AS SEEN IN THE NOV/DEC 2005 ISSUE

An oxygen infusion system may be the solution to your baitfish nightmares. 

All living things require oxygen for their very existence, fish are no exception. Unlike mammals, fish have to breathe in an extremely dense atmosphere, a function which consumes up to 20% of their total energy. With each gulp, seawater is fed through the fish’s gills where oxygen is extracted and diffused into the blood.

 This rejuvenated blood stream is distributed throughout the rest of the fish's body by their circulatory system. And like you and I, a regulated amount of oxygen intake guarantees optimum performance.

Clearly aware of this fact, for years tournament competitors have been searching for a way to increase the level of this precious life giving gas into their baits live-well. Original solutions looked toward the medical industry where oxygen systems are commonly utilized in emergency rooms and first-aid vehicles. But after a bit of research, boaters realized the bulky design of such equipment, the need for a prescription, and the high costs involved rendered the option unfeasible, well times have changed. Today, self-contained, affordable marine O2 infusion systems are available for vessels of every size, including kayaks.

It all started a few years back. I chartered a boat which had a bulky O2 system installed on the outer edge of their large circulating live-well. Given my background in respiratory therapy, I was intrigued. After 30 minutes of pounding the crew with questions, the captain finally blurted that it was an absolutely awesome idea and worked wonders for keeping bait in prime shape, going on to add the system was way too big and way too expensive for ‘my’ boat. Naturally, the next question was “how much?” When he revealed the cost to purchase and install the system, I almost fell out of the fighting chair.

From that moment on I was on a mission. I was convinced a live bait oxygenation system could be made smaller and for far less money. My goal was to produce a marine O2 infusion system that was safe, affordable and angler friendly. And one that worked! I dreamed of a day when my own design would be available to the sport fishing community. Since all the components were already available, I knew I wouldn’t have to re-invent the wheel; just put the right pieces together, do some testing, and come up with a proven design. The rest is history; the BMC Bait Oxygenation System is now a reality and in use nationwide by many tournament winning crews.  I’m especially proud of the teams I sponsor, SKA champions Chris Thomas on Team Hold’Em Hook, Redfish Tour/FLW champions Thomas and Rush, Capt. Kevin Kates’ Intrinsic Value, and Michael Ogden’s Team Reel Bytes.

‘Till this day I receive calls questioning how oxygen infusion works and what live bait fishermen could expect from installing such a system. Sadly, I’ve learned there are numerous misconceptions when it comes to O2 infusion. The most common of which are that pure oxygen infused into a live-well will produce physiological effects rendering baits hyperactive, and that infusing pure oxygen increases baitfish’s adrenaline giving them a "rush". The infusion of oxygen into your live-well will not produce these effects.

What an oxygenation system will do for you...

In simple terms, oxygen infusion increases the amount of available oxygen in a given volume of water. This is inclusive of both actual dissolved oxygen and oxygen partial pressure. Partial pressure dictates the amount and speed in which oxygen is transported into the bait. All of this may sound rather dull, so you may be asking "what’s all the excitement about?"

We can all relate to sluggish baits, a common occurrence that is particularly noticeable during the blistering summer months. Increased temperature has the same effect on baitfish as in humans. As body heat rises, so does metabolism, which results in an increase in the body's oxygen requirements.

Baitfish which are held in a live-well are confined in a predetermined space which can only hold a given volume of oxygen. As the bait’s demand for oxygen increases due to stress and increased live-well water temperatures, this same space is unable to satisfy their growing oxygen needs. Therefore, suffocation commences, baits become increasingly sluggish and eventually, they begin to falter.

Infusing pure oxygen into this same volume of water prevents these harmful effects and greatly increases the bait's overall productivity. That’s what all the hype is about; no more sluggish or dead baits, only happy, frisky baits that peel drag as soon as they hit the water and smell a hint of freedom. When compared to bait which hasn’t been infused, the results are so dramatic that it’s easy to perceive why infusing pure oxygen somehow causes hyperactivity and adrenaline rushes. 

An additional, equally important advantage of installing an oxygenation system is the ability to contain more bait in the same volume of space without risking mass mortality. Due to substantially increased oxygen levels, you can safely double and sometimes even triple the number of baits your live-well was designed to accommodate.

Dealing with red tide? You too will find an oxygen infusion system advantageous. With an O2 system you’ll be able to turn off your circulation pump as you run offshore into ‘cleaner’ water. The infused O2 will be all that’s required to keep your baits healthy.

Let’s not overlook the fourth advantage; the ability to insure your prized catch remains alive when competing in release tournaments, an important factor in today’s popular redfish circuits where fish are weighed and must be released alive for point consideration.

You have choices...

There are three different infusion systems available for the marine industry. The original configuration is composed of a regulator and pressurized cylinder which periodically needs to be refilled. Refills can be obtained at local welding shops that sell oxygen.

The second type of system utilizes acetylene torch oxygen cylinders, readily available at hardware or home improvement stores. This system is great for weekend warriors who don’t have a need for an adjustable system. It’s either on or off. This is the most economical system available.

The third type is a self-contained unit that produces its own oxygen. Also known as an oxygen concentrator, this device incorporates a compressor and a chemical. The compressor draws air (21% oxygen & 79% nitrogen) into a reservoir. The chemical within the reservoir extracts the nitrogen, leaving approximately 88% oxygen. The compressed O2 then enters your live-well at a regulated rate through a needle valve. The chemical's unpredictable life expectancy requires periodic oxygen analysis to assure its effectiveness. These types of units must be kept dry and vibration free at all times.

Regardless which system is right for you, I can tell you that with the high cost of live bait or the investment in time required for capturing your own, infusing oxygen into your live-well will have a dramatic effect on the overall performance of your baits.

Install a bait oxygenation system on your boat and find out for yourself why successful tournament teams incorporate bait oxygenation as part of their tournament winning strategies! 

Louis Jimenez is the sole proprietor of Blue Marlin Chronicles online tackle store. Visit www.BlueMarlinChronicles.com or call Louis at (954) 317-3532. He’s always happy to answer questions regarding the benefits of bait oxygenation systems.

---

Save and Share this Article: