Need help with best bait tank idea? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

beef78 · 04-07-2013, 10:31 PM

I am trying to figure out the best bait tank to use. I want to make my own because I am one of those DiY guys, but I am open to kits and stuff, too. Any great ideas? Thanks all.

MrM · 04-07-2013, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beef78

I am trying to figure out the best bait tank to use. I want to make my own because I am one of those DiY guys, but I am open to kits and stuff, too. Any great ideas? Thanks all.

Search on here for bait tanks. I'm on the iPad, otherwise I'd do it for you. Myself and a few others have stood on the shoulders of OEX and copied their design in separate threads. I'm a big DIY'er too. It was a fun build! Good luck and let us know how you do.

Biggameaddict · 04-07-2013, 11:08 PM

Heres mine http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/s...ight=bait+tank
Theres a few others with scupper pickups, pumps in the tanks, etc.

Baja_Traveler · 04-08-2013, 07:24 AM

Same kind of tank here, except I used the larger kibble vault from Costco, and went with the Australian method of a no-battery manual pump. I put in two tank level drains - I use the half full one for the bait tank, and use the high level one for the bay bass tournaments for weigh & release. I really like the whale pump - so long as you remember to give it a few pumps every 10-15 minutes the fish keep fine. It also doubles as a very effective bildge pump for the hull should it be needed. I think only the PA's have enough deck space for it though...

Jimmyz123 · 04-08-2013, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beef78

I am trying to figure out the best bait tank to use. I want to make my own because I am one of those DiY guys, but I am open to kits and stuff, too. Any great ideas? Thanks all.

First of all what type of Kayak do you have? That makes a huge difference in know what you can do. You will see that a lot of us have purchased the vittals containers from local pet stores. There are the short square ones, and the taller angled ones, like I have. They are great, and very easy to make. I personally like having 6 rod holders attached, I like to take a lot of rods with me.

Knowing the size of your tank well will tell you if the container will work. Of course the basic you have the basic 5 gallon bucket that you can setup also. One that I have also made was a cooler from Walmart.

Let us know what Kayak you have so we can better suggest.

Jimmyz123 · 04-08-2013, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baja_Traveler

Same kind of tank here, except I used the larger kibble vault from Costco, and went with the Australian method of a no-battery manual pump. I put in two tank level drains - I use the half full one for the bait tank, and use the high level one for the bay bass tournaments for weigh & release. I really like the whale pump - so long as you remember to give it a few pumps every 10-15 minutes the fish keep fine. It also doubles as a very effective bildge pump for the hull should it be needed. I think only the PA's have enough deck space for it though...

I use to have this one on a previous kayak and it was nice having that big of a bait tank/livewell. I've stepped down to the smaller unit just because of the water weight, but this is my suggestion as what to use, if you can.

Below is the tank I have now.

ronbo613 · 04-08-2013, 10:13 AM

Build your own. Look at everyone else's ideas and come up with a better one.

oneyedeer · 04-08-2013, 11:04 AM

i actually like the bigger one....all you have to do is adjust the water level.

beef78 · 04-08-2013, 12:05 PM

I have a wilderness systems tarpon 140. I think I found an old kittylitter holder that might be a good tank. Looking mostly at pump and plumbing options now.
Thanks so far, guys. I appreciate help!

Raskal311 · 04-08-2013, 12:22 PM

For plumbing go to tropical fish store, they carrier all the bulk heads and barb fittings that would be perfect for a bait tank project.

tacklebox · 04-08-2013, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beef78

I have a wilderness systems tarpon 140. I think I found an old kittylitter holder that might be a good tank. Looking mostly at pump and plumbing options now.
Thanks so far, guys. I appreciate help!

I have the ws t140 also and I just made my vittle vault for it a few weeks ago. It works great with no problems. Just make the water level the same height as the top of the yak so you dont get any funky topheavy problems.

IMAG0968.jpg

IMAG0971.jpg

beef78 · 04-08-2013, 02:36 PM

Any good ideas for a pump?

FishNinjaY · 04-08-2013, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beef78

Any good ideas for a pump?

Johnson Pump, about $33 at West Marine. But.. you'll probably need a prime bulb and check valve. 500gph.

Or.. lots of people use the Rule submersible pump, which is I think $22-24 and just attaches to the end of the inlet tube and is entirely under the water level, so it doesn't need priming.

beef78 · 04-08-2013, 07:53 PM

Awesome! I will be sure to check into these. I am going to try and rig up a pump system sometime this week. I am going to try my funky kitty litter tank tomorrow and see how it holds up. I am just going to have to bring a little bucket to pour water in every once in a while. Thanks everyone!!

04-07-2013, 10:31 PM	#1
beef78 Large Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: San Diego Posts: 316	Need help with best bait tank idea? I am trying to figure out the best bait tank to use. I want to make my own because I am one of those DiY guys, but I am open to kits and stuff, too. Any great ideas? Thanks all.

04-07-2013, 11:08 PM	#3
Biggameaddict The Kayak Peddler Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: North Hollywood Posts: 591	Heres mine http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/s...ight=bait+tank Theres a few others with scupper pickups, pumps in the tanks, etc. __________________ Keep your rod close, your gaff closer, and your paddle on a leash.

04-08-2013, 10:13 AM	#7
ronbo613 Waterman At Large Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: On the Water Posts: 199	Build your own. Look at everyone else's ideas and come up with a better one. __________________ Kayak Fishing Photos and Video

04-08-2013, 12:05 PM	#9
beef78 Large Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: San Diego Posts: 316	tank I have a wilderness systems tarpon 140. I think I found an old kittylitter holder that might be a good tank. Looking mostly at pump and plumbing options now. Thanks so far, guys. I appreciate help!

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04-08-2013, 07:24 AM	#4
Baja_Traveler Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Table 17, Bay Park Fish Co. Posts: 943	Same kind of tank here, except I used the larger kibble vault from Costco, and went with the Australian method of a no-battery manual pump. I put in two tank level drains - I use the half full one for the bait tank, and use the high level one for the bay bass tournaments for weigh & release. I really like the whale pump - so long as you remember to give it a few pumps every 10-15 minutes the fish keep fine. It also doubles as a very effective bildge pump for the hull should it be needed. I think only the PA's have enough deck space for it though...

04-08-2013, 11:04 AM	#8
oneyedeer Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Orange County, ca Posts: 684	i actually like the bigger one....all you have to do is adjust the water level.

04-08-2013, 12:22 PM	#10
Raskal311 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Santa Ana/Westminster Posts: 1,256	For plumbing go to tropical fish store, they carrier all the bulk heads and barb fittings that would be perfect for a bait tank project.

04-08-2013, 02:36 PM	#12
beef78 Large Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: San Diego Posts: 316	Any good ideas for a pump?

04-08-2013, 07:53 PM	#14
beef78 Large Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: San Diego Posts: 316	Awesome! I will be sure to check into these. I am going to try and rig up a pump system sometime this week. I am going to try my funky kitty litter tank tomorrow and see how it holds up. I am just going to have to bring a little bucket to pour water in every once in a while. Thanks everyone!!