Hello,

 

I'm looking for an easy, cheap method to keep fish alive after I catch them in my jon boat, and then transfer them in a cooler to a different pond.  Will any of those inexpensive bubble aerators work that run off of "D" batteries?  While I am on the boat, I don't mind using a cooler, stringer, basket, etc.  However, they need to stay alive while I am fishing for a few hours, and then I will need to transfer them to a pond that's another 30 minutes away.  Note, I know there will be more expensive live wells / aerators, but I NEVER keep fish (this is the first time in ~20 years, and it's just so they can be transferred to another pond).  So, I am looking for something that is cheap and easy bc I have no plans to use it again (unless we transfer fish a few times).  I'd prefer not spending a couple hours time, plus ruining a cooler, to custom make a live well.  The outdoor temperature is ~75 degrees, so it isn't too hot at this time.  

I've used this one for a while and it works great. Inexpensive and runs off 2 D cells. Very easy on the batteries...they last a long time though I use rechargeables.

 

https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/marine-metal-products-bubble-box™-air-pump#repChildCatid=12048

I keep live bait alive with a power inverter plugged into my trucks 12V power source and an aquarium bubbler and put them in a big rubbermaid tub.

 

Check your regulations as it's very possible that what you're attempting to do is prohibited. It's a very good way to ruin the balance of a pond or introduce diseases into a pond that weren't previously there.

I'm pretty sure moving fish between ponds without a permit is illegal everywhere in the US.

29 minutes ago, slowworm said:

I'm pretty sure moving fish between ponds without a permit is illegal everywhere in the US.

Actually it is legal in some states. For example, regarding Texas:

"Can I catch fish in public water and take them home to stock my pond?

Fish that are legally harvested from public water may be stocked in a private pond. “Legally harvested” fish are caught by someone who holds the required fishing license, observing all applicable length limits, daily bag limits, and gear restrictions. For more information on licenses and regulations, see the Texas Outdoor Annual."

 

Louisiana has regulations on importing invasive species, but nothing I can find on native species.

 

When it doubt check with your state's wildlife & fisheries department.

I'm assuming this is a private pond? Anyways, a large cooler should be fine with of one those battery aerators and maybe some of that livewell additive to keep them calm during the ride. But like others said check your regulations.

Cool water will be critical for a transport over 1HR.

 

I would fill the cooler up with native water the fish was caught in, have the aerator going and than stick a couple of frozen 16oz bottles of water in there.

 

When you get to your destination, scoop out some "cooler" water and replace with new water from the lake you are putting them in, wait 10 minutes and repeat. Do that until you have all new water and give the fish another 10 minutes.

 

While a tedious process, this is easiest way to keep that fish alive in the new environment.

 

Check local laws...it is illegal in some states.

I’ve done it some and haven’t had any fish die. But that was just transporting up to 8 fish  no more than 15 minutes away.

I just fill up a cooler with water. I don’t use an aerater , but that would work if you have longer distances to travel.

Hydrogen Peroxide is your friend!

25 minutes ago, NHBull said:

Hydrogen Peroxide is your friend!

Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) used for livewell oxygenation can oxidize, damage, burn fish gills, eyes, skin, scales. It is a powerful oxidizer destroying cell membranes upon contact.

5 minutes ago, Scott F said:

Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) used for livewell oxygenation can oxidize, damage, burn fish gills, eyes, skin, scales. It is a powerful oxidizer destroying cell membranes upon contact.

 

I will definitely have to check regulations.  However, I would be transferring the fish from a private pond to another private pond.