paulc
Shoal Bass
Posts: 33 
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Post by paulc on Oct 12, 2015 10:50:45 GMT -5
So I'm new to kayak fishing and striper fishing in general. I'm looking for something to keep bait alive for roughly 5-7 hours. what are some good options and what all do I need to do this?
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Post by klag on Oct 12, 2015 11:24:43 GMT -5
Just need a bait bucket with a pump. I use the insulated one in the summer and remove the insulation when it's not a million degrees outside. $35 at most bait shops I think. When you buy the herring, the water will be treated with everything you need.  |
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Post by parnine on Oct 12, 2015 11:45:55 GMT -5
there are a zillion out there, google 'kayak live well', but as Klag says a bucket and some 'bubbles' will suffice. For just minnows, you don't even need the pump. BlueBacks (Herring) are somewhat fragile, so need the extra oxygen and to be kept cool - thus in the summer it can be tough, but we are now beyond those days and into the cool fall!!
I used a 5 gallon bucket to start (no insulation), and now use a pet food container (no insulation) because it fits my kayak better and has a screw on lid (for transporting), and ultimately I hope to add a pump for a circulating live well, but right now just have the 'bubbler' box (you will go through some batteries though). In the summer you can add frozen bottles of water to keep the water cool.
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Post by atlroach on Oct 12, 2015 20:55:34 GMT -5
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Post by zachliu on Oct 12, 2015 21:36:42 GMT -5
I found that the bait you bought in some days are more healthier than some other days at the same store. So watch the baits carefully when you buy them, that may be important too.
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Post by darian on Oct 12, 2015 23:30:47 GMT -5
This is what I am currently using. No issues with it. |
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Post by redbeard on Oct 13, 2015 6:24:40 GMT -5
Klag has it down pat. The Frabil system works. I have used this bait bucket for years and have great success with keeping herring alive. A couple of years ago, I added the oxygen infusion system and, although it is an investment to start with, have found it to be very inexpensive to operate and well worth the cost. A couple of things that I would suggest to improve the basic Frabil system are to add a second aerator, use the flat microbubble air stone, not the cheap one that comes with the aerator, also, I use s capfull of shad keeper in my bucket along with a couple of drops of foam off. It is true that the water is already treated, but the shad saver helps keep the herring from going through shock and shedding scales. Also, in hot weather, you will need to add a handfull of ice occasionally to keep the water temp down. Some guys freeze water bottles and stick one in the bucket, but I don't like to chill the water too much or the herring will die quickly from temperature change when you put them in the lake on a hook. I limit my number to a dozen in hot weather and a dozen and a half in cooler weather. Good luck! Redbeard  |
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Post by FROGSLAYER on Oct 13, 2015 7:45:56 GMT -5
Although I rarely use it mine is similar to altroach's setup.  |
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Post by txc35 on Oct 13, 2015 22:36:52 GMT -5
Just got ahold of one of these dog chow buckets from our great friend Klag and now trying to figure how to rig it. Damon, do you have other pictures of what all those tubes go to, how you attached the rod holders and the bubbler?? Altroach - what did you use as the insulation I see around your tank? Is that camo tape over the top of whatever it is??? How did you attach the rod holders to yours? Pretty nice looking projects. I really like the handles to lift it in and out, especially if it is full of water.
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Post by klag on Oct 13, 2015 22:43:25 GMT -5
Just got ahold of one of these dog chow buckets from our great friend Klag and now trying to figure how to rig it. Damon, do you have other pictures of what all those tubes go to, how you attached the rod holders and the bubbler?? Altroach - what did you use as the insulation I see around your tank? Is that camo tape over the top of whatever it is??? How did you attach the rod holders to yours? Pretty nice looking projects. I really like the handles to lift it in and out, especially if it is full of water. This might help. www.tightlinesandplasticboats.com/2014/01/new-hybrid-bait-tank-build-with-keep.html |
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Post by myoung on Oct 14, 2015 6:22:15 GMT -5
What's the benefits of using an aerated bait bucket over hanging a mesh bag off the side of your kayak? I've been using a mesh gym bag as a "livewell" for bait/trout with relatively decent success
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Post by p_rod on Oct 14, 2015 7:49:58 GMT -5
