How To Keep Bait Fish Alive

How to Keep Bait Fish Alive: A Comprehensive Guide for Anglers

Keeping your bait fish alive is crucial for a successful fishing trip. Dead or dying bait is far less effective at attracting your target fish. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the best methods and techniques to ensure your bait stays lively and ready to catch you a big one!

Choosing the Right Bait Fish Container

The container you choose is paramount. A poorly chosen container can lead to stressed and quickly dying bait. Consider these factors:

• Size: Select a container large enough to comfortably house your bait fish without overcrowding. Overcrowding leads to oxygen depletion and increased stress levels.
• Material: Opt for a container made from a non-toxic material, such as plastic. Avoid using metal containers as they can corrode and potentially contaminate the water.
• Aerator: An aerator is essential! It's the best way to ensure that your bait fish receive a consistent supply of oxygenated water, preventing suffocation. Consider a battery-powered aerator for portability.
• Shading: Direct sunlight heats up the water quickly, stressing and killing your bait fish. Ensure your container provides adequate shade, perhaps using a cover or by placing it in a shady location.

Recommended Container Types:

• Livewells: Ideal for larger quantities of bait, livewells are specifically designed to keep fish alive and healthy. They usually include aeration and filtration systems.
• Bait Buckets: A more portable option for smaller quantities of bait fish. Look for buckets with features like built-in aeration systems.
• Plastic containers with lids: A cost-effective solution, but you'll need to add an aerator yourself.

Maintaining Water Quality

The health of your bait fish directly correlates with the quality of their water. Here's how to keep the water pristine:

• Clean Water: Use fresh, clean water—ideally, water from the same body of water you'll be fishing in. This minimizes stress on the fish due to drastic water temperature or salinity changes.
• Water Changes: Periodically change the water in your container to remove waste products and maintain optimal oxygen levels. The frequency depends on the number of fish and the container size. More frequent changes are always better.
• Temperature: Avoid drastic temperature fluctuations. The water in your container should be as close as possible to the temperature of the water where you will be fishing.

Handling Bait Fish with Care

Rough handling significantly stresses your bait fish. Follow these guidelines for gentle handling:

• Netting: Use a soft net and handle the fish gently to avoid injuring them.
• Transfer: When transferring bait fish from your container to your hook, do it quickly and efficiently to minimize their time out of the water.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Overcrowding leads to stress, increased waste production and decreased oxygen levels. Always allow sufficient space for your bait fish to swim comfortably.

Additional Tips for Success:

• Ice: If you are transporting your bait fish a long distance, use a small amount of ice to help maintain a cooler water temperature. Don't put ice directly into the water, but rather place it near the container to gradually cool the surrounding air.
• Species Considerations: Different species of bait fish have different oxygen requirements. Research the specific needs of your chosen bait fish.
• Regular Checks: Regularly check the water quality and the health of your bait fish. Address any issues promptly.

By following these tips, you can significantly improve your chances of keeping your bait fish alive and ready to use, leading to a more successful fishing trip. Remember, healthy bait leads to better catches!