I was hoping that people that move fish for a living would have answered this. I sure don't do this for a living but have moved lots of fish.

I use two types of aerators. Most of the time, I use Bubble Box Portable Air Pumps made by Marine Metal Products. They can be purchased at most fishing supple stores. I usually use at least two of these with each container so that if one pump should fail, the other one would still be working. The other thing I use is a portable air compressor that is powered by the cigarette lighter. I've rigged it with tubbing and a 12" bottom diffuser from a pet store.

The basic container I use is an 18-20 gal. plastic container that can be purchased almost anywhere. I also have two containers about twice as large. I put the tops on to keep the water from splashing all over. Using a drill, I cut slots on one edge of the top, outside of the container to hang the aerators on. I then drill a 1" hole on the top by the aerators to drop the diffusers into the water.

Here are some things to be careful about. Much of the water we drink is clorinated. This clorine will kill your fish very quickly. Either use water from the place you are getting the fish or go to a pet store and buy a declorinator. Make sure your container doesn't have any contaminants in it. It is too easy to forget that you spilled something a while ago. I now use a fresh plastic trash bag as a liner.

It is much easier to move fish when the temps are low. If temps are high, put the fish in your container and then gradually lower the water temp with ice. When you get to your destination, gradually warm the water to the temp of your water.

Many people (including me) use non-ionized salt in the water. The pros can explain the use of non-ionized salt better than I.

Another thing I do sometimes is use a large plastic garbage bag inside the container. Instead of aerators, I have a pure oxygen tank and fill the bag with oxygen. I twist the top and use either wire or rubber bands to make sure the bag doesn't leak oxygen.

Most of us want to put as many fish into the container as possible. Remember though that it doesn't matter how many fish you start with. What matters is how many fish surive and thrive in your lake.

Norm Kopecky