pulling fish from the livewell.

[JeffA]

this may sound dumb, but this is my first boat with a live well, whats the best way to take fish from the livewell, do i grab them by the back, the lip.. i always see guys just reach right in and pull them out by the lip with not even a splash, whats keep the fish from going crazy when trying to reach for them?
thanks

[shawn706]

A good set of culling tags is the best way I've found.

[hawgjawsTR196]

i found a nice but cheap set of culling tags that came with 3M backing and a little dry erase board w/backing also on Ebay for under 20 bucks. That fellas shipping was quick too. They go on the bottom side of your livewell lid for easy access and out of the way storage.

[Explorer]

second that

[critter]

i use a small net that i got from a pet store for an aquarium works great

[shawn706]

I got mine from Acadamy for $7. Comes with 7 tags, the board and marker. Foam floats with a vinal tube connecting them to the clip. I've only used them on 1 outing but hoisted a 3lber with no problem. Anything bigger and I'd hoist it by the clip and not the float.

[Callie]

culling tags no doubt. I like ones with clips. No sence is piercing a giant hole in its mouth with the kind that are pointed.

[bmas13]

If they manage to throw one of the culling tags, I grab the fish by the 'neck/shoulders' (right behind the gills) and squeeze. They usually sit still and I use my other hand to stabilize the fish before I put it in the weigh bag.

I used to use a small net, but it was a pain to get out of that small net (dorsal fins flared). I stopped doing that, figuring that I was putting undo stress on the fish that way.

[Zarkie]

Grab the fish behind the pectorals and turn him upside down----once they are inverted they will hold still---the grab is the only tricky part---also drain your well at least 2/3's

[bmas13]

Draining a large portion of the water out of the livewells is a HUGE help.

[Mickstix]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by bmas13 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Draining a large portion of the water out of the livewells is a HUGE help. </TD></TR></TABLE>

[nosaj2]

culling tags work great but they also damage the fish some because they still thrash like mad when you pick them up. I only use them when I have more than five fish in a tourney. A guy told me a little trick once that works really great. Let the water out over half way. Then reach down and put gently put your hand under the fishes belly and pick him up slowly. (they like for you to tickle their belly )

[Neilslure]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by bmas13 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Draining a large portion of the water out of the livewells is a HUGE help. </TD></TR></TABLE>

that and culling tags and you shouldnt have any problem.

[Legend Chris]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nosaj2 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> (they like for you to tickle their belly )</TD></TR></TABLE>

me too!!