PVC bait cylinder vs. wire bait cage

[Vikingj]

With bug season just around the corner I was looking for some new options and thought I’d get a couple of those cool looking, sealion-proof, Promar bait tubes. I was quickly discouraged by the $20 price and decided to make my own. Made 4 for about $30 ($7.50 each) and added clips I already had. Made the tube 7” (1/2” longer than Promar) and drilled larger holes (1/2” and 5/8”). I averaged about 45 min a piece to drill the 40 holes and assemble each tube. The tube will hold about 50 cubic inches of bait while the 6” wire bait cage holds about 100 cubic inches. I have never used the tubes before so it will be fun to try something new and test some of the following assumptions: PVC tube advantages?: more sealion resistant, compact storage (yak & freezer), holds smaller pieces of bait (sardines/anchovies), bait last longer/increase feeding time, long lasting containers. Wire cage advantages?: less expensive, holds 2x the bait. Have you tried the tube? What pros & cons did you find?