How important is oxygen quality in fishing habitat?
Bill: Without oxygen, fish don’t survive. It is that simple. To breathe, fish glean dissolved oxygen from the water through their gills. Compared to air, there’s so little dissolved oxygen in the water that it is expressed in parts per million. A change of only one part per million can spell the difference between survival and death; it’s that critical. Oxygen is more important to fish than temperature and the natural comfort zone of 68-72 degrees. Wind adds oxygen to the water, and on very hot days during the summer, when water temperatures are above the 80-degree mark, you will often find bass in shallow water on the windy side, trying to glean the extra oxygen. For more tips and tricks check out bill dances pro bass fishing guide (bass fishing DVD).
