First Bass Tournament

[Bottleofski]

I’m fishing in my first ever bass tournament and my friend and I are doing it as a team. It is a local small tournament and within the entry fee they give you a 16’ flat bottom Jon boat but the head of the tournament stated that I need to bring an electric trolling motor and battery. So my first question is what kind of electric trolling motor setup should I get that I can mount on to the boat. The second question I have is what kind of livewell setup should I use? The head of the tournament said for a livewell just bring a cooler. However I know from having a fish tank that putting a fish in stressful situations like that could be problematic to the fishes health and well-being I was planning on using ice, getting an aerator setup, getting some kind of water conditioner that eliminates ammonia. The tournament is for 8hrs. 5 bass limit with a weigh in at the end and the it’s on a lake that you’re not allowed any gas motors over 4hp. Any info will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!  

[Troy85]

How much you looking to spend on the trolling motor?  You can get a MinnKota 30lb thrust transom mount for about 100 bucks.  

 

https://www.cabelas.com/product/Minn-Kota-Endura-C-Transom-Mount-Trolling-Motor/1089570.uts?productVariantId=2803274&WT.tsrc=PPC&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=03109997&rid=20&ds_rl=1252079&ds_rl=1252079&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIl_fDxpfz4gIVE73sCh2mpQ5kEAQYBSABEgIi1PD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

The 30lb will work fine if its a calm day, but personally, I'd spend extra money and get something with more thrust, I saw a 55lb thrust transom mount at walmart for $220.  Deep Cycle battery, I always use Interstate group 31.  You could probably go with group 27 if you wanted to save a little money and weight(about 10lbs).

 

For the livewell, they sell a kit for aerating a cooler.  https://www.amazon.com/Marine-Metal-Super-12-volt-Aeration/dp/B0014454J8

 Look under the reviews, some users posted pictures of how it looks in use.

[TOXIC]

That is a very odd tournament setup.  I'd wager there's going to be a lot of dead fish.  Those that I know that fish electric only tournaments have pretty extensive setups.  

[ohboyitsrobby]

So.... You are provided a boat but you provide the motor and livewell system?? That's extremely odd. What's the water temp there? It's hard enough to keep 5 fish alive in my bass boat with good aeration and a livewell. I could only imagine trying to do it in an igloo with Mr bubbles. 

[Choporoz]

I fished a tourny that was somewhat simillar last year.  We all used these collapsible baskets like we used to use when I was a kid keeping bluegill and crappie.  We did have one kill out of eight or nine boats....sad, but not as bad as I feared.

 

[813basstard]

Do you have to give the boat back? 

Btw, unless the ice is frozen lake water, don’t put ice in there. They’ll be dead before you get up to cruising speed of 4.

[clark9312]

I’d probably go with the basket @Choporoz posted a pic of maybe two. Idk though I’ve never tried to keep fish alive in a cooler or a basket. Theres not going to be a lot of room in a Jon boat after you bring all your gear, 2 guys, cooler for drinks, and your trolling stuff. 

[WRB]

Trolling motor isn't necessary, wonder why the TD would requires it?

PFD's, throw cushion,fire extinguisher and livewell are usually required.

To keep bass alive in the cooler you need a aeration pump and a aquarium D cell aerator will work in the short term. Fish baskets are usually a no no, anglers have a habit of cheating using baskets so check first. A simple D ring clip stringer also works and use the cooler for transportation only.

A simple oxygen adder is 3% over the counter hydrogen peroxide mixed 1/2 cup to 12 gallons (55 quarts) keeps bass alive for several hours aided by the aeration pump.

Tom

 

[stepup]

On 6/18/2019 at 7:59 PM, 813basstard said:

Do you have to give the boat back? 

Btw, unless the ice is frozen lake water, don’t put ice in there. They’ll be dead before you get up to cruising speed of 4.

That is totally untrue. As long as he uses a good livewell treatment the fish will be fine. G-juice or Rejuvinade either one will be fine and kill all amonia and neutralize any chlorine in the ice. Please don't spout off incorrect information.