Without question, lack of oxygen is the primary reason fish die in livewells. During the most extreme conditions (i.e., 15 + pounds of bass in a livewell over 85 degrees), these oxygen-injection systems are the only way to maintain optimum oxygen levels. I have this system installed in my Phoenix bass boat, and would be happy to display and discuss this equipment with anyone that is interested. A Texas Parks and Wildlife Department presentation on these oxygen systems can be found at this web link: http://www.slideshare.net/raminlandfish/livewell-oxygen-injection-8773301

More facts about fixed dose fishing oxygen systems.

Oxygen-Injection Systems – Fixed Dose Oxygen Pressure Valves

https://www.oxyedge-chum.com/compare-oxygen-systems/

Texas Parks & Wildlife Department oxygen injection system and several Fish-Flo2 oxygen systems incorporate fixed flow, fixed dose oxygen regulators or pressure valves. The pressure valve delivers 1 specific fixed dose of oxygen. The dose of oxygen cannot be adjusted or changed by the fisherman as the stocking density increases or decreased.

Fish-Flo2 sells 2 oxygen systems that use fixed flow pressure regulating valves, a Disposable Cylinder System, RC Tournament Series mdl. FFOSDIS-FIXED and a Non-Disposable Cylinder System, DC Tournament Series, mdl. FFOSS540-FIXED.

Fixed dose oxygen pressure valves or regulators have very limited oxygen delivery capabilities which may directly impact fish and live bait health during transports. They are not designed for flexibility nor accommodate wide stocking densities. They may waste oxygen with small stocking densities or fail to deliver enough oxygen to satisfy greater stocking densities insuring hypoxic events.

Fixed dose of oxygen pressure valves are not adjustable regardless of the increasing oxygen demand required by more fish or bait in the livewell. The stocking densities in livewells may change as fish and live bait are added, but the dose of oxygen cannot be changed to accommodate overstocking.

Fixed dose high pressure reducing devices deliver a fixed dose of oxygen which may waste oxygen for low stocking densities or not provide enough oxygen for high stocking densities or overstocked livewells. Provided you stay within a narrow stocking density range in your livewell (not overstocked or under stocked), a pressure valve may deliver the correct dose of oxygen for that specific stocking density providing safe DO saturation if there is no wasted oxygen and livewell hypoxia is nonexistent provided you do not exceed a specific stocking density for the preset dose of oxygen delivered.   The captive biomass must not increase or decrease but remain static.

Minimal safe oxygenation for stocked and overstocked livewells during transport is 100% – 175% DO saturation. This high DO saturation must be sustained continuously whether the livewell contains 1 five lb. fish or 500 lbs. of fish in a release boat livewell.  More fish require more oxygen, not more air or larger water pumps.

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October 31, 2014

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Michigan’s Fish Production System: Fish Transportation

“The only unwritten “rules” of fish transportation are that the fish absolutely must be delivered alive…” “Each upgraded Peterson unit is re-fitted with a low pressure 200-liter liquid oxygen tank capable of providing life support for an entire stocking season on a single filling.”

When you are really serious about Catch and Release and keeping your bait alive and healthy in your livewell, the real experts use pure oxygen.  When their fish die in the livewell, their job is TERMINATED.

Fishery experts use pure oxygen, most C & R tournament fishermen and live baiters do not oxygenate their livewells with pure oxygen, they use mechanical aerators, water pumps and ice – we all know how that works every summer.

See how real fish hatchery professionals insure minimal safe oxygenation for their livewells using pure oxygen: http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10364_52259_28277-276197–,00.html

Mechanical aeration, air pumps and spray bars may not insure minimal safe oxygenation in livewells, that is the reason professionals do not and will not use air to oxygenate their livewell water.

