July on Lake Eufaula, often dubbed the "Big Bass Capital of the World," brings with it scorching temperatures. While the fishing can still be fantastic, the rising water temperatures pose a significant challenge to the health and survival of our beloved fish, especially for those practicing catch and release. At Elite Sonar, we believe responsible angling is paramount. This month, let's dive deep into fish care practices that will help ensure a thriving fishery for generations to come.
The July Heat: Why Fish Need Extra Care
Lake Eufaula's water temperatures in July can easily climb into the mid to high 80s°F. This has a direct impact on fish in several ways:
- Reduced Dissolved Oxygen: Warmer water holds significantly less dissolved oxygen than cooler water. This means fish are already under stress, working harder to breathe even before they're hooked.
- Increased Metabolic Rate: Heat speeds up a fish's metabolism, requiring more oxygen and energy. Fighting an angler on a long line further depletes these reserves.
- Vulnerability to Stress and Disease: Elevated temperatures and low oxygen levels weaken a fish's immune system, making them more susceptible to disease and less likely to recover from the stress of being caught.
As responsible anglers, it's our duty to minimize this stress and maximize the chances of survival for every fish we release.
Essential Fish Care Practices for July on Lake Eufaula
Here are Elite Sonar's top tips for prioritizing fish care during the hot Eufaula summer:
1. Fish During Cooler Times of Day:
- Early Bird Gets the Bass: The absolute best time to fish in July is during the cooler early morning hours. Water temperatures are at their lowest, and fish are generally more active and less stressed.
- Evening Opportunities: As the sun sets and temperatures begin to drop, fishing can also pick up, but the morning bite is usually more consistent for healthy fish.
- Avoid Midday Heat: Whenever possible, avoid fishing during the hottest part of the day (typically late morning through late afternoon). Consider taking a break during these peak heat hours.
2. Seek Out Cooler Water Refuges:
- Deeper is Cooler: In lakes like Eufaula, fish will seek out deeper, cooler water. Target main lake ledges, creek channels, and areas with submerged timber where fish can find refuge from the surface heat. Your fish finding unit will be invaluable here for identifying these deeper holding areas and temperature breaks (thermoclines).
- Current Matters: If there's current present, especially below the dam or in riverine sections, oxygen levels can be higher and water temperatures slightly cooler.
- Shade is Your Friend: Look for areas with natural shade from overhanging trees or structures, as these can offer a localized cooling effect.
3. Optimize Your Gear for Quick Fights:
- Heavier Tackle: Use appropriately heavy tackle that allows you to land fish quickly. The longer a fish fights, the more exhausted it becomes, reducing its chances of survival. Don't "play" the fish unnecessarily.
- Barbless Hooks: Consider using barbless hooks or at least pinching down the barbs on your hooks. This makes hook removal much faster and causes less damage to the fish's mouth.
- Long-Nosed Pliers or Hemostats: Keep these tools readily accessible for quick and efficient hook removal.
4. Keep Fish in the Water as Much as Possible:
- Wet Hands, Wet Fish: Always wet your hands thoroughly before handling a fish. Dry hands can remove the fish's protective slime layer, leaving it vulnerable to infection.
- Unhook in the Water: Whenever possible, unhook the fish while it's still in the water, ideally in your net. This minimizes its time out of its natural environment.
- Quick Photos: If you want a photo, prepare your camera beforehand. Cradle the fish gently and support its body horizontally (never vertically by the jaw alone, especially for larger fish). Get your shot quickly and return the fish to the water immediately. Avoid placing fish on hot boat seats or abrasive surfaces.
- No "Lip Grips" for Big Bass: While lip grips can be useful for controlling fish, avoid hanging large bass by just the lip grip out of the water, as this can cause severe jaw damage. Support the tail or body if using a grip.
5. Master the Art of Revival:
- Support and Orient: Once unhooked, gently hold the fish in the water, facing it into a slow current or gently moving it back and forth to force water over its gills.
- Wait for Strong Kicks: Do not release the fish until it shows strong, sustained swimming movements and can hold itself upright. It should actively swim away from your hands.
- Deep Water Release (Fizzing): If you're catching fish from deep water (common in July), they may suffer from barotrauma (expanded air bladder). This causes them to float on their side or belly up. Learn proper "fizzing" techniques with a specialized needle to release the excess air or consider using weighted clips to help them submerge. This is a crucial skill for deep-water summer fishing.
6. Livewell Management for Tournaments and Keepers:
- Aeration is Key: If you're using a livewell, ensure your aeration system is running continuously, not intermittently. Oxygen is paramount.
- Temperature Control: Monitor your livewell water temperature with a thermometer. When water temperatures exceed 80°F, add ice slowly to cool the water by a few degrees. Don't shock the fish with too much cold water at once. Frozen water bottles are a great way to do this without diluting the water.
- Livewell Additives: Consider using livewell additives that help reduce ammonia, increase dissolved oxygen, and calm the fish, minimizing stress.
- Advanced Ventilation System: For serious anglers and tournament participants, consider upgrading to a V-Livewell Ventilation System by New Pro Products. This innovative system is designed to provide optimal oxygenation and circulation within your livewell, drastically improving fish health and survival rates, especially during the extreme heat of July. Elite Sonar is proud to offer installation services for the V-Livewell Ventilation System, ensuring your fish have the best possible chance of survival. Contact us to learn more about this essential upgrade!
- Don't Overcrowd: Avoid putting too many fish in a livewell, as this quickly depletes oxygen and increases stress.
- Release Strategically: If participating in a tournament, discuss release strategies with tournament officials. Some tournaments may have specific release zones to further protect the fish. Remember, Lake Eufaula has a 14-inch minimum length limit for largemouth bass, so ensure you're familiar with current regulations.
Lead by Example
By practicing these diligent fish care techniques, we not only show respect for the incredible resource that is Lake Eufaula, but we also contribute to a stronger, healthier lake for all anglers. Share these tips with your fellow fishing enthusiasts, and let's make July a month of responsible and successful angling on the "Big Bass Capital of the World"!
Tight lines, and happy (and healthy) fishing from the Elite Sonar Team!