My livewell is functional and always full, if I hook a good fish I turn the pump on before he gets to the boat. Land the fish he goes straight to the livewell 'til everything is preped for the pic... maybe 2 mins. Everything ready, fish comes out, pic is taken and fish goes back in the water no worse for wear and tear. Not saying that everybody should do it that way, but it's my way and that's the way I'll be doing it!