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October 14, 2014

The Oxygen Meter – More Failed Gizmos

March 19, 2013 by Terry

Sentry oxygen meter as circa 1973

Bass Fishing Archives

“The sole source for bass fishing history”

http://bassfishingarchives.com/short-strikes/more-failed-gizmos-the-oxygen-meter  

The portable oxygen meter made for bass fishermen never got off the ground in 1971 although the concept of bass and baitfish congregating in areas of high oxygen concentrations was a scientific fact yet rejected by average bass fishermen.

There were some problems for the young scientist peddling this new oxygen meter device and a new difficult concept for the average bass tournament fishermen to understand.

1^st problem – these oxygen meters needed to be calibrated regularly or they lose their accuracy and effectiveness.

2^nd problem – the average fisherman doesn’t want to take the time to deal with the device, rather be moving, cast ‘in, chunk ‘in, pitch ‘in, fish ‘in, not wasting a moment of time testing oxygen levels in the lake.

Terry says, “It’s not that bass anglers are lazy, it’s just that they don’t like wasting their time doing anything but casting, hoping to get a tug on the other end of the line. Most of them can figure out in a decent matter of time when the fish are eating in a certain area.”

An article in Bassmaster Magazine November/December 1973 talked about the importance of ample oxygen (DO between 8-13 ppm-parts per million) and to fish in an oxygen structure pattern. “The way you do this is paraphrased. Go to a bunch of different areas of the lake, monitor the oxygen levels, note the areas that have the highest maximum oxygen and then go back and fish these areas.” “Another concept talked about in the article was that baitfish only go where the oxygen is.”

Terry says. “One of the best comments I’ve ever heard about the oxygen meter was from former Bassmaster Tournament Director Harold Sharp. He told me once regarding a trip he made with an O2-sensoe lemming, ‘I told the guy by the time he lowered that thing [the meter sensor] I could have made three cast with a spinner bait on the point and determined if there was a fish there.’ Sounded right to me.”

That was the bass fisherman mentality back in those days, Mr. Sharp had absolutely no idea that oxygen was not air. https://www.oxyedge-chum.com/catch-and-release-fishing-tournaments-b-a-s-s-history/

Now fishermen chum bass, crappie and bait with pure 100% compressed oxygen exceeding DO’s of 20-30 ppm within their man-made oxygen oasis underwater.

This is called “Oxy-Chum.” The savvy fisherman artificially creates abnormally high supersaturated oxygen enriched environments that attracts bass, crappie and other target fish and bait fish better than food in lakes and fishing environments. Some savvy tournament bass fisherman knows the bite slows down in the heat of summer July/August and the winter February/March in lakes when the water surface freezes over and blocks oxygen from diffusing into the water. https://www.oxyedge-chum.com/oxy-chum/

Of course, most fisherman do not need an oxygen meter to tell them where the highest dissolved oxygen areas are located in the lake because a savvy fisherman has made himself a secret oasis of oxygen enriched water with intention, forethought and planning for the sole purpose of attracting and consolidating game fish and bait fish for harvest.

The savvy fisherman will not waste any time hoping and looking for areas of high dissolved oxygen in the lake on a hot summer tournament day nor waste any valuable time pitch ‘in, cast ‘in, hoping, praying and guessing where the fish will be because he knows exactly where the oasis high dissolved oxygen is located because he put it there.

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August 25, 2014

Oxygen System with Dangerous Homemade O2 Tank Mounting Device

Bait Well Oxygen Infuser Kit Keeps Bait Alive and frisky – $299 (League city) http://houston.craigslist.org/bod/4634578501.html

as

Craig’s List Post id: 4634578501

                                     DANGER – CAUTION – BEWARE

Seller: “Marc” from League City, Texas

Marc’s Ph: (281) 384-2020

Marc’s email contact: pgkhc-4634578501@sale.craigslist.org – * “do NOT contact me with unsolicited services or offers”

Mark recommends and sells a small suction cup oxygen tank mounting device used to secure and stabilize a high-pressure oxygen cylinder (2200 psi) with the homemade oxygen system he is selling on Craig’s List – BUYER BEWARE.

