Lively Baits
The number one thing to keeping live baits lively, is to provide
them with plenty of oxygen. There are all kinds of air pumps and aeration systems on the
market, and they all claim this or that. The fact of the matter is that oxygen and carbon
dioxide is exchanged with water at the surface (where air and water come into contact).
The most effective type of system i've found is a spray pump that
sprays water directly onto the surface of the baitwell water. This exchanges more oxygen
and releases more carbon dioxide by moving the surface of the water (stirring the water of
the baitwell). You can tell if your oxygen is low or depleted in your baitwell by the fact
that your baits are at the surface gasping for air (or dead--dweee). The only thing to
watch about the pump is keeping the foam filter on the bottom clean (the water flow starts
to slow down). Reach down into the baitwell and rub the debris and slime off the filter.
Also, rinse the debris from your baitwell and clean the filter after every trip.
It is also important to exchange some of your baitwell water with
fresh bay water as the day progresses. A bucket out with a bucket in, until the water
clears up. This helps remove ammonia and debris buildup. It also helps maintain the
baitwell temperature fairly constant with the bay water to prevent shocking your baits.
Ya' spent big bucks for them live baits, don't turn 'em into hard
head fodder. With just a little effort you can keep 'em lively and working for you.
- The most important factor is to move that surface
water to exchange the oxygen and carbon dioxide.
- Exchange some of your baitwell water with fresh
bay water as the day progresses to remove debris
and prevent shock.
Texas Gulf Coast
Fishing
