Great Lakes Bass Fishing Forum

Hey guys,

Should of asked this in my last post sorry.

I have fished for smallies on erie for a few years now but never in tourneys or anything so i never had to put them in the live well.
However I plan on starting to fish a few tourneys here and there so I am looking for some tips on how to properly care for smallies when in the LWell.
For LMouth I just add ice periodically if it is really hot and I always keep the wells in manuel mode and the aerator on as well as using Rejuve or something like it.

I have heard of fizzing and have a general concept of what it is but have no idea how to perform it.

I have no idea when it is needed,how to do it ,where to get supllies?

Any info would be appreciated.

fizzing is usally only done when catching fish deep.  bass, especially smallmouth, have a bad habit of rocketing to the surface one you get  a hook into them.  when this happens, the fishes air bladder doesnt have time to adjust to the change in pressure.  deep caught fish blow  up like  a  ballon and you can use an 18 guage hypodermic needle to puncture through the skin and into the air bladder to release the built up air.

this is a very tricky process and if not done correctly can kill the fish.

there are videos and articles all over the net.  just do some searches.  if you find a good article with a diagram, print it out for on the water referance.

also, if you really want to take fish care to the next level, check out the livewell vents from V-T2.com.  I installed them last season and they have made a world of difference in the condition of my fish.  i will never own another boat with out these things.

McCarter himself :-\'

Also plug your livewell overflow when you run.  The water can leave your livewell in a hurry with the rough water.  Most of all pay attention to them!  Just take a look at them every hour or more to see if they need some extra care.