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Jan 10th, 2023
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HSB catch and release mortality has been discussed on the PB forum, and correctly noted that the larger HSB will fight to their death if allowed. I’ll share my experience FWIW…. 1. Land fish as soon as possible without taking all of the fun out of it. I have gone to a small diameter, low visibility, 13# break strength leader, but still have to play the fish carefully due to using #8 fly hook. 2. Avoid un-necessary handling – I use a boga grip (lip gripper). 3. Resuscitate in aerated cooler while working fish back and forth until swims up-right. 4. Release carefully and save for another day – my wife won’t let me kill her pets and too valuable to catch only once…. This technique saved a near 4# HSB for me yesterday My nest step is research from my fisheries biologist friends the proper amount of rock salt and chemicals to use? Also considering a portable oxygen bottle to use instead of aerator. Suggestions for a fish ICU? Comments? George Glazener N.E. Texas  
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George :
I have several studies some joint with AFS and BASS on holding fish so they survive. I will check them tonight and see if they have any applicable info to report.
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George:
I hate unintentional morts from catching fish, but even more than that, I hate morts that I thought were going to make it before I released the fish and found it dead the next day. On several occasions I have wished I had a safe holding tank at the pond to keep and observe a fish in after catching it - if it recovers, release it; if not, eat it. You can only get so much info keeping it in a bucket for an hour or so. It looks like you're most of the way to that capability now!
"Live like you'll die tomorrow, but manage your grass like you'll live forever." -S. M. Stirling ![[Linked Image from i.pinimg.com]](https://i.pinimg.com/736x/ed/b5/e7/edb5e7f935843b996cf52be593c9ebd2--smoothie-smooth-collie.jpg)
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George, I can't take anyone serious that keeps a Kawasaki Mule that clean.
It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.
Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.
Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP
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George,
Consider a .5% salt solution for holding HSBs to be returned to water. If 40 qt ice chest...then 10 gallons water @ 8 lbs per gallon = 80 lbs water, so .4 lbs salt...or just 1/2 lb of salt.
For oxygen, you can buy small oxygen cylinders and oxygen regulator at local gas place. Get a "Point 4" micropore diffuser from aquaticecosystems.com and regulate your oxygen flow with the regulator. One small oxygen bottle might last a very long time with this system, just keeping a few fish alive from time to time. These micropore diffusers are worth the investment, because they'll save you trips to refill the oxygen bottle all the time.
I hope this helps.
It's ALL about the fish!
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Originally posted by Dave Davidson1:
George, I can't take anyone serious that keeps a Kawasaki Mule that clean. Dave, I have a DIL that is a PRIZE - don't know how my son ever found her or she put up wiith him. Don't have any daughters - just hairy legged ole boys - she's a jewel.  She keeps it clean for me and ready to go. I love her more than the mule ... 
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Originally posted by overtonfisheries:
George,
Consider a .5% salt solution for holding HSBs to be returned to water. If 40 qt ice chest...then 10 gallons water @ 8 lbs per gallon = 80 lbs water, so .4 lbs salt...or just 1/2 lb of salt.
For oxygen, you can buy small oxygen cylinders and oxygen regulator at local gas place. Get a "Point 4" micropore diffuser from aquaticecosystems.com and regulate your oxygen flow with the regulator. One small oxygen bottle might last a very long time with this system, just keeping a few fish alive from time to time. These micropore diffusers are worth the investment, because they'll save you trips to refill the oxygen bottle all the time.
I hope this helps. Todd, many thanks for the info - I believe the oxygen and salt is the way to go. What about a product called "shad saver" that the live bait guides use on lake Texoma? The oxygen bottle will be a time saver - I can attach it semi-permantly and not have to worry about a battey swap with boat trolling motor each time. I'll order the micropore diffuser as well. Thanks much.....
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Nothing...and I mean NOTHING beats pure O2 for fish revival. I've had some success with chemicals and salt, but when I acquired a pure O2 cylinder I could almost bring fish back from the dead. Great post, George. I love it when somebody takes the time to educate the rest of us.
Holding a redear sunfish is like running with scissors.
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Oxygenated Live Well System Update: 20 cu ft Oxygen Cylinder from ebay Oxygen Regulator - ebay Point Four Ultra-Fine Bubble Diffusers http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/iid/9775/cid/2339 Air Hose – Home Depot Igloo/Coleman Cooler Admittedly, I didn’t put any undue pressure on the fish population this hot and dry summer, but with moderate fishing pressure, using the oxygenated live well system, only one fish was lost - a gill-hooked bleeder.It makes sense to me to resuscitate fish in a live well of some sort the same as used on most boats, and believe O2 is the way to go.It was very surprising how fast a belly up fish can be revived… 
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Thanks George for the post no matter where it is, I wish I had it the other day. In a way your post is good for the fish truck report. If people are looking to stock fish and get them from the truck maybe they want to use your idea with the oxigen. I am one for going off the subject but sometimes it just the way it goes so absolutly no appolage is needed to me.
How long does a O2 tank last with your system?
Joey
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Joey, the secret for max O2 utilization is the Aquatic Eco-system Point Four Ultra-Fine Bubble Diffuser.
With a 20 cu ft O2 cylinder, I get some 10 – 12 hrs usage.
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