Trophy catfish like this deserves the best fish care possible. Hugh Thompson says that responsibility begins with the angler.
Trailer Responsibly
by Hugh Thompson
Four things to consider when trailering.
Tournament directors across the nation make decisions on allowing trailering or not. It is worth mentioning too, that many of today’s tournament events are embracing a 3 fish rule vs the traditional 5 fish weigh-in. This option puts less stress on the fisheries, allows for better onboard accommodations for your valued passengers, and speeds up the weigh-in process, which in turn returns the fish to the water quicker.
With tournament rules set, anglers then have to decide whether to fish them or not. Some anglers like trailering and the flexibility of launching at various ramps. Other anglers discourage trailering due to concerns for proper fish care. Similar onions exist with the 3 vs 5 fish weigh-in. Some anglers like it while others don’t.
When making a long run in a boat, several good size fish in a livewell can be bounced around pretty good. Although fresh water is readily available while on the water, the impact on the fish while running on the water can take its toll on your livewell passengers.
Trailering can provide a bit smoother ride for your friends in the livewell, however, without the proper equipment and care, trailering just like open water running can compromise the health of your fish. So, if you’re considering trailering here are some things you should always take into consideration:
Livewell Space
It is recommended to have a livewell big enough to hold and care for your fish. This recommendation is being implemented by many tournaments that require a 50-gallon livewell as a minimum.
Larger livewells provide several immediate benefits. They increase the available oxygen content; improve the dispersion of waste products; reduces overcrowding which lessens the stress on the fish; more room reduces the mutually inflicted injures; and the additional depth makes it easier for the fish to remain upright, even when trailering down the road or cruising on the water towards weigh-in.
Support Accessories
There are a host of recommended accessories to ensure proper fish care and safety. A second livewell is always a plus. Another is taking a cooler full of ice to cool down the livewell water temperature. Just be careful to add a little at a time so as not to shock the fish. Some anglers use frozen bottles of water to avoid possible chlorine contamination.
As a tournament angler for many years, and as a tournament director, I’ve been involved with many trailering events in multiple states. Some have been very large events with long weigh-in lines. When it comes to trailering in these large events, one of the best methods I’ve seen is a tank of water in the back of the truck. Use a pump and hose to circulate fresh water into the livewell even if it’s just used to keep your fish healthy while you wait in the weigh-in line.
Oxygen and recirculating water is a must and really should be added to every livewell. As a point of reference, optimum dissolved oxygen levels are between 4 and 8 milligrams per liter (3.785 liters per gallon). Simply opening the lid on your livewell for extended periods of time throughout the day will help.
Add Salt
Several studies have shown that fish have lower stress levels and higher survival rates during and after transport when salt is present in their water. For these reasons, salt is widely used by biologists during the transit of freshwater fish.
For example, 1 pound of salt to every 25 gallons of water results in a desirable mixture that will help relieve stress in the fish. Properly dissolved in a livewell the mixture will increase survival rates dramatically.
Keep in mind when using salt that it is wise to be running pure oxygen also especially in the warmer months. Seawater holds 20% less oxygen than freshwater therefore it takes a little more oxygen.
Time
Finally, leave yourself plenty of time. Whether you are running back on the water or trailering to the weigh-in, leave enough time to stop and check on your fish. If you can, circulate your livewell and get some fresh water in it. Check your oxygen levels. Look over your fish to make sure they are still lively and uninjured. If it’s a warm day, add a bit of ice to keep the water temperature at a reasonable level.
Whether you’re running on the water or down the highway, striving to care for your fish must always remain a priority. If anglers always made it a priority, fewer fish would be lost and our fisheries and sport would be far better off.
Final Thoughts
Trailering can be a great way to overcome ramp obstacles. Overcrowded ramps and long lines add stress to participating anglers and delay arrival times at the fishing hole.
Trailering can also level the playing field for smaller boats with smaller fuel cells. They can choose ramps close to their fishing spots. Small boats also benefit in terms of safety as they avoid crossing dangerous wakes and rough water that results from a single launch site on tournament day.
Although there are many respected opinions about trailing, I enjoy trailering events. It can open the playing field up and keeps boats from being stacked up on top of each other. Whatever you decide is best for you, trailering or make a long run with your boat, remember to properly care for and keep a constant check on your fish.
Fish care is an important responsibility of every angler. Have a plan and be sure you’ve prepared your boat with the proper equipment and accessories. Prepare your team as well, so that at the end of the day, your fish are ensured of making it back into the water happy and healthy.
When your observations warrant it, the best decision is to release them. Fish that roll over on their side, for example, are not in good health and should not be stressed any further. There will be another weigh-in on another day. The health and care of your catch must be first and foremost even if that means releasing them.
