Tubed baits are very healthy as long as you do everything correctly:
- don't over pack
- drag at the right speed
- don't mix small baits with large ones
But if you can afford it, a bait tank is the way to go. You can throw one together using a bucket and a bilge pump for pretty cheap, or you can go all out and get a kayatank (internal bait tank). The main thing is to just get out there. Live bait is nice to have, but it is not a requirement. Good luck!