Spare parts bait tank

[MWC359]

I used an old 58 qt cooler and painted it to match my PA. I plumbed it with 3/4 pvc a back flow valve and a 500 gph pump. I took a couple plastic light fixture covers and rounded the corners of my cooler to prevent the bait from bashing their little skulls into the corners. I strengthend the corners by stuffing foam into the corners and siliconing over the top. The silicone didnt smooth out like i wanted....it was a little to cold that day..... but it will do the job I guess. This cooler fits perfect in the rear well of my PA. Im to cheap to pay for a hobie livewell

[Mr. Adventure]

Slick

[da22y]

I think that PVC 90 angle and long arm will take a lot of stress when you tangle up some big kelps.

[MWC359]

Should I use all hose from the 90 off the box to the water then ?

[jorluivil]

That looks good!

How many gallons is that thing? Have been on the water with it full of bait and water? Again, looks good but it seems like it may get heavy once its filled.

[da22y]

Originally Posted by MWC359

Should I use all hose from the 90 off the box to the water then ?

Easiest way I would just hook a supporting rope around the rod holder and the end of that long arm, share the load.

Not the prettist,but the easiest.

[MWC359]

I test filled it the other day and it took approximately 10.5 gallons. Im taking it this Monday for a shake down.

[Caffeind]

Now it just needs a nice bank of rod holders. Sweet tank, the paint is a nice touch, really clean looking.

The PA should do fine, unless you're a 400 lb gorilla man.

[William Novotny]

Originally Posted by Caffeind

Now it just needs a nice bank of rod holders. Sweet tank, the paint is a nice touch, really clean looking.

The PA should do fine, unless you're a 400 lb gorilla man.

Maybe im pessimistic because imma 400lb gorilla man

[Caffeind]

Originally Posted by William Novotny

Maybe im pessimistic because imma 400lb gorilla man

Grew into those waders eh?

[William Novotny]

Originally Posted by Caffeind

Grew into those waders eh?

Nah man, the waders shrunk!

[lbsurf2ca]

Great Job man. Thats clean.

[TJones]

bait , beer , :wsb

[roadx]

just a tip for future builders

im not a plumber but most flipper style check valves needs to be in a vertical position.
if the check valve is horizontal, the check valve needs to be oriented to where the check valve is hinged from the top

something like this

[Bennyblanco]

Let us know.Knowledge is power

[J3FFro]

You should consider adding hinges to the cooler cover. I have a similar cooler at home and the darn top cover keeps coming off. Just my 2cents.

Nice work!

[MWC359]

Thats a good idea Ive noticed if it opens to far it will roll out of the molded groove

[MWC359]

Well I tested my tank on the water today..... Calm water .... The water level could stand to be about two inches lower good active baits might see freedom when the lid was opened. Other then that it worked great......I could stand with no problem, completely stable. The cost of garage research and development.....

[THE DARKHORSE]

The tank looks great. Being that you're fishing off the most stable kayak ever made---I wouldn't be too concerned about the tanks center of gravity. If a 230 lb man can stand on the thing in rough conditions (for hours on end), that little tank won't even be noticed. Well, as far as a difference in stability anyway.

Your biggest problem is going to be guys coming over assuming you have a case of ice-cold beer!

Side note: If it were me, though, the first thing I'd do is cut off that pump (save it for a back-up) and put an Attwood or similar in the scupper hole. That would eliminate any annoying-drag associated with a pump over the side. I suppose it depends on what exactly you'll be targeting and where. If you're traveling relatively short distances and say bottom fishing for Halibut, the tank's great as is. If you're traveling ten times that distance in a day (through heavy current), say targeting Yellowtail---not so much.

Maybe go ahead and enjoy the fruits of your labor for a while, hell even catch a couple fish, then set up a pump through the scupper hole. There's no drilling required; it would take you five minutes to have a far superior tank in my opinion. No drag, no catching on kelp and such. Simple as pie.

Feel free to shoot me a private message if you have any questions about the quick and easy upgrade. It would probably be easier than recreating the wheel yourself. Personally, I love the Hobie tank, but I could send you some photos of what I did (back in the day).

In my professional opinion, the only time you want more drag is on your reel when fighting Yellowtail.

[MWC359]

Just got back from Arkansas last night and read the posts. If you could send me photos that would be great...I dont want any drag if possible. and reguarding the back flow it works great I tried it set up just like it is in my front yard and it didnt leak a drop when i would shut the pump off.

I used the big box because It was sitting in my garage forever and it fit perfect in the well. All in all if it becomes unstable I still have a good fish box or dry storage.....I could just troll around selling beer on the water..... Im sure thats a sure thing money maker.......Thanks for you comments guys