Safely securing a high-pressure oxygen cylinder on a vessel (boat) is a major safety issue with high pressure oxygen cylinders.

This small suction cup may be cheap, inexpensive and look cool, but is it really safe? Will it really secure a high-pressure oxygen cylinder in ruff, choppy water or if you collide into a pier or other solid object on the water?

Any high-pressure oxygen cylinder that is not safely secured is DANGEROUS.

The USCG regulates all transport and storage of high-pressure oxygen cylinders, SCUBA (air and mixed gases) and helium cylinders on vessels.

Before you buy this homemade rig – inquire: call Marc, ask if his high-pressure cylinder securing device is safe to use on your boat and compliant with USCG regulations for transporting High Pressure Oxygen cylinders on vessels? Then contact the USCG for confirmation and authentication. Email this image of the high-pressure oxygen cylinder mounting device to the USGG Vessel Safety Division and ask if this device is safe to use on your boat.

Oxygen System Safety is very important.

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July 7, 2014

Catch-um and Cook’um – Time to eat a few bass?

By Frank Sargent, The Huntsville Times

June 29, 2014 @ 7:37 AM, updated June 29 @ 3:38 AM

http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2014/06/catch.html

An unfortunate consequence of catch-and-release is that tournament anglers are often so focused on releasing their fish alive that they sometimes fail to recognize when a fish is too far gone to survive the stress. Making this mistake can result in numerous dead fish floating in the water around the boat ramp the following day.

ACDNR reports the number of complaints accusing tournament anglers of killing and wasting fish during organized bass tournaments is on the rise. The problem becomes particularly acute in summer, when high water temperatures result in stressed fish in most events. [a serious negative public relations issue for tournament officials]

For tournaments where anglers may not want to take home the bass, why not develop a donation program to area nursing homes or other facilities that care for people who never get to enjoy fresh fish?

To get the most of fish that are headed to the table,

first get them chilled as soon as possible–sloshing around in an 80-degree livewell is not good for eating quality.

Second, skin the fillets, and cut out the red line. Both add to the “fishy” flavor sometimes found in some fish.

Third, cook the fish within a day or two of catching it. Avoid freezing, if possible, which makes any fish less flavorful. If the fish must be frozen, put the fillet in a zip-type freezer bag, cover it with a bit of water, squeeze out the air and then seal and freeze. Keeping air away from the fillet will preserve the taste.

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      Other opinions that must be considered

Fourth, An Expert opinion by Gene Gilliland, Fishery Biologist, B.A.S.S. Conservation Director, effective January 1, 2014 https://www.oxyedge-chum.com/tips/additives-chemicals/

 Livewell Chemicals – What’s right – What’s not right and the FDA

http://www.anglerworld.com/bassfish/bassboard/other_topics/message.html?message_id=71498

Live well Chemicals from GeneG (164.58.10.123) 6/27/2001 5:33:00 PM

The issue here is not the effectiveness of the products. It is Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approval.

To get a chemical approved for use on fish that might become food, it takes a long time and lots of money. Up to $1 million per chemical. How many different chemicals are in that livewell potion?

Those companies don’t sell enough to warrant the expense. Without the approval on the ingredients, the distributor and reseller must cover themselves somehow, hence the waiver forms.

This is also the reason that agencies don’t officially recommend these products.

Legally, salt and ice are the only approved chemicals that can be used on fish that are caught & released that might be caught again and eaten.

This is why even at state and Federal fish hatcheries there are so few chemicals we use to treat diseases and parasites.

Treated fish will be stocked into public waters and could become food. Can’t have any residue of those “unapproved” chemicals in ‘em!

Gene Gilliland, Oklahoma Fishery Research Laboratory, ph: (405) 325-7288 – Co Author ESPN/B.A.S.S. “Keeping Bass Alive”

Fifth, FLW Tour Tournament Director Bill Taylor said anglers should be conscientious about which additives they use. https://www.oxyedge-chum.com/tips/additives-chemicals/

LIVEWELL CHEMICALS – FLW FISHING TOURNAMENT OPINION –

Some of them have ingredients not yet approved by the Federal Drug and Food Administration, he said, and some have warnings on the package stating that the chemical could be harmful to humans if consumed. Though all FLW Outdoors tournaments and many others follow the catch-and-release format, it is entirely possible that any fish released by an angler could eventually be caught and consumed by another fisherman.

