Hey Guys. I have a smaller boat and need a bait tank. I’m leaning towards a 15 gallon given space and weight concerns. I’m concerned my 15hp won’t handle much more in the way of tank size. Has anyone had experience with a smaller tank for herring? How many should it carry and remain viable?
I have a Grayline 17 gal oval tank. I keep 4-5 dozen md size herring all day long. Salt, water temp and foam off, all I need.
We’ve used a 10 gallon tank from Cabella for several years and are well satisfied with it’s performance. Typically we just get 2 dozen herring, which stresses capacity as I think the recommendation is 1 1/2 herring per gallon of water. Wind up losing a few now and then, but nothing major. Also use salt, Foam Out and we add ice (4 trays of frozen lake water) when the water is really warm.
Thanks guys, now the big question. To make one or buy a ready to fish unit? The Keep Alive 14g is ready to go but no filter. Anyone added a filter to one of these tanks? Also a little turned off by the price, 250$. I’ve looked for a smaller size plastic containers, some would do but tend to be tall and skinny. any sources for that perfect size container for a 15 gallon tank?
I never could justify paying the big prices for a air/filter/circulation system.
I have used a “cube” cooler for the longest time and still do some days. Put 3dz in it without many problems. Still looking for that round insulated container for me to put my pump in. Borrowing my buddys right now hoping to buy it one day but he probably will never part with it.
I bought a 25$ bilge pump from wally world screwed the base to a piece of lead. Then drilled a 1/4" (may have been a lil smaller) hole through the lead and base so that it comes out in the center of the base.
Then i took a piece of flexible tubing and put it through the hole. You basically want it to be flush with the base or just a little sticking out. You dont want it to hit the impeller. The pump will suck air through the tube and will spit out the tiny air bubble that you want since they disslove the fastest.
Yes many people will say this wont last cause its not good to put air through the pump, but my has lasted over 2yrs so far.
For the filter part of it i use the white material we got at the club meeting awhile back. I am still new to the club and dont know everyones name. Sure someone can help with the name of who had the material and where to get it.
But i take the material and cut a probably 6"x12" piece and wrap it around the pump
and secure it with 2 rubber bands. I have never had to change it out while on the water. Its good for a trip and throw it away. It catches all the scales and takes alot more out. Its usually nasty brown on the back side.
I place the pump on one side with the output facing so that it will create a whirlpool effect in the tank.
I will post some pix if you are interested in it…
“Sea~N~Stripes”
21’ Hewes Craft Custom
115 Evinrude
Will a 30 gallon drum fit in your space? You could cut it down, wrap it in an insulating blanket, make a top for it, plumb it with pump and filter system outside of the tank…
I’ve spent about 85% of my life’s wages on fishing, the rest I just wasted…
I started out with a homemade tank built out of a 30 gallon drum and used it for three years…then I borrowed a 40 gallon Super Bait Tank II from Mike Maddalena one night to fish a night striper tournament on Lake Lanier. I won the tournament and about $2700 and bought a 50 gallon Super Bait Tank II as soon as I could find one…lol
I’ve spent about 85% of my life’s wages on fishing, the rest I just wasted…