Is my livewell broke?

[Devils Horse]

I've noticed over the years that when I'm fishing in any given tournament and I put a 4 pounder in the tank, it comes out 3 and change. A 3 pounder somehow shrinks to 2 something. A 16 incher often barely measures at 15.

How is it big perfectly healthy fish shrink over the course of a few hours? I'm puzzled by this phenomenon. Can anyone help?

[BanditMan]

Stress!! Do you use livewell additive or a floating ice brick? Cool em down and keep it dark and the fish will relax somewhat. Good luck :7

[Wormin]

It's that lake water your pump in,I bring bottled water with a little lime and it make them think they are twice as big! Makes them Green and Mean.LOL

[JignPig2006]

Hey in reguard to the bottled water & Lime. Does this really work? and are you using just drinking water and lime juice? what proportions?

[DJD]

Sounds like you suffer from "big eye" disease :-) My partner and i have had an occasional bout' with this ourselves! :7

[Avalanche]

You are supppose to use a Golden Rule to measure your fish. Throw that home made measuring stick away:-)