Taylor said he has spoken to many fishery biologists in different parts of the country about the use of chemical additives. They recommend not using any additive that could contaminate fish and harm either the body of water’s fish population or humans who might catch and eat the fish.

As of August 2011, the FLW bass tour does use and recommend livewell chemicals that are not FDA approved for use on food fish (black bass).

Respect other fishermen and their families that catch and eat tournament species. Confirm livewell chemical additives you intend to use are FDA approved for use on food fish. There are many unknown (secret) chemicals sold as safe livewell additives for tournament fish.

Be wary of C&R chemical manufactures that refuse to provide a list the various chemicals in their livewell additives.

The FDA, EPA and State Seafood Safety Divisions regulate and approve all chemicals used with food fish that will be released alive back into the wild. These agencies certify and approve very few chemicals that are safe to treat food fish. Depending on the specific chemical applied, a quarantine period of several weeks is required before eating the fish.

Regulations controlling the use of various livewell chemicals for treating live bait fish and ornamental fish are different. Human consumption is not an issue with live bait fish and ornamental fish. ie. Amquel or other chemicals that neutralizes ammonia, chlorine and chloramine, MS 222, blue and green dye to color livewell water, antibiotics, tranquilizers.

FREE “CHEMICALLY CONTAMINATED” FOOD – Feed chemically contaminated bass to old folks in nursing homes, to your wife and your kids… REALLY?

Eating bass that have been intentionally chemically treated with unknown livewell chemicals all day by tournament bass fishermen may easily be “the ultimate poor dining choice” and may carry some liability for the giver of the free contaminated food.

After all, the chemical contamination is intentional and many of these unknown chemicals are often provided by tournament organizers free to tournament fishermen, yet tournament organizers or contestants have no knowledge of what these chemical are that’s contained in the bottle.

Chemically contaminated tournament bass are toxic waste, should never be consumed by humans and properly disposed of after weigh-in.

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July 22, 2012

Fearless Carl Wengenroth, National Conservation Director of the International Federation of Black Bass Anglers from Texas is not shy as he boldly comes forward blowing the whistle on common abusive Tournament Bass Care exposing the ubiquitous Bass Tournament “FUNCTIONAL LIVEWELL RULE” with his little Dissolved Oxygen Meter. Mr. Wengenroth’s DO meter doesn’t lie and State politicians are watching this.

         Wengenroth says, “…the rule’s a ‘shill game.”

DNR suggest ways to keep bass alive in livewells… but

Posted by Gene Mueller’s World of Hunting and Fishing 

http://genemuellerfishing.blogspot.com/2012/07/dnr-suggests-ways-to-keep-bass-alive-in_22.html 

Many black-bass anglers hold onto their catch for an hour or more throughout the fishing day, says a Maryland DNR report from Dr. Joseph Love, PhD, the man in charge of tidal bass — a man who also appears to be firmly on the side of bass tournaments.

“However … bass boat livewell oxygen levels and weigh-in bags that were tested in Texas revealed disturbing dissolved oxygen (DO) content and clearly demonstrated that the livewells were “deathwells” and in the case of tournament anglers waiting in line to tally their catches, holding the bass in a bag, the bags might be “kill bags.” So says the study made in July in the Lone Star State.

Carl Wengenroth, The National Conservation Director of the International Federation of Black-Bass Anglers exposes the cruel brutal reality of bass tournament fish care challenging the “Functional Livewell Rule,” say’s the rule a “shill game.”

