Thanks for the compliments, guys.

George- You are correct. The system was designed for transporting saltwater baitfish to far away fishing holes. IIRC, it was about $300-350, but it's been WELL worth the money (that's easy for me to say, I didn't pay for it!) In all seriousness, it really has been a huge help. The 'ol baitbucket just won't do in these situations on the Texas coast.

Despite its intended use in saltwater, I have found the system equally useful in transporting freshwater fish. I have moved up to 15 9" LMB, and the most recent trip was the 25 4-9" BG. Average time for me to transport is about 3-4 hours. I'm sure I could haul even more fish for an even longer time, but I've never had a mort and would like to keep it that way. My main reason for posting this was to show that it can be feasible to transport fish using this method, even in July. I had the oxygen output on the second lowest setting...so in theory, I could transport probably four or five times that many fish (or much larger fish) if I were to get a much bigger ice chest. This is basically a scaled-down version of what I've seen the fish hatcheries use when transporting fish. I did not add salt, but I'm sure that would help on a longer trip.

Bruce- George's DIY system seems to be the way to go. The one we purchased was called "Salty Air" System, and you might be able to find it online. We purchased it in Corpus Christi, TX. Otherwise, George's setup with the O2 tank and stone diffuser looks exactly like ours. Just be sure you have a good regulator and that the hose from the tank to the stone is cinched tightly at both ends (as you can see in George's picture). I have no doubt George's system would have the same results as ours. It's really simple and can be done at the costs George listed. My biggest problem is not so much with the system itself, but in refilling the O2 tank. There are very few places who will refill it for non-medical purposes. Kinda puts things in perspective when the other people in line want their tanks filled so that they can breathe, while I just want to go fishing/stocking. It really makes you thank the good Lord for the blessings in life.

At any rate, I'd highly recommend getting or making a similar system. I've even used it to transport bass from the main pond at my mom's to the little pond on the same property. It's nice to be able to fish for a few hours with barbless hooks at my leisure, put each fish in the ice chest as I catch them, not worry about whether they'll make it, and pretty soon have a full load of lively fish to take down the road.

Sorry for the long-winded post. I hope others can have even better success stories than me.

"Only after sorrow's hand has bowed your head will life become truly real to you; then you will acquire the noble spirituality which intensifies the reality of life. I go to an all-powerful God. Beyond that I have no knowledge--no fear--only faith."