Warm water holds less dissolved oxygen, while baitfish consume more oxygen as their metabolism increases. This combination can quickly stress and kill baitfish. The BaitWell Buddy System has a specially designed venturi to add clean, oxygen-rich micro bubbles to your livewell.

Yes, but carefully. Cooling the water can help it hold more oxygen. Use chlorine-free ice or frozen bottles so the melted water does not contaminate the livewell.

Avoid overcrowding. Too many baitfish in too little water quickly reduce oxygen and increase waste. Keeping fewer baitfish per gallon generally improves survival. Threadfin shad are especially sensitive and stress easily. In a well-filtered, well-oxygenated livewell kept around 65–75°F, you should be able to keep about 3–4 threadfins per gallon of water.

Regular water exchanges help replenish oxygen and remove waste products. Fresh water from the same environment can significantly improve bait health. However, if you're using the BaitWell Buddy System, water changes are not usually required unless you've overcrowded your tank.

Baitfish release ammonia as waste. In a confined livewell, ammonia can accumulate and damage gills, eventually killing the bait. The BaitWell Buddy System actively filters out waste, slime, scales, and debris which increases ammonia buildup if left in the tank. Clean the filter frequently until the water is clear.

Yes. Products designed for bait tanks can help neutralize ammonia and improve water quality, especially during long fishing trips.

For most baitfish species, continuous circulation and aeration are beneficial because they maintain oxygen levels and water quality. The BaitWell Buddy System creates current in your livewell in addition to filtering and aerating.

Yes. Species differ in their tolerance for temperature, salinity, water movement, and oxygen levels. What works for shad may not be ideal for mullet or pilchards.

Absolutely. Rough handling removes protective slime and increases stress. Use a small bait net whenever possible instead of grabbing bait by hand.

In heavily stocked livewells or very warm weather, supplemental oxygen can maintain higher dissolved oxygen levels than aeration alone. The BaitWell Buddy System produces oxygen-rich microbubbles that help maintain the high oxygen levels baitfish need, especially in warmer conditions.

Yes. A commonly recommended starting point is 1 cup of non-iodized salt per 10 gallons of water in the bait tank.

• Reduces stress: A small amount of salt can help baitfish maintain their internal balance of salts and fluids (osmoregulation), which reduces stress during handling and transport.
• Supports gill function: Freshwater fish naturally lose salts to the surrounding water. Adding a little salt to the bait tank can reduce that loss, making it easier for the fish to maintain normal bodily functions.
• May help protect against some parasites and minor injuries: Anglers often use modest salt concentrations because they can be less stressful on fish that have been netted or transported.

This often indicates low oxygen levels. Increase aeration, add fresh water if appropriate, and reduce crowding immediately.

Very clean. Residual fuel, sunscreen, soap, or fish slime can harm baitfish. Rinse the livewell thoroughly before each trip.

A good setup includes:

• Continuous aeration or oxygenation such as the BaitWell Buddy System
• Moderate stocking density
• Periodic water exchange when conditions require
• Temperature control
• A clean livewell
• Ammonia management when needed
• Add 1 cup non-iodized salt per 10 gallons of water