Live Well Question - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Steve W. · 04-18-2013, 09:08 AM

Hello everyone,

I'm puttin together the live well seen on many sites using the pet food container. Do I really need the bilge pump version or has anyone had good results with just using a bubble box or aerator pump and stone? The price and battery seems like a cheaper route. Any thoughts or experience is greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Steve

Mahigeer · 04-18-2013, 09:34 AM

Well with the aerator you still need to change the water from time to time.
Especially when it comes to sardines. They need fresh water constantly, and still will die in a tank.

I saw a design on this board that used hand pump which eliminated battery, but you need a space to install it close to you and remember to pump every few minutes.

I am going to experiment with a floating bait bag, But I was told while paddling, the bait is going to be injured. Will see.

Dannowar · 04-18-2013, 09:53 AM

I used to paddle a 9 foot cobra kayak with a 5 gallon bucket and a bubble box. Will it work? Yes. But you might as well do it right the first time. It's pretty easy to get tippy when filling up 40 pounds of water from the side of your kayak.

FishNinjaY · 04-18-2013, 10:08 AM

I made a livewell with the pet food box, worked great until my battery died. Those anchovies all died pretty quick. When you have a bunch of fish in there, swimming around, getting bumped into walls and each other, I think they consume oxygen pretty quickly out of the water. At least that's my theory.. I use the Johnson 500gph pump with a 12V battery, and timer.. and it works great.

ful-rac · 04-18-2013, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve W.

Hello everyone,

I'm puttin together the live well seen on many sites using the pet food container. Do I really need the bilge pump version or has anyone had good results with just using a bubble box or aerator pump and stone? The price and battery seems like a cheaper route. Any thoughts or experience is greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Steve

Do you really need the bilge pump version...YES!

If you are serious about fishing off your kayak and keeping bait alive you need to do it the right way. Yes it's more expenisve and more complicated, but...if you don't have the money right now...save it. Gotta remember that your not keeping goldfish alive in a bucket...sardines/anchovies require lots of fresh seawater to stay alive, and even then your going to see some loss.

Steve W. · 04-18-2013, 10:35 AM

Thanks for the info guys...I'll get over to West Marine and pickup a rule pump. Thanks again.

FishNinjaY · 04-18-2013, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve W.

Thanks for the info guys...I'll get over to West Marine and pickup a rule pump. Thanks again.

The Rule pump is a good option, cuz it just hangs down in the water. no need for a priming bulb and check valve. Also, the pump is not that expensive.. I think maybe $25-30?

roadx · 04-18-2013, 06:19 PM

and get your batteries here. 12v 7a for two $12.95
i prefer 6v and they also carry those as well

http://www.surplusdepot.org/wesell/batteries.html

momo fish · 04-18-2013, 07:07 PM

thanks!!. Love the things I learn on this forum.. Anyone else can share more tips this topic it would help a lot of newbies.. I overuse the search function already...

Quote:

Originally Posted by roadx

and get your batteries here. 12v 7a for two $12.95
i prefer 6v and they also carry those as well

http://www.surplusdepot.org/wesell/batteries.html

04-18-2013, 09:53 AM	#3
Dannowar Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 1,823	I used to paddle a 9 foot cobra kayak with a 5 gallon bucket and a bubble box. Will it work? Yes. But you might as well do it right the first time. It's pretty easy to get tippy when filling up 40 pounds of water from the side of your kayak. __________________ "Beware the lollipop of mediocrity; lick it once and you’ll suck forever." — Brian Wilson

04-18-2013, 06:19 PM	#8
roadx . Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 1,155	and get your batteries here. 12v 7a for two $12.95 i prefer 6v and they also carry those as well http://www.surplusdepot.org/wesell/batteries.html __________________

04-18-2013, 09:34 AM	#2
Mahigeer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,891	Well with the aerator you still need to change the water from time to time. Especially when it comes to sardines. They need fresh water constantly, and still will die in a tank. I saw a design on this board that used hand pump which eliminated battery, but you need a space to install it close to you and remember to pump every few minutes. I am going to experiment with a floating bait bag, But I was told while paddling, the bait is going to be injured. Will see.

04-18-2013, 10:08 AM	#4
FishNinjaY Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Seal Beach, CA Posts: 428	I made a livewell with the pet food box, worked great until my battery died. Those anchovies all died pretty quick. When you have a bunch of fish in there, swimming around, getting bumped into walls and each other, I think they consume oxygen pretty quickly out of the water. At least that's my theory.. I use the Johnson 500gph pump with a 12V battery, and timer.. and it works great.

04-18-2013, 10:35 AM	#6
Steve W. Retired Navy Chief Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: San Diego Posts: 45	Thanks for the info guys...I'll get over to West Marine and pickup a rule pump. Thanks again.