2016 Live well screens on Premium models

In 2016 Bass Cat went to a live well screen system to prevent shad scales and claws from entering the livewell spray bars. This is not a common issue in the summer through early spring, though a post spawn issue more frequent on shad spawn reservoirs. Fish tend to feed voraciously on shad during the spawn and lakes like Kentucky Lake have a very intense regurgitation of shad scales, which clogs spray bars. In an effort to reduce spray bar clogging Bass Cat has increased the spray bar outlets to 3/16" and further increased flow. In 2016 they added a screen to the system to filter those scales and trash out of hte stream. That screen must be cleaned on both spray bars, to keep flow levels where fish will get ample oxygen and re-circulation. The system must be monitored for visual flow and the screens cleaned upon need. The screen size has been largened in mid 2016, and the screen sizes are being revisited now after the first season. Below are images of the screens and how they operate. The cap simply unscrews to expose the screen for removal and cleansing. Both locations are shown in the images below also. BCB

Tagged: Caracal, Live well, low flow, screens

This topic has 12 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 2 months, 1 week ago by Bass Cat Boats.

Viewing 12 posts - 1 through 12 (of 12 total)

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May 30, 2016 at 4:25 pm #273652

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Looks like this might help with the continuing intrusion of crappie scales. But I dnt have a premium line. Can it be added to the p2. Looks l8ke a simple cut and add2013 PANTERA 2MERCURY 200 PRO XSMINNKOTA 80LB FORTREX25 fury

May 30, 2016 at 9:51 pm #273653

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Yes, that would be a simple install.

May 31, 2016 at 8:52 am #273654

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Looks like a good addition to my 06 classic. Is it possible to use a little larger drill bit and open up the holes in the line if needed in addition of adding these screens?

May 31, 2016 at 12:19 pm #273655

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

The larger drill bit will work, though capacity is 750 GPH and not 1,000 on many older boats. The screens are only necessary for those that are having issues clogging. Then you can create a larger maintenance with screen cleaning necessary.

May 31, 2016 at 7:56 pm #273656

Basscatdreams
Participant

Thanks, have not had the issue yet. Will monitor it though

May 31, 2016 at 10:00 pm #273657

BluePlate
Participant

thanks

June 1, 2016 at 12:12 am #273658

GRR884
Participant

I would suggest cleaning the screens after each outing. I was at Dale Hollow today and used my live wells for the second time since Ive had the boat. The pump flow was reduced to a just more than a trickle. Once I got home I checked them and they were plugged solid. Once I hosed them off the pumps worked 100% again. Im going to order a spare set to keep in the boat. The screens on these are very fine. Just a heads up in case you have a big sack of fish in the live wells and flow stops.

June 1, 2016 at 12:32 am #273659

Redngoo
Participant

Geesh! Wonder if yours are the updated screens.?2013 PANTERA 2MERCURY 200 PRO XSMINNKOTA 80LB FORTREX25 fury

June 1, 2016 at 12:45 am #273660

Dwayne
Participant

That is awesome insight into a problem that happens to all boat livewells but as usual BassCat are the only ones I know of that openly address the issues and help ever owner new and old. Thank you once again for your hard work and extra time you give. Not trying to take away from the post of bass dinners left in the livewells but I have seen a few times when using mesh bag culling system comes in handy. It is a pain in the back side but for those in tight tournaments a few ounces here or there can make the difference between cashing a check or not. The Smallmouth Ive been lucky enough to play with on the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario can get into a gobie feeding frenzy and Ive had a few times where the livewells end up covered in rejected gobie dinner… I have found that the mesh bags keeps the fish quiet and they dont loose any of their food. That can add up to a lot of weight. Like I said the mesh bags are bulky a pain to handle but they sure work. And no Im not paid to say this I only use them because they work. PS the larger bags are needed for any bass over 5 1/2 pounds.. Just a different approach to keeping the livewell pump system clean.DwaynePractice Angling CPRCatchPictureRelease2010 PIV 200SHO

March 12, 2025 at 3:15 pm #727423

Morgmach
Participant

I fish the Mississippi river in Iowa and my screens clog constantly. The drivers side is a major pain to get to as the hose from the top of the livewell is so long it gets behind the battery tray, which has a battery in it. The stainless clamp at the filter cuts me every time but I have only one angle to use as it’s in a bad location. I looked for a screen \ filter that wasn’t so fine but had no luck at all. If someone has a link please share it, I need to fix this issue of low flow, especially in tournaments. I have considered using an awl to open up some larger holes as I have limited options, but don’t feel like I want to cause more problems.

Question 2 – Can I apply a screen or filter before the water gets to the filters discussed here? If so, what intake hole is this screen system coming from? Thanks

March 12, 2025 at 6:13 pm #727425

schodackbassman
Participant

I have a 2020 Caracal with screens and the flush valves. I can’t turn any of them. I’ve tried and was afraid I was going to break the screen cover or valve handle. How hard can I crank on these things. I assume they just twist off.

March 13, 2025 at 6:43 am #727429

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

You may have to grasp the lid with a tool, to get enough leverage. The caps have a lubricant on them and we’ve never seen one freeze, they are hard to get lose though. The lids are larger threads and pretty tough, so we think you can put quite a bit of leverage on them.
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