Anglers,
Any suggestions on the best portable livewell? I know many of you would build your own but I won’t try that since I’m all thumbs. 20 gallon tank for inshore fishing is what I’m thinking if that matters. “Best” meaning I’m concerned about keeping the bait alive all day. Tried to research it on here before posting but could not find anything. Thanks for your help.
A 20 gallon cooler of some sort drilled with an airtube hole for aeration might work best for you to hold temp
experience noun \ik-#712;spir–#601;n(t)s
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the fact or state of having been affected by or gained knowledge through direct observation or participation
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that thing you get just moments after you needed it.
Lew Childre & Sons used to sell a rig that would fit into a 48 qt. Igloo cooler that works great. All you need is 12 volts to power it. It is a bilge pump and a spray tube with a separator wall that keeps the bait away from the pump. I’ve used it for years and still have it.
PioneerLouie
Pioneer Venture 175, Johnson 90
Summerville, SC
I agree with simon on this one. I made one from an old orange water cooler. drilled a hole in the top for the aerator tube to go through. good to go!
actually works really well during the summer when I decide to go, plus it fits well in my surf/pier cart
“mr keys”
Buy two five gallon buckets ( same brand etc. ), Drill 3/16 " - 1/4 "holes in one of them, the more the better.Remove the metal handle and push a piece of rope thru the holes where the handle was removed and tie a knot in each end . Buy one of those bait lids that fit five gallon buckets, push on and then use 6 or 8 stainless screws to help secure.To use, put the first bucket over the side and fill with water then drop the other one in it. When you get to your spot, cleat it off the side of the boat. If you have to travel a long distance you will have to change the water a few times . Its pretty simple but works well. Ive kept 6 or 7 dozen shrimp alive for over a week hanging off the side of my dock, finger mullet and even menhaden do well.Only takes fifteen to twenty minutes to make and costs less than twenty dollars plus no pumps , batteries etc. Depending on where and how you fish, this may work for you.
Thanks to everyone. I almost didn’t buy my new skiff (new to me) because it didn’t have a live well even though it was a good deal. I’m glad I did since the fix is so easy. Heck, keeping Mendhaden alive like B does is a trick in a fixed well much less a portable.
My bossman just picked this guy up today. Looks snazzy for holding shrimp, muddminners, pinfish or maybe a few finger mullet.
http://www.buyengelcoolers.com/30-quart-engel-insulated-live-bait-cooler.html
Igloo Ice Cube cooler, lid on hinges, and one of those Quiet Bubbles or Cool Bubbles aerator pumps. Two strips of velcro to hold the pump on the lid or side, drill a hole for the air line and you have a pretty good livewell. Upgrade to a doughnut bubbl ring and you can velco that to the bottom of the cooler to keep it in place.
“The good fisherman is surprised when he doesn’t catch fish: I am just the other way around.”
Gene Hill, Passing a Good Time.