bait tank options? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

ctrujillo · 06-25-2011, 12:26 PM

i have a 5 gal bucket bait tank i made.tank has a timer switch and over the side builge.proublem i am haveing is my bait doesnt live to lively thru out the day.my buddy had a stealth 14 and his bait is liveing well by days end.so after a little thought i am thinking that maybe i need to bulid a diffrent tank all together.maybe my bait is getting damaged by the scupper plug i use for a drain plug or the rivets i have used to mount my rod holders to the bucket?i would like to do without the drag of the builge over the side.maybe a pet container with a thru scupper builge.i also have thought on just carrying a bait motel rather than the tank less to carry and fish plastics at least half the day.although i am always going to be fishing live bait some time thruout my day looking for

i am shure there is alot of diffrent opinions on this subject so i would like to hear them.i have a xfactor.here are some pics of my bait tank.thanks chuck

PescadorPete · 06-25-2011, 12:52 PM

Chuck, I think the problem is that the water comes in the top and goes right out the top. I bet all the water in the tank below is not getting circulated. Before you build a new tank, try putting the inlet near the bottom of the tank. That's how I have my home tank set up and it works great.

Flyfisher70 · 06-25-2011, 01:29 PM

I have all my bait die off fairly quickly as well, I have the vittles vault type bait tank. I have the drain holes on the top as well. I'm going to have to try drilling another drain hole on the bottom and see if that would make a difference in keeping the bait lively throughout the day. Is anyone else having a there bait die off real quick in the bait well/tank?

Billy V · 06-25-2011, 01:42 PM

Water needs to enter the tank from the bottom.

That is the proven design of all offshore bait tanks. It ensures fresh O gets even distributed throughout the tank.

Flyfisher70 · 06-25-2011, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billy V

Water needs to enter the tank from the bottom.

That is the proven design of all offshore bait tanks. It ensures fresh O gets even distributed throughout the tank.

If I make the water enter from the bottom will I need a check valve?
How about the drain holes, are they okay on the top?

ctrujillo · 06-25-2011, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PescadorPete

Chuck, I think the problem is that the water comes in the top and goes right out the top. I bet all the water in the tank below is not getting circulated. Before you build a new tank, try putting the inlet near the bottom of the tank. That's how I have my home tank set up and it works great.

thanks pescador for the info i will try thisalso thanks to billy v

ctrujillo · 06-25-2011, 02:17 PM

any info on the bait motel?

pchen911 · 06-25-2011, 03:15 PM

Am testing out using a 6v on a 360 GPH pump in a Shimano Bristol Bay livewell this very minute.

I had a 12v on it before and it worked well for even the sensitive baits like sardines.

With a 6v, I am not sure if there is enough circulation going on... looks a little weak.

The Bristol Bay tanks have inflow and exhaust both at the top too and it didn't seem to be a problem in the past. Could it be that the 6v just doesn't deliver enough juice to properly circulate the tank?

Lets_Fish · 06-25-2011, 03:21 PM

I like how yaksailor made his bait tank from a $13 5 gallon plastic gas can. Modeled somewhat like the Hobie design but far cheaper. Here is the link: http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/s...ad.php?t=10529

I think the most expensive part would be the hatch ($43-$55) for that alone.

Hobie 6" Twist & Seal hatch:http://www.austinkayak.com/products/...eal-Hatch.html

Hobie 8" Twist & Seal hatch: http://www.austinkayak.com/products/...eal-Hatch.html

The cans come in Yellow (diesel), red (gas) & blue (Kerosene). Here is a link to Briggs & Stratton Gas cans: http://www.theplasticsgroup.net/consprod_gasc_ul.htm

Just add a few other items (plumping and wiring) a battery & pump.

FARRIER · 06-25-2011, 03:34 PM

Just add a 90 degree elbow with some flex tubing. you can drill a small hole at the top for a siphon break.

06-25-2011, 01:42 PM	#4
Billy V Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bay Ho Posts: 1,382	Water needs to enter the tank from the bottom. That is the proven design of all offshore bait tanks. It ensures fresh O gets even distributed throughout the tank. __________________

06-25-2011, 03:21 PM	#9
Lets_Fish Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Wildomar, CA. Posts: 294	Check out Yaksailor's tank I like how yaksailor made his bait tank from a $13 5 gallon plastic gas can. Modeled somewhat like the Hobie design but far cheaper. Here is the link: http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/s...ad.php?t=10529 I think the most expensive part would be the hatch ($43-$55) for that alone. Hobie 6" Twist & Seal hatch:http://www.austinkayak.com/products/...eal-Hatch.html Hobie 8" Twist & Seal hatch: http://www.austinkayak.com/products/...eal-Hatch.html The cans come in Yellow (diesel), red (gas) & blue (Kerosene). Here is a link to Briggs & Stratton Gas cans: http://www.theplasticsgroup.net/consprod_gasc_ul.htm Just add a few other items (plumping and wiring) a battery & pump.

06-25-2011, 03:34 PM	#10
FARRIER Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Cmont [] Posts: 314	Just add a 90 degree elbow with some flex tubing. you can drill a small hole at the top for a siphon break. __________________ "It depends on what the meaning of the words 'is' is." –Bill Clinton

06-25-2011, 12:52 PM	#2
PescadorPete Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Leucadia, CA Posts: 261	Chuck, I think the problem is that the water comes in the top and goes right out the top. I bet all the water in the tank below is not getting circulated. Before you build a new tank, try putting the inlet near the bottom of the tank. That's how I have my home tank set up and it works great.

06-25-2011, 01:29 PM	#3
Flyfisher70 Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 69	I have all my bait die off fairly quickly as well, I have the vittles vault type bait tank. I have the drain holes on the top as well. I'm going to have to try drilling another drain hole on the bottom and see if that would make a difference in keeping the bait lively throughout the day. Is anyone else having a there bait die off real quick in the bait well/tank?

06-25-2011, 02:17 PM	#7
ctrujillo Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: garden grove Posts: 308	any info on the bait motel?

06-25-2011, 03:15 PM	#8
pchen911 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 218	Am testing out using a 6v on a 360 GPH pump in a Shimano Bristol Bay livewell this very minute. I had a 12v on it before and it worked well for even the sensitive baits like sardines. With a 6v, I am not sure if there is enough circulation going on... looks a little weak. The Bristol Bay tanks have inflow and exhaust both at the top too and it didn't seem to be a problem in the past. Could it be that the 6v just doesn't deliver enough juice to properly circulate the tank?