Understanding Livewells: Keeping Catch Fresh On Board

Livewells are tanks on fishing boats that keep bait and caught fish alive. They work by pumping fresh water from the lake into the tank and then back out, keeping the water fresh and oxygenated so that fish can breathe. Livewells can be factory-installed or temporary, improvised containers. They are an important part of any fishing boat, allowing anglers to keep their bait lively and fresh, and ideally, alive.

Livewells keep fish alive for anglers for various purposes

Livewells are a must-have feature for anglers in both saltwater and freshwater. They are used to keep bait and caught fish alive for a variety of purposes. These include using the fish as bait, keeping them for dinner, or even bringing them to a tournament weigh-in.

Livewells are tanks that can be factory-installed or improvised, and they work by pumping fresh water from the lake into the tank and then back out. This flow of water keeps the water oxygenated, allowing the fish to breathe properly. The water is aerated to stimulate the oxygen in the water, and the amount of water entering the well is regulated to prevent overflow. Livewells can also be recirculating systems, which pump water in a loop through the tank.

The optimal levels of dissolved oxygen in the water vary by species, and it is important to maintain the correct temperature in the livewell. The water temperature should match the temperature of the water the fish were caught in, which is often much cooler than the surface water. To maintain the correct temperature, ice can be added to the livewell.

Livewell maintenance is important to ensure the system is working properly and to prevent the water from becoming too warm or too cool. Regular cleaning is necessary to prevent clogs and keep the water safe for the fish.

Livewells can be factory-installed or temporary

Livewells are an essential feature for anglers, whether they fish in saltwater or freshwater. They are tanks used to keep bait and caught fish alive, and they can be factory-installed or temporary. Factory-equipped livewells are often rotomolded and have insulated walls to maintain water temperatures. They also have a pump and an inlet to bring in fresh water, as well as a drain with an overflow stand to get rid of the water.

If you need a livewell on your boat, there are options available to you. Livewells can be factory-installed original equipment, aftermarket installations, or even temporary and improvised containers. For example, a simple styrofoam bucket with a rope handle can work as a livewell to keep a couple of dozen minnows or shrimp alive for the morning. You can also add oxygen tablets to the water to keep the bait alive.

Factory-installed livewells are often rotomolded and have insulated walls to help maintain water temperatures. They also have a pump to bring in fresh water and a drain to get rid of it. These livewells may also have features such as blue interiors, which are believed to calm baitfish, and radiused corners to keep schooling baitfish from congregating in one area.

Aftermarket installations can include recirculating systems that pump water in a loop through the livewell, as well as aerators and filters to maintain water quality. These systems can be customised to suit different fishing needs and types of bait. For example, the bay boat configuration offers a recirculating pump and a pro air pump on one tank, while the sportfish design has two pumps and adjustable overflow valves to reduce damage to bait while running in offshore conditions.

Livewells use recirculating systems when pumping in raw water isn't an option

Livewells are an important part of any fishing boat, and they are remarkably simple. They are a bait management system that keeps live bait swimming and alive. Livewells can be factory-installed, aftermarket installations, or temporary, even improvised containers.

For situations when pumping raw water into your well isn’t an option, many livewells use recirculating systems. Recirculators essentially pump water in a loop, out of the well, through a tube, and back into the well. The most basic recirculators don’t add oxygen or clear waste, but many systems incorporate aerators and filters to do so. Without fresh water coming in, the water in a recirculating system can get too warm in hot weather or too cool in cold weather.

The optimal levels of dissolved oxygen fish require in water varies by species. Cutthroat trout, for example, need relatively high levels of dissolved oxygen, while red drum requires much less. Saltwater baitfish tend to need lots of oxygen to stay alive. As water warms, it holds less dissolved oxygen.

Fish will do better in wells with aeration. Aeration that provides a lot of very small bubbles is the most effective. Bubble aerators with air-stones, similar to the basic aquarium setup, can provide good livewell aeration. Aerators with ceramic diffusers that produce dense clouds of fine bubbles will provide top-end breathing room in your well.

Oxygen levels are the most important factor for livewells

Livewells are tanks found on many fishing boats, deck boats, and pontoons that are used to keep bait and caught fish alive. They work by pumping fresh water from the lake into the tank and then back out. This flow of water keeps the water fresh and oxygenated, allowing fish to breathe properly.

There are a few different approaches to keeping the water in a livewell moving and aerated. You can pump raw water from outside the boat into the well and then drain it back overboard. This is the best way to keep the fish happy as it provides fresh oxygen and removes waste. It also helps to keep the temperature in the well stable.

Another option is to use a recirculating system, which pumps the water in a loop out of the well and back in. These systems may also incorporate aerators and filters to oxygenate the water and clear waste. However, without fresh water coming in, the water temperature in a recirculating system can be difficult to control.

Aeration that provides a lot of very small bubbles is the most effective. Bubble aerators with air stones or aerators with ceramic diffusers that produce dense clouds of fine bubbles are good options for livewell aeration.

It's important to keep your livewell clean and properly maintained. This includes regularly cleaning the filter, checking for leaks, and ensuring that the drainage system is functioning properly to prevent overflows.

Livewell maintenance is important to prevent damage

To maintain your livewell, it is important to regularly clean and inspect it. After each use, drain and rinse the livewell with fresh water. Inspect and clean the aerator pump, spray bar, and tubing for any debris or buildup. Check and clean the mesh net or screen covering the inlet and outlet holes, as well as the intake and overflow drains.

It is also important to periodically check fittings, hose clamps, switches, plugs, and electrical connectors. If your boat is not in use, add water and run the pump on recirculation to keep the impeller conditioned. Keep a replacement pump on hand, as they can fail over time.

Additionally, pay attention to any signs of water leakage or pump failure. Check all connections and ensure that waterproof sealant has been applied properly. If necessary, reapply sealant and allow it to dry completely. If the aerator pump is not working, verify the battery or power source connection and check the wiring for any issues.

By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure that your livewell functions optimally, preventing damage to your boat and keeping your catch healthy.

Frequently asked questions