Quality Minnow Bucket?

[SlabSeeker0485]

Engle 100%

[Cray]

I have been using the same 5 gallon bucket and liner for about 6 years. Drilled a hole just above liner through side of bucket for air hose. Put one of those screw on lid set up's on it to keep it from splashing out. Never had a problem keeping minnows. It's a lot lighter to handle and takes up less room than the cooler style. 20 bucks verses 75.00. Plus don't have to worry about anyone taking it out of truck or boat.

[Eagle 1]

I use a 5 gallon bucket with a sty foam bucket liner I bought from Bass pro made to fit buckets. They also make a 5 gallon bucket top made for minnow fishing.

This is what I used till my son gave me an Engel . They work great . Anybody want it just stop by ,you can have it .

[catchNgrease]

I use an Igoo 5 gallon drink cooler with frozen water bottles. I dip a few out at a time and transfer to a 2 gallon igloo drink cooler to fish out of. Total cost 35$ and I'm on my 3rd season

Sent from my E6810 using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

[Chevync20]

FYI on the Engel bait cooler. I recently picked up a 30 quart Engel bait cooler from Austin Kayak for 58 bucks shipped to my door. They had them on sale and new users get 15-20% off one item. I was hesitant in buying one, but for that price, I jumped on it. I have no used it yet.. Hopefully it will serve me well this summer.

[outdoorsron]

Hello: I have a Aerobait 6 gal. insulated , aerated bucket. Mine is over 10 years old Works great. They still make them and parts are also available , haven't needed any parts yet. Good Luck O

[wicklundrh]

Although I own all three sizes of Engel bait coolers, (and I love them), I can also understand the budget minded individual as well.

In the winter, I used to use a 5 gallon bucket with a styrafoam insert. This worked okay until you got water between the bucket and the insulator. Then it would freeze!

My boat came with mesh bags for my livewell. Although I do not use them in my livewell, I would consider using them in a bucket. I think one of the main reasons why the engel coolers are great is because of the mesh insert that goes in the box. It helps to protect the minnows from getting slammed in to the walls.

Attached is a picture of what I am referrring to regarding the bait bags. The issue however is that they are expensive (almost half the price of an Engel).
If it was me, I would go to the store and purchase a laundry bag (thin mesh). I would cut it down to about 1/2 the depth of a 5 gallon pail. I would take the top of it and wrap it over a pool noodle that is cut to go around the inside of the pail.

Fill the bucket about half full and then put in your sack. The noodle would be floating on the water and there would be a gap between the water edge and the top of the noodle so the minnows could not get out and they would be safely protected inside of the mesh bag. You could put your frozen bottles under the bag if need be.

I would drill a hole near the top of the bucket for my aerator tube. My stone would go on one end along with a large fender washer to keep in on the bottom.
Just my idea anyway.

[kycreek]

I agree the internal net help keeps them alive.

[barrelslime]

I cant find those 5 gallon bucket liners at BPS. anyone got a link?

[wicklundrh]

https://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/lin...hoCOjgQAvD_BwE

https://www.cabelas.com/product/Minn...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

https://www.lindyfishingtackle.com/lindy-bait-tamer

Google "Mesh Bait Bag"