Wengenroth is the “whistle-blower” and considered my many as a real champion for exposing the reality of anglers and tournament director’s poor (often deadly) summer tournament bass care practices. Most conservation directors and bass tournament officials vehemently deny these poor bass care practices exist. Most tournament officials refuse to test the oxygen saturation levels in bass boat livewells containing limits of bass when the contestant arrives at the weigh-in in a Wal-Mart parking lot or in the weigh-in bags full of fish. This whistle-blower exposes harsh reality of summer tournament bass care or failure of care. He has blown the whistle on the inadequate fish care tournament bass anglers really provide in summer fishing tournaments in their bass boat livewells, weigh-in bags and the infamous bass tournament “Functional Livewell Rule.”

Wengenroth’s dissolved oxygen meter does not lie and speaks volumes of truths that have been hidden from public view for decades. He spotlighted and dis-spelled false tournament myths about the great fish care bass tournaments provide for the catch when in Texas in the summer of 2012 he exposed the poor fish care that anglers really provide for the catch all day in bass boat livewells and weigh-in bags. There is no wonder the summer tournament mortality is so high. Withholding oxygen always results in death, dying and disease whether the suffocation is mindless, intentional or accidental.

He is resolute and determined as he sounds the alarm passionately that the tournament “Functional Livewell Rule” is but a simple “shill game” that’s played out by irresponsible tournament officials every summer. This common practice is used by many bass tournament officials to ensure bass boat’s qualify and tournament fees are collected in summer bass tournaments throughout America. If the livewell water pump is humming, it is certified as “functional” by a tournament official. He blew the public illusion that anglers and tournament officials provide the best bass care possible in their bass boat livewells and weigh-in bags. These anglers really don’t and often won’t even provide minimal safe care while suffocating the catch in bass boat livewells and weigh-in bags. The “functional livewell rule” is deceptive at best and deadly in summer bass tournaments according to this National bass tournament Conservation Director’s research published 2012.

This National Conservation Director has blown the lid off bass tournament public relations exposing the real lack of care and concern for the fish with his bass boat livewell and fish bag DO tests. He has directly challenged the tournament bass fishing industry, pointing out poor summer tournament fish care by demonstrating the failure to provide minimal safe oxygen levels in bass boat livewells and weigh-in bags. These deadly environments containing insufficient oxygen saturations do not ensure minimal safe or healthy environments for transporting live game fish.

Wengenroth’s research and findings explain why we are seeing state game department intervention in summer bass fishing tournaments. DNR’s must protect the star of the show with new and unwanted rules and regulations that directly affect tournament fishing.

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January 23, 2013

                       LIVEWELL OR DEATH WELL, By David W. Reid, January 23, 2013

 http://www.nationalprostaff.com/report/5112/Livewell+or+Death+Well

Before you read excerpts of David’s piece, take a moment and have a clear understanding of what a livewell in intended to do and the difference between air and oxygen.

What is a Livewell?  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Livewell

What is the real difference between Air and Oxygen?  https://www.oxyedge-chum.com/oxygen-is-not-air/

• You might not have the fastest boat or the biggest however you can put the odds in your favor by weighing in live fish. [If you can keep your catch safely oxygenated all day in your livewell in summer tournaments.]

• Many studies were done on oxygen levels in our livewells.  [REALLY?]

• The basic way to add more usable oxygen into the livewell is to pump more saturated surface water in. By replacing the livewell water that has lower oxygen with [hot?] saturated water from the surface.  [FISHERMAN’S MYTH]

• The amount of oxygen depends on the amount of water being pumped in, water temperature and the way it enters the livewell.  [FISHERMAN’S MYTH]

• The first lesion I learned was that by adding a spray bar it would add more oxygen to the water in my livewell.  [FISHERMAN’S MYTH]

• Second was the stream could now push the oxygen deeper into the livewell allowing for a better oxygen mixing with water mixture.  [FISHERMAN’S MYTH]

• Another thing you could do is change your livewell pump to a larger one.  [FISHERMAN’S MYTH]

