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LIVE RELEASE FISHING TOURNAMENT CONDITIONS:
From the WI DNR

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LIVE WELLS:
Fish held in live wells for long periods of time are stressed and may not survive. Sponsors are encouraged to offer continuous weigh-in opportunities, especially in hot weather.

If additives are used, follow the directions on the label. If salt is used, it must be non-iodized (canning/pickling salt), and a concentration of 7 oz. per each 10 gallons of water recommended.

Tip: Make sure to keep live wells aerated throughout the day, especially in warm weather. And make sure to fill your live well out on the main lake with cool water before coming to a weigh-in in warm shallow water.

CONDITIONS FOR BOAT TO WEIGH-IN TRANSFER:
No fish shall be held more than 3 minutes out of aerated tempered water. This means that fish shall, for example, be held no more than 3 minutes in closed water filled plastic bags or containers, if this is the method used to transport fish to weigh-in.

CONDITIONS FOR ON-SHORE HOLDING:
Round cornered stock tanks or similar are preferred. When holding fish, do not use new, unseasoned galvanized tanks. Tanks must be shaded, aerated, and capable of maintaining at least 5 ppm oxygen. Protect tanks from direct sunlight.

Water temperature must be regulated to stay within 5 degrees Fahrenheit of the surface water temperature.

If ice is used, it must be from a chlorine-free water source or contained in a a water tight container. (Tip: fill 2 liter soda bottles with water and freeze them, the block will take longer to melt and the water will stay in the bottle)

Allow no more than one pound of fish per gallon of water.

CONDITIONS FOR FISH RELEASE
Begin transport of fish for release within one hour after registration; transport in tanks or livewells of well oxygenated water at temperature within 5 degree F. of lake water.

Fish must be released, near or over deep water (5 ft) and on or near appropriate cover. Use more than one release point.

Fish must NOT be released in:

- Confined areas
- Poor quality water
- Harbors
- Areas of higher than normal water temperature
- Stagnant water areas

Release of fish registered in catch & release tournaments is the responsibility of the tournament sponsor. Individual contestants should not automatically be given fish to release unless they are specifically identified on the tournament permit form. Tournament officials retain responsibility for the release process.

Dead fish are the responsibility of the individual angler, except in instances where other arrangements have been made with the local conservation warden before the event.