Live Weigh-in Format Bass Tournaments

I couldn't find a mfg livewell that was large enough 3 years ago, so I had to build one from an igloo cooler.  All the parts can actually be picked up at a Walmart, Westmarine, or Bass Pro.  Or you can shop various locations like OSH and Home Depot for a lot ot the stuff.

I've experimented with a few small variations on plumbing and layout.  I know mine still looks rough, but when it comes to kayak rigging, one is never completely finished.  There are always opportunities to improve.

Once the livewell is filled with water, paddling speed certainly suffers a bit and you may experience some 'surging' in significant chop.  But it is totally manageable.  The smoother your paddling technique, the less surging. 

The rig is fundamentally simple:  Tank, bilge pump to get water into the tank, overflow outlets allow water out in a specified location, air pump and air filtration stone help oxygenate the water. 

These pics are of my current rig, due for a new pump cartridge after 3 years of service, and maybe an over the side pump mounting vs the current scupper hole location- looking to make removal easier.  But so far, this has worked really well.  I don't use 'doping products' and have never weighed/culled a dead fish.

No, not really.  The only minor complaint was the lack of a flat place to stand.  Other than that minor inconvenience the Outback was a great bass fishing platform.  Sold it because I needed cash and my Cobra is too beat up to be worth much.  I might pick up another eventually.

Sounds like you need a Pro Angler. http://www.hobiecat.com/fishing/models_proangler.html

Z

No, not really.  The only minor complaint was the lack of a flat place to stand.  Other than that minor inconvenience the Outback was a great bass fishing platform.  Sold it because I needed cash and my Cobra is too beat up to be worth much.  I might pick up another eventually.

Sounds like you need a Pro Angler. http://www.hobiecat.com/fishing/models_proangler.html

Z

It looks nice, but I'll pay my mortgage instead.  Though I'm sure it would make a great AOY prize for a kayak bass tourney series next year.

It looks nice, but I'll pay my mortgage instead.  Though I'm sure it would make a great AOY prize for a kayak bass tourney series next year.

If you gave it a test ride you just might change your mind.

Z

Thanks for posting pics of your livewell setup Aaron. That's pretty cool. And now you got me thinking about making my own. I bet the tankwell in my new T140 could hold a 72qt cooler.
Definitely keep us updated on the upcoming events. I bet there are some NCKAers who'd like to represent the yakkers w/you.  Congrats on your recent success too! That's solid work. Where did the 27lb limit come from?

To be clear, I didn't bring in that 27# limit.  I haven't been so fortunate, YET.  That limit was caught by a fella named Tim Zandbergen at Clear Lake 2 years ago.  Me, I swing for the fences during the spring and early summer events, then just try to get a consistent limit the rest of the year.  The result for me is, decent limits early in the year that dwindle to short limits near the end.

The two clubs I've fished tourneys with like this hosted 1 Open event each this year, and I know B-N-T allows anybody to compete in one regular season event each year before requiring the membership.  We'll be putting together a tentative schedule for next year in December and it should be final by mid January.  Generally it's 1 event each month from Feb. to Oct. with a TOC in Nov. (I qualified this year so I'll be at Clear Lake again in 2 weeks.)

The Bass-n-Tubes Clear Open is usually in May.  I'm thinkin' if we can get enough kayakers to show up and fish a couple of these events early in the year, I can begin organizing a Kayak Bass tournament series with sponsors, trophies, raffles and good payouts.  I am really serious about this, not just kicking it around.
 
If you're into this, PM me.  And when it comes to building the livewell for these events I'll be happy to help.

Had some things going on that threatened to slim my kayak fishing schedule, but I think I've worked them out.

Here are the dates and locations on the calendar for this year.  PM me for details.  Be great to get some NCKA guys out there with this group.

Lake Nacimiento, Feb 27-28
Collins Lake, March 27-28
Whites Slough, April 11
Clear Lake, May 22-23
Middle River, June 13
Beacon Harbor, July 10-11
Middle River, August 8 (sun up tourney)
Whiskey Slough, September 12
Clear Lake, October 23-24 (SCBBBC State Classic)
Lake Oroville, November 13-14 (TOC)