I am a biologist and co-owner of Sure-Life Labs, the company that developed and manufactures the livewell products, Please Release Me and Catch And Release.

Both formulas are changing and by early next year, the change will be complete on the store shelves. The formula in Please Release Me has been scientifically tested since 1982, when my husband developed the first livewell formula. You will not be overmedicating the fish if you follow dosage rates listed on the label. 

We have started to utilize a new sedative that is derived from a plant. The natural sedative has been used in dental medicine for decades. Please Release me stops the release of deadly cortisols in the bloodstream of the fish. Cortisols have been linked to delayed mortality in fish, and disease in humans. When these stress hormones are
released they shut down the immune system. If levels remain high, fish will die within 30 days after release. The highest mortality is usually between day 3 to 10 post release. 

The new sedative not only halts the release of cortisols but also quickly lowers their levels in the blood. It has another more important function, which is why it was used in dental medicine. It stimulates what is called in the scientific community as a cell mediated immune response. Killer white blood cells are dispersed in the mucus of the fish to fight against infections. This is a huge development, since never before have we been able to stimulate the fishes OWN immune system to fight against viruses, bacteria and fungus. Prior to the use of this new sedative, we had to use antibiotics/antifungals as a prophylactic method of fighting disease outbreaks. Unfortunately, while antibiotics and
antifungals work on bacteria and fungus they do nothing to help the fish fight viral infections. There are several emerging, serious viral diseases that threaten both wild and hatchery stocks of various species. That is why we recently developed the new formula in Catch And Release. We have added two FDA and WHO approved disinfectants that kill these viruses and are safe for fish and humans. It is proven fact that viruses can be transmitted and spread in livewells and hauling tanks. We have also added an ammonia and chloramine remover to the new formula. Both formulas currently contain chelating agents. Chelation is the process of removing TOXIC heavy metals and pesticides from
the bloodstream of the fish. We all know that high mercury and lead levels are harmful to both humans and wildlife, so are pesticides. 

The major differences between the two products is that Please Release Me will continue to contain antibiotics and antifungals, as where Catch And Release with contain the two approved disinfectants. Both formulas will contain the same sedative. Only Catch And Release will remove ammonia and chloramines. 

We also HIGHLY URGE ALL ANGLERS to use 3% hydrogen peroxide at a dosage rate of 3oz per 10gallons of water, and NEVER let livewell temperatures exceed 76F!!!!
The 3% hydrogen peroxide will boost dissolved oxygen levels in your livewell, kill fungus, can be found EVERYWHERE and is CHEAP! DO NOT EXCEED
dosage rate! Peroxide is a STRONG oxidizer and can harm the fish if overused. The above dosage rate has been tested and is very safe for the fish. Keep it in your boat at ALL times! Hope this information helps and feel free to e-mail me with any questions.

*Reprinted with permission from Lane Gergely owner Sure-Life Labs