Is a bait tank overkill? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Kayak805 · 02-16-2012, 07:40 PM

For live bait on a yak is a powered bait tank that important? Why not just a small bait bucket that I can drop in the wate once in awhile?

Aaron&Julie · 02-16-2012, 08:01 PM

If you're talking about a bucket with holes in it, that can fit into one without holes, you might be able to keep 3 or 4 spanish alive that way, if you cycle the water every 15 minutes or so. Greenies and sardines require a constant source of fresh saltwater, or they'll die pretty quick, unless you only have a couple in there.
Ocean fishing success has always been much greater with VERY lively bait.

buttchaser · 02-16-2012, 08:11 PM

I would avoid carrying a bait bucket around all day , It might be easier to just carry a bait tube , Less drag and space.

Kayak805 · 02-16-2012, 08:43 PM

Yeah I have a yellow bucket full of holes and it's a pain to drag it and out of a kayak. But I think I've got too many accessories already on m kayak and I'm losing the pleasure of simplicity. Plus the more stuff on my kayak I have the more paranoid I get in punching (or capsizing) through the surf.

lowprofile · 02-16-2012, 09:02 PM

i bring the bait tank when there is supposed to be a "hot bite". came in handy for threshers and keeps about 15 dines alive and well for halibut. but if im just going out to find fish and soak, i bring a regular bucket and load up on mackerel to use for bait in the surf and if i use a live one i put it on right after catching it.

squid and 2-5 10" mackerel will stay alive in a 2.5ft tube all day, but it does get caught on kelp and adds some drag.

ReelNasty · 02-16-2012, 09:34 PM

Go to petsmart and buy a dog food container, either big or small, poke a couple holes in the top. Get a bilge and some tubing. Your set.

02-16-2012, 07:40 PM	#1
Kayak805 Junior Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 24	Is a bait tank overkill? For live bait on a yak is a powered bait tank that important? Why not just a small bait bucket that I can drop in the wate once in awhile?

02-16-2012, 08:01 PM	#2
Aaron&Julie Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Spring Valley Posts: 1,400	If you're talking about a bucket with holes in it, that can fit into one without holes, you might be able to keep 3 or 4 spanish alive that way, if you cycle the water every 15 minutes or so. Greenies and sardines require a constant source of fresh saltwater, or they'll die pretty quick, unless you only have a couple in there. Ocean fishing success has always been much greater with VERY lively bait. __________________ "Never say die"

02-16-2012, 09:02 PM	#5
lowprofile #1 on fishstick's hitlist Join Date: May 2011 Location: Sea level Posts: 1,478	i bring the bait tank when there is supposed to be a "hot bite". came in handy for threshers and keeps about 15 dines alive and well for halibut. but if im just going out to find fish and soak, i bring a regular bucket and load up on mackerel to use for bait in the surf and if i use a live one i put it on right after catching it. squid and 2-5 10" mackerel will stay alive in a 2.5ft tube all day, but it does get caught on kelp and adds some drag. __________________ MLPA- My Largest Poaching Area

02-16-2012, 08:11 PM	#3
buttchaser Float Tuber Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 243	I would avoid carrying a bait bucket around all day , It might be easier to just carry a bait tube , Less drag and space.

02-16-2012, 08:43 PM	#4
Kayak805 Junior Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 24	Yeah I have a yellow bucket full of holes and it's a pain to drag it and out of a kayak. But I think I've got too many accessories already on m kayak and I'm losing the pleasure of simplicity. Plus the more stuff on my kayak I have the more paranoid I get in punching (or capsizing) through the surf.

02-16-2012, 09:34 PM	#6
ReelNasty Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Huntington Beach Posts: 34	Go to petsmart and buy a dog food container, either big or small, poke a couple holes in the top. Get a bilge and some tubing. Your set.