Texas Association of Bass Clubs

2012

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It may be April Fools Day, but this is no joke –
Like a dastardly villain, the exotic giant salvinia spreads quickly over water, choking lakes and doubling in size every seven days. It forces out native plants and ruins fishing, boating and other water recreation. If giant salvinia is allowed to take over Texas lakes, it won't be our Texas anymore.

Meet the Monster Taking over Texas Waterways! Check out the humorous TV spot that deals with this very serious issue:

This TV spot is just one part of a large public awareness campaign being launched this month by Texas Parks and Wildlife, asking you to take action to stop the spread of giant salvinia and other invasive species. Read the press release to learn more about the campaign, and visit http://www.texasinvasives.org/action/spreadword.php to share the TV spot and see other campaign materials.

We need your help to stop the spread of giant salvinia! When you’re out on the water this spring and summer, remember to:
• Clean your boat, trailer and gear and place plant material in a trash can before leaving a boat ramp area
• Learn to identify giant salvinia and other invasive aquatic species
• Report sightings of giant salvinia to giantsalvinia@tpwd.state.tx.us or (409) 384-9965

Giant salvinia is just one of hundreds of invasive species changing the very landscape of Texas. Learn more and find out what species are threatening your part of the state at www.texasinvasives.org

Summer Time Fish Care - Conservation Corner:
Is there any doubt this summer will be hot? Most areas in the state set heat records before we ever got out of June. Now that we are in the hottest part of the year, we must be ever vigilant to not only take care of ourselves, but the fish we catch. Please take a moment to read this article, then share it with a fellow fisherman who might benefit. Conservation is all our responsibility.

Summer time fishing can be very challenging to anglers and tournament directors who are trying to keep fish alive. No matter what efforts are taken by tournament directors and conservationist, it all begins with the men and women who are fishing. Here are a few Fast Facts to remember and a few Tips and Tricks to help improve your fish mortality rates.

Fast Facts:
1. When you put fish in 75 Deg F water or higher, your aerator may not maintain safe oxygen levels in the live-well.
2. Aeration is only adding 20.9% oxygen to the water and is not as effective as pure oxygen.
3. Not flushing your live-well can increase biological waste and can kill your fish.
4. Fish that are stressed due to elevated temperatures or poor water conditions will likely not survive.
5. Dissolved Oxygen levels below 5 Parts Per Million (PPM) will cause a fish to be stressed.
6. Live well additives alone will not keep a fish alive if the dissolved oxygen is low.

Tips and Tricks:
1. Maintain your live-well water temperature around 68 Deg F if at all possible.
2. 1-gallon (such as 1-gallon milk jug or 2-1/2 gallon milk jugs) of frozen water will lower the water temperature about 10 deg F for 3-4 hours.
3. Live-well additives, such as Sure-Life Labs Products can help to reduce fish stress and remove ammonia. See: www.sure-life.com for more details.
4. If you use an Oxygen Generator (Electrolytic Hydrolysis) DO NOT use live-well additives that contain Salt. See: www.keepfishalive.com for more details.
5. Adding 1-Ounce per 4-gallons of water (or 6 OZ per 30 gallon live well) can increase the dissolved oxygen in the water (DO NOT OVERDOSE)
6. Transport fish to the scale and immediately refresh the water in your bag at each dip tank. The oxygen in your weigh bag is limited to what is in your live-well and is being depleted rapidly.
7. Pure Oxygen is the best option for keeping your fish alive, but should be handled with care. NO Oxygen is NOT flammable, but does support combustion. See: www.boydsonestop.com

These are just a few tips to help keep your fish healthy and improve your mortality rates. Though TABC does not directly endorse any of the products listed, these are a few products that may help you learn about fish care and improve your mortality rates. Please do your own research and select what is best for you. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at 832-275-0116 or jodyisfishin@gmail.com.

Tight Lines!
Jody Jackson

Jody Jackson, CSP
Safety Superintendent
Total Petrochemicals, Inc. - Bayport Plant
12212 Port Road
Pasadena, Texas 77507
281-474-6944 (office)
713-883-0110 (pager)
jody.jackson@total.com (E-Mail)

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