Live well pumps

[Drifty4]

Does anyone have any tricks that they use to keep the junk out of their live well pumps and hoses? I am looking for a way to strain the hose in the tank, and the drain at the bottom of the tank. I use screens on the outside of the pumps, but still keep getting junk that slows down the water from the pump that comes from inside the tank. Stuff like scales and bits of stuff that the fish had eaten before it chomped my jig.

Any help would be appreciated.

[crappiechappy]

When you first start the pumps, try putting the throttle in reverse and backing up for several yards. This helps to prime some pumps by completely filling the lines with water.

[Barnacle Bill]

I had that problem with my old boat. The drain went back out thru the pump so I was getting dead minnows and scales in it. I took a piece if ½" PVC and drilled many small holes thru it. Put a cap on one end and put the other end in the hole. It worked for me.