Great question! Whether to put bass in a live well or release them immediately can depend on a few factors, including the specific circumstances of your fishing trip and the behavior of the bass in your area.
Using a Live Well:
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Advantages:
- Stress Reduction: Keeping bass in a live well can help reduce stress on the fish, especially if you're planning to tag them or measure them before release.
- Observation: It allows you to observe the fish for any signs of injury or illness before releasing them back into the pond.
- Controlled Environment: A live well provides a controlled environment where you can ensure the fish are healthy and ready to be released.
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Disadvantages:
- Spooking Other Fish: If you're fishing in a smaller area, the activity of catching and placing bass in a live well might spook other fish.
- Time Consuming: It can be more time-consuming to handle each fish individually, which might not be ideal if you're in a competitive fishing scenario or if the bite is hot.
Immediate Release:
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Advantages:
- Minimize Disturbance: Releasing the bass immediately can minimize the disturbance in the fishing area, potentially keeping other bass from being spooked.
- Natural Behavior: Immediate release allows the fish to return to its natural behavior more quickly, which can be beneficial for maintaining the ecosystem balance in your pond.
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Disadvantages:
- Risk of Injury: There's a higher risk of the fish being injured if it's not handled properly during the release process.
- Less Control: You have less control over the fish's condition and might miss signs of stress or injury that could be addressed in a live well.
Based on Video Context:
From the videos by BamaBass, it seems like they take a very hands-on approach with their bass, often using controlled environments like aquariums and bait tanks to monitor and care for their fish. For example, in the video "Exploring the 5 Acre Pond in a Glass Bottom Kayak! (Glow Lights)," they discuss using a bait tank with anesthetic to calm the bass for tagging. This suggests that using a live well could be beneficial for ensuring the health and well-being of the bass before release.
Recommendation:
If you're concerned about spooking other bass, you might want to consider the size of your fishing area and the behavior of the bass. If you're in a larger pond or lake, using a live well might not significantly impact the other fish. However, if you're in a smaller, more confined area, immediate release could be the better option to keep the fishing spot active.
If you have any specific conditions or additional details about your fishing environment, feel free to share, and I can provide more tailored advice!