PRESS RELEASE May 24, 2003
From: WildSide Diversified Inc.
Division: Evinrude Walleye Classic
Contact: Chip Leer
Phone: 218-547-4714
Email: [email protected]
Classic Catch to Get TLC
WALKER, Minn. — Walleyes weighed in during this weekend’s Evinrude Walleye Classic on Leech Lake may actually feel better for the experience.
For the first time, the Classic will employ a live-release system developed by Aqua Innovations Inc., that gives fish what they need the most after a spirited battle and a ride across the lake in a livewell — a blast of oxygen.
“In our constant efforts to assure that all the fish that are caught and released in the tournament get the best possible treatment before going back into the water, we’re bringing in this state of the art oxygenated release system,” said tournament director Chip Leer of WildSide Diversified.
“It is a world-renowned system that is the future of tournament fishing.”
The key is the oxygen, said Danny Suggs, who uses the $75,000 system with incredible results on the Minnesota Pro-Am Bass Tour.
“When we originally started developing a live-release system it was pretty innovative, but we were using oxygen tanks that put additional oxygen into the water at a very low rate,” he explained. “Most aeration systems have a pump that collects ambiant air and adds about 20 percent more oxygen back into the water.
“The engineers from Aqua Innovations discovered a way to generate 100 percent oxygen from water that has very little oxygen in it to begin with. It’s done electronically versus using those big oxygen tanks.”
The system features 10 connected holding tanks that contain 200 gallons each of water pulled in from the lake. The water is constantly circulated, and Aqua Innovations’ new device breaks down the molecules in the water.
“It separates the molecules,” said Suggs. “When you can do that, the hydrogen molecules leave the water and dissipate into the atmosphere. The heavier oxygen molecules remain in the water. With standard bubble aerators, you see the bubbles come to the top. This doesn’t do that. These tiny micro bubbles stay in the water.”
Breaking down the molecules also makes it easier for fish to get the oxygen they need. The result is a speeder, less stressful and more complete recovery.
In fact, Suggs added, mortality has been less than half of one percent in tournaments where the Aqua Innovations system has been used.
“We might lose four or five fish per tournament, and I would venture to say most of those either swallowed a crankbait or something like that,” he said.
“The last two years, I was the weighmaster for the Minnesota Pro-Am bass events and these guys would bring their fish to me up on the stage. One of the problems I have with this system is that the fish are so lively I can’t get them to settle down so I can lock in the weight.
“I’ve been involved in fishing tournaments since the 1980s, and this system is going to create quite an impact in the whole world of fishing. This system can be built right into the livewells in boats, and I believe you will start seeing it as standard equipment in the near future.”
Weigh-ins will be held Saturday and Sunday beginning at 2 p.m. in the Lund Boats tent at Walker City Park. Anyone interested in learning more about the Aqua Innovations system is welcome to stop by Friday Afternoon and get a first hand look and speak with Danny Suggs.
Anglers typically bring as many as 1,500 walleyes to the scales during the two-day Classic. Leer is ecstatic to know that every one will receive the best care possible before returning them to the lake.
“Leech Lake is a vital resource for this community and this area, and tournaments are a great source of revenue,” he said. “If we can utilize this resource without harming it in any way, the resource will be here for generations to enjoy.
“We feel blessed to have the most coveted release system in the nation for this tournament. As the TV Host and Emcee of the Minnesota Pro/Am Bass tour I have seen 1st hand the effectiveness of the Aqua Innovation system and fully understand why the fishing industry is so excited about this invention.”