Bait Buckets

[Rockin_n_Vermont]

What do you guys use for bait buckets? Insulated probably, right? I'm looking to get a new one and could use some suggestions. Something big enough to hold 2-4/dozen shiners, sturdy, not Styrofoam exterior.

I've been looking at the CLAM Insulated (not sure what size to get) and the Frabill Min-O-Life 8qt

I don't use a machine to pull my gear out so smaller/lighter the better I guess.

Anybody use those or have other suggestions?

Thanks!

[Light liner]

Coolers mostly then a smaller insulated for
Mobil

[Basswacker]

Ditto on the coolers. They comes so many different shapes and sizes PLUS you can mod them out in the off season after you've re-modded out your sleds.

[Ice Scratcher]

https://www.igloocoolers.com/products/41224-sport-2-gallon-water-jug-with-hooks-blue

<°)))>{

[Spider1]

I picked up a small igloo flip top cooler at a thrift store for a couple bucks. Perfect for a couple doz minnows. These are pretty easy to find at thrift stores and garage sails and such. I found a bigger one on the side of the road one time and used it in my canoe as a live well!

https://www.igloocoolers.com/products/island-breeze-9-qt-cooler?variant=29722110021

[Rockin_n_Vermont]

Will regular coolers stay locked well enough? As long as you don't drop it and such?

Do you guys just drill holes through the top to get your aerator through?

[Spider1]

I don't use an aerator, I just dip some fresh water from time to time out of a hole using an old coffee can with a length of paracord tied to it so it doesn't accidentally get deep sixed.

[bean counter]

I'd recommend NOT going with one with a screw on top - they freeze.... grrr.  i use one with a flip up lid, drill a hole for the aerator hose - some double stick velcro on the lid for the aerator. 

[Rockin_n_Vermont]

I'd recommend NOT going with one with a screw on top - they freeze.... grrr.  i use one with a flip up lid, drill a hole for the aerator hose - some double stick velcro on the lid for the aerator.

Ok, Thanks Bean.

[Papa Sly]

Ok, Thanks Bean.

Little chap stick or vasoline around the gasket and will not freeze

[Ice Scratcher]

Little chap stick or vasoline around the gasket and will not freeze

I think I used bees wax, but the above would work fine too..

No spilled minnows, works great, the Scratcher can get bumpy...

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[Cooey22]

I have used a Colman cooler for years with no issues
They are cheap at thrift stores

[chilly-willy]

Areo bait buckets are what I use when river fishing all way threw  Febuary..   foam core 5 gallon capacity of 4 dz lrg emerald shiners..   aka walleye steelhead minnows..  best to keep bucket warm if staying over night..  cause minnows get to cold they die.. if you start seeing floaters bring in and warm up a tad.. it has a strap that hold the lid on if you spill it it will leak but a bouncy ride outs is not bad...  I bought 8 dz last week two buckets form detroit to port huron not one spilled .. any how minnows  last longer with a good areator..  I bought a marine meatls power bubbles run it off a cig lighter on car and one in a power box with three Batts in it.. the power bubbles is a 12 volt areator well worth the price tag in summer..