August in the southeast defines heat and humidity.
 It’s no picnic for anglers, but extreme heat is a constant concern for anglers worried about keeping their fish alive. Several FLW anglers, including Lake Lanier’s foremost pro and Forrest Wood Cup qualifier, Tom Mann Jr. have started using an innovative product called Koolwell. Created about two years ago to address the challenges of fishing during summer months, the Koolwell system maintains a comfortable temperature in live wells by running the water through a cooling unit.
Operating on a 12-volt system and controlled by a thermostat, the Koolwell uses no chemicals. The company says the system can lower livewell water by 15 degrees in 30-45 minutes.
Lake Guntersville guide and Koolwell pro-staffer Stan “The Bassman” Bass showed Expo visitors how the product works. As he notes, conservation is the No. 1 reason for ensuring the safety and comfort of fish bound for live release. Posterity and economics provide complementary motivation.
“It’s not just about avoiding a dead fish penalty (in a tournament) – it’s about preserving our resources,” Bass said. “I love these fish and I want my son and all the other kids to catch them.
“This system greatly increases the survival rate of our fish because of the 8-hour period we’re on the water. Release tanks can’t correct eight hours of (stressful conditions). With Koolwell, all you have to do is set the temperature, put your fish in there and your wife will be happy because you didn’t lose any money from a dead fish penalty.”
Bass said the Expo provides companies like Koolwell to spread their message verbally and visually. “This has allowed us to show (visitors) an application in a boat and explain it to the anglers. That’s what it’s all about – it’s what they understand about how this is going to help us catch and release fish and make sure the fish survive.
“FLW has always been a proponent of keeping these fish alive. I’ve fished with FLW for several years and I love the organization because they have the same interests as I do. I love to catch fish and I love to cash a check. But also I want the younger generation to come up and enjoy these same resources that we’re able to enjoy.”
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