• A larger pump would allow for more oxygen to be added to the livewell by pushing the oxygen/water mixture deeper into the livewell and it would increase the flow of saturated water deeper into your livewell.   [FISHERMAN’S MYTH]

• The problem with both the spray bar and the power aerator was that they used the air in the livewell between the lid and water line. [FACT-AIR IS THE PROBLEM]

• I soon learned that this air space would be depleted making them ineffective after about half an hour of running.   [FISHERMAN’S MYTH]

• To solve this problem, I would have to open my livewell every twenty minutes allowing for fresh air to enter. [MORE FRESH AIR WILL NOT SOLVE THE LOW OXYGEN DO PROBLEMS IN SUMMER LIVEWELLS]

• In tournaments where death penalties could cost you thousands of dollars a solution to this problem had to be found. [PURE OXYGEN SUPPLEMENTATION IS THE SOLUTION]

• Many anglers are now leaving their livewell pumps on, blocking their overflow holes in their livewells to prevent the water from draining out. By doing this, it now prevents the loss of oxygen in the livewell… You can see the advantages of having a freshwater scoop to help keep your oxygen level and your fish safe. [FISHERMAN’S MYTH]

• The latest product on the market is called The Oxygenator. Although I don’t have one… We left the Oxygenator on all night with our bait in it and never lost anything. On our ride to the tournament which was a six hours drive, we put our bait in the livewell with it on. After arriving and unloading the truck we checked the livewell. Everything was alive and the battery wasn’t drained.

• For more information on how the Oxygenator works I suggest you check out their website.

REVIEW PUBLISHED SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH about Oxygenators without advertisement: TPWD, Inland Fisheries Division, San Antonio, TX Publication by Fishery Biologist Randy Myers AquaInnovations Oxygenator 2-14-2012

http://www.slideshare.net/raminlandfish/the-oxygenator-how-effective-is-it  and https://www.oxyedge-chum.com/compare-oxygen-systems/

• If you were considering fishing a tournament this year but worried about keeping your fish alive or having problems with keeping your fish alive… here’s more information about how to keep your catch alive and healthy all day…I hope this report helps you to look at the different products which are available on the market today that can improve your livewell system this season.

There are real scientific based solutions that will ensure safe livewell oxygenation even on the hottest summer tournament day, all day long – oxygen supplementation. If your catch or live bait needs oxygen, give them oxygen not more air, more water, more ice or livewell chemicals.

Oxygenation of Livewells to Improve Survival of Tournament-Caught Bass by Fishery by Biologist Randy Myers and Jason Driscoll TPWP, Inland Fisheries Division, San Antonio, TX Publication 6/2011 http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/didyouknow/inland/livewells.phtml

Livewell Oxygen Injection Systems by Fishery Biologist Randy Myers TPWD, Inland Fisheries Division, San Antonio, TX Publication 6/2011  http://www.slideshare.net/raminlandfish/livewell-oxygen-injection-8773301

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November 13, 2013

                                 The OXYGENATOR™ – TH Marine

  Fire Safety

Oxygen enriched or oxygen-rich environments (>24% oxygen to 100% Oxygen) can accumulates in livewell gas spaces when the livewell lid is closed.

Oxygen enriched or oxygen-rich environments requires the same precautions and fire safety standards as pure 100% gaseous oxygen environments.

Know the oxygen fire risk and practice oxygen fire safety in oxygen – rich gas spaces.

BassPro.com promotional advertisement http://www.basspro.com/The-OXYGENATOR-Pro-Livewell-Flush Mount/product/100135/

• Creates an oxygen-rich environment to keep fish fresh and lively “This is the most efficient means of maintaining high-levels of oxygen in a livewell and nothing comes close to the OXYGENATOR’S ability to create an oxygen-rich environment.”

CAUTION: Although fire safety is a non-issue in this advertisement, all oxygen – All oxygen-rich gas spaces demand special respect and precaution in any livewell. https://www.oxyedge-chum.com/oxygen-safety/rules-of-the-road/