Release Boat

Conservation starts with proper handling of your catch.

As tournament anglers ourselves, we are passionate about caring for our bass, crappie and other lake wildlife. By using responsible methods that effectively care for tournament-caught fish, our beloved sport will continue for generations to come.

What is a Release Boat?

A Release Boat is a specially equipped vessel designed to hold fish during a tournament weigh-in. As a tournament’s weigh-in progresses, fish are taken from the weigh-scale and put into a special tank located on the deck of the Release Boat.

As the tournament weigh-in progresses, the fish are kept in this tank and are treated with oxygen, proper water temperature and natural slime coat rejuvenation/protectant.

Each fish is also assessed on stress level such as swim-bladder needs & hook removals which are cared for on the release boat prior to release back into their natural habitat.

Why is a Release Boat Important?

Many tournament organizations are limited in resource to be equipped with their own Release Boat. This limits an organization’s ability to release tournament-caught fish back to a more suitable habitat than fish are typically released from; (i.e., immediate dock, boat ramp or shoreline location etc.)

For example, Carmichael et al. (1984) found that it can take bass up to 28 days to recover from stress associated with small confinement and hauling distances in livewells.

Another 2013 study from Institute at SUNY Plattsburgh also found that out of 264 bass released in one area, 44% stayed for 2+ years in that same cove.

Interested in learning more?

Our Release Boat Fleet is here to take care of your Tournament Organization’s needs!

As we look to the next generation, education and for this invaluable resource must be foremost in our efforts to continue the sport of tournament angling.