What's the benefits of using an aerated bait bucket over hanging a mesh bag off the side of your kayak? I've been using a mesh gym bag as a "livewell" for bait/trout with relatively decent success I don't use live bait anymore, but that isn't to say I won't resume doing it. When I was using live bait, keeping bluebacks alive was a major PITA. Expensive too. I custom built an insulated tank (maybe 20.00 or so), then purchased an oxygen system (200.00), then would occasionally use an electric pump to pump out the contaminated water and pump in fresh water (collected via a tube dropped to about 20 feet-about 40.00) and wold monitor the temperatures of the bait water and drop in ice (made with non-treated water) to keep things cool. Bait would still die. Not to mention the space all that took in a relatively small kayak. I eventually switched to medium and large minnows, much hardier, and after being in well oxygenated water for just a few minutes, would behave like they were on steroids! And yes, I caught a fair amount of fish, stripers too, off the large minnows. Hardly ever lost one either..healthy little suckers. So if you are using a mesh bag over the side, where their waste products are washed out constantly, the water temperatures are fairly constant, and it is working well for you....then I'd just stick to what works for you. ;-) There are a ton of opinions about this subject out there too. I guess it's just as I progress through this hobby/passion; I am finding out, that for myself, for ME, going simpler is working just fine. Using lures full time may not result in as many 'catches', but there is more to 'my' enjoyment of being on the water other than just catching fish. In fact, don't tell anyone, but sometimes I leave every bit of fishing gear at home and I just go out and paddle. I know, I know...that's a heresy on a fishing forum..... but there is just something about paddling, being out on the water, getting into a rhythm..enjoying the skies, the sun, the moon and stars at night, and if I have a fishing pole along or not is not all that important sometimes. Cheers! p_rod |
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Post by packman on Oct 14, 2015 7:53:19 GMT -5
r./ fe/w/d.wq dxe'....  I was typing response and got aprasial email back on new house...don't know how to translate the above, so here is my $.01.. What's the benefits of using an aerated bait bucket over hanging a mesh bag off the side of your kayak? I've been using a mesh gym bag as a "livewell" for bait/trout with relatively decent success This can only work if the surface water temps are cool enough for the bait to survive. Bluebacks and gizzard shad are very sensitive to higher water temps. Jim |
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Post by atlroach on Oct 14, 2015 8:14:01 GMT -5
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Post by FROGSLAYER on Oct 14, 2015 8:20:21 GMT -5
txc35 , atlroach , has is pretty well covered. You can see more of mine here.... BLOG . I used rivets to attach my rod holders and a zip tie through two small holes for the bubbler. The bottom tube is the drain/overflow and is adjustable on the inside by swapping out lengths of PVC.
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Post by redbeard on Oct 14, 2015 11:25:47 GMT -5
Hmmmm, I think what Pat is saying is if it works for you, keep on keeping on!!! Simple better. And large minnows do work, if stripers are hungry, they will eat about anything that looks like a fish, if not, well, that's why they call it fishing not catching!!! Looking back on how many dozen herring that I have bought over the years, and how many I have either killed, had killed by spots, or dumped back in the lake vs how many I actually caught fish on, I really have to say, your odds are probably just as good if not better using artificials, at least you keep moving and working the bait to expose it to more opportunities to be eaten. Now that is a mouthfull, coming from a bait chunker!!! Redbeard  |
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Post by atlroach on Oct 14, 2015 12:35:10 GMT -5
Hmmmm, I think what Pat is saying is if it works for you, keep on keeping on!!! Simple better. And large minnows do work, if stripers are hungry, they will eat about anything that looks like a fish, if not, well, that's why they call it fishing not catching!!! Looking back on how many dozen herring that I have bought over the years, and how many I have either killed, had killed by spots, or dumped back in the lake vs how many I actually caught fish on, I really have to say, your odds are probably just as good if not better using artificials, at least you keep moving and working the bait to expose it to more opportunities to be eaten. Now that is a mouthfull, coming from a bait chunker!!! Redbeard For Lanier, artificial baits work great but in the rivers and other lakes that I fish they don't seem to respond well to anything but live bait. To each his own and use what works best for you. |
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Post by txc35 on Oct 14, 2015 13:24:29 GMT -5
Altroach and Damon - thanks a ton for all the details and links. Helps a a great deal...now to figure out what to do....hmmmm?
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Post by myoung on Dec 19, 2015 9:37:20 GMT -5
Old thread revival!
After yesterday i am somewhat sold on live bait and wouldn't mind giving it more of a try. I am probably going to end up with the frabill bucket but have a question about bucket size.
What is the magic number of fish per gallon of water to keep them from being over crowded in my bait bucket?
