Page 6 - Crappie NOW - April 2017
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KEEPING FISH ALIVE & HEALTHY
all treatments are equal and Sure-Life is a Grenada Lake tournament fishermen will
step above the others. recognize this shot of the view window in
Another simple thing is to keep the one of the big fish-holding tanks. Crappie
livewell full of water. The fuller the livewell are placed in the tanks, stabilized and
the more oxygen they’ll have and there returned to the water.
will be less movement of water when
travelling. The quality coolers used by many
tournament fishermen not only maintain survival. Better systems for quick weigh-
better temperature control but they can be ins is a simple improvement with no costs
filled to the top eliminating most sloshing involved. Direct fish care and release have
when motoring and therefore have fewer cost factors involved.
beat-up fish. He says after fish are weighed they
“Fishermen have a responsibility to should be put into a release boat equipped
care for the crappie but tournament directors with a tank with good water and chemicals.
are responsible during the weigh-ins. They The fish can be allowed to acclimate to the
must have a process in place to give fish water and later released in places known to
a maximum chance for survival. Tubs with hold crappie.
chemicals, oxygen and proper temperatures “Local, regional and national
is one method often used successfully in organizations have room for improvement.
bass tournaments.” Release stats might sound good but they do
Dannenmueller also believes crappie not reflect delayed mortality due to stress
weigh-ins should be conducted as quickly and removed slime. Only by taking care of
as possible. Moving people through the the fish can they give the best chance for
line quickly is important. A slow process or survival. I believe time and money are the
too much picture taking slows everything primary reasons proper release isn’t followed
down, forces fish to stay in the weigh-in for tournament fish.
coolers longer and reduces their chance for “Tournaments are just one photo away
from disaster. Dead fish laying in the water
6 Crappie NOW April 2017