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Post by klag on Dec 19, 2015 10:20:39 GMT -5
While I don't know the specific numbers per gallon, it will depend on the size and type of baitfish your using. The larger the baits, the less it can hold.  Smaller baits, you can carry more.  |
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Post by paulv on Dec 19, 2015 11:18:32 GMT -5
Old thread revival! After yesterday i am somewhat sold on live bait and wouldn't mind giving it more of a try. I am probably going to end up with the frabill bucket but have a question about bucket size. What is the magic number of fish per gallon of water to keep them from being over crowded in my bait bucket? The answer depends on a lot of things. The short answer is 1-dozen bluebacks for 4 gallons of water in a five gallon bucket. During cold daytime temperatures, most will survive all day on a air-bubbler. If you get into oxygen systems, insulated tanks, and adding 4-5 drops of foam-off, you can possibly double your tank population. If you are going through that many baits, you are either having a killer day, or you are trying to last multiple days. Minnows (shiners) can be multiple dozens in the same tank size if that's all you have swimming. Apparently shiners and bluebacks in the same tank is not advised. I am a firm believer now in the use of Foam-Off, a product that is used by the drop, that will literally keep your bait tank water from foaming up. I just finished building a dog-food oxygen crate system. Pictures in a few minutes. |
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Post by atlroach on Dec 19, 2015 11:46:04 GMT -5
Old thread revival! After yesterday i am somewhat sold on live bait and wouldn't mind giving it more of a try. I am probably going to end up with the frabill bucket but have a question about bucket size. What is the magic number of fish per gallon of water to keep them from being over crowded in my bait bucket? The answer depends on a lot of things. The short answer is 1-dozen bluebacks for 4 gallons of water in a five gallon bucket. During cold daytime temperatures, most will survive all day on a air-bubbler. If you get into oxygen systems, insulated tanks, and adding 4-5 drops of foam-off, you can possibly double your tank population. If you are going through that many baits, you are either having a killer day, or you are trying to last multiple days. Minnows (shiners) can be multiple dozens in the same tank size if that's all you have swimming. Apparently shiners and bluebacks in the same tank is not advised. I am a firm believer now in the use of Foam-Off, a product that is used by the drop, that will literally keep your bait tank water from foaming up. I just finished building a dog-food oxygen crate system. Pictures in a few minutes. I can hold 3 dozen shiners in my 40lb vittles container running the bilge and bubbler(now run Oxygen) last spring. Also with BBs and Shad, you will also want to add salt if you do not run treated water(Hammond's treats theirs). 5ppm of Dissolved Oxygen is the magic number to keep the baits stress down. |
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Post by paulv on Dec 19, 2015 11:54:37 GMT -5
I took input from many folks, and have adapted an application to "make it my own". I had a few criteria that remained important to me, so here's what I did: 1. I wanted the bait tank "removable" for stops at the bait store, and for dumping/cleaning when I was through. 2. I wanted the crate to snuggly hold the bait tank, but easily removable from the kayak. (I don't need extra rod holders, or tackle box storage). 3. I wanted to tether the tank lid, and the dipping net. 4. I wanted the oxygen tank to be attached to the crate, but the oxygen line needs to separate from the oxygen tank so the bait tank can be loaded/unloaded without dismantling the O2 tank. Here's "Paul's" version of tank system 1.0:    So my crate fits like a glove into my kayak rear deck. It is held in place with strong bungie cords on each side to pad eyes on the kayak. The dog food container lid is tethered to the crate, as is the dipping net. Removing the yellow bungie, disconnecting an in-line air tube coupler, the dog-food container lifts out of the crate and is completely "mobile". I can launch and retrieve my kayak at the ramp without the bait tank adding weight. One bungie connection, plug-in the air tube, turn on the oxygen; I'm ready for fishing. When I return to the ramp, same thing, turn off O2, disconnect air line, undo yellow bungie = lift tank by the handles, set bait free, dunk, rinse wipe-off tank and place in my truck. The O2 tank and the empty crate can stay in-place, remaining mounted to my yak. Two bungie cords released lets me remove the crate, the O2 tank, bait tank lid, and dipping net, that are all attached or tethered to the crate. I fish all this tomorrow. |
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Post by darian on Dec 19, 2015 12:07:31 GMT -5
Sweet bucket paul.
Can i order one from you?!
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Post by klag on Dec 19, 2015 12:15:51 GMT -5
Wow, super awesome set up!
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Post by paulv on Dec 19, 2015 12:19:20 GMT -5
Sweet bucket paul. Can i order one from you?! Would be glad to assist with putting one together with ya. I REALLY like the work of atiroach and FROGSLAYER !!!! Between the plumbing work, insulation work, and the paint jobs, these are both VERY nice rigs. I did mine as a "closed" system right now, and the tank removal from my crate kept me from needing to install a cooler-drain. For warm weather fishing, I was told to keep the water cold and not to circulate lake water. I need to add insulation, but will use frozen water bottles in the summer. |
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Post by darian on Dec 19, 2015 13:03:26 GMT -5
Yours look really simple. I like the style of it. I dont need all of those fancy drainage or anything like that. I just need a hole for my aerator tube |
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Post by atlroach on Dec 19, 2015 14:02:44 GMT -5
Sweet bucket paul. Can i order one from you?! Would be glad to assist with putting one together with ya. I REALLY like the work of ATLRoach and FROGSLAYER !!!! Between the plumbing work, insulation work, and the paint jobs, these are both VERY nice rigs. I did mine as a "closed" system right now, and the tank removal from my crate kept me from needing to install a cooler-drain. For warm weather fishing, I was told to keep the water cold and not to circulate lake water. I need to add insulation, but will use frozen water bottles in the summer. I don't have a drain in mine but I am considering adding one to the bottom as well. Also consider some quick fists to hold the O2 tank to the crate. |
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Post by atlroach on Dec 19, 2015 14:05:00 GMT -5
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Post by darian on Dec 19, 2015 14:12:54 GMT -5
after some google'ing, I think I've found a good base to start with:  I do like the one paul have more though. Now I have to find an empty one! |
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