Thread: Engle bait coolers- love em or hate em

Never had any issues with the bait cooler itself, but like you said the aerator that comes with it leaves a lot to be desired. Mine worked for about 2 trips and was loud as all get out. I've said before Engel ought to offer the bait cooler alone without the aerator as an option. I use a 5 gallon bucket as well in the big boat, take my Engel 13qt with me in my little 2 man. Pretty neat idea blueball!

I saw this cooler at Walgreen's and noticed the top had a lid with a small compartment in the top. It was around $15.
I cut out the bottom of the compartment so I can just flip up the small lid and dip a minnow. It's an Igloo Cube, not sure what size in quarts but it holds 4 to 6 dozen with no problems. I have the Marine Metals 12 volt bubbler with the 2 hoses in it. I think the influx of oxygen is the most critical factor in keeping them alive but you can't ignore the heat when it gets really hot in late summer. A frozen bottle of water works wonders then,

I , like most have replaced the pump on my 19 qt. Engel . I have no problem keeping minnows alive 8 doz. is normally what I get . I too have a 5 gallon bucket with a liner but have turned it over a few times . Not a fan of the net system really but have several old style dip nets .

Originally Posted by Boatbottom

Nets work great and you can now buy em. Here’s one on a 30 qt
Attachment 335270

Where did you get that net? Link Please?

Mine came with a little tray to hold the minnows in once scooped out. Have seen the ones with the big net inside them and not fond of that system.

I heard that net thing was so you could pick up all your minnows then dump and refill the cooler with water. I never change the water so don’t know for sure. I love mine.


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I have a plastic container, square shaped with holes drilled in it. It is about the height of my live well. It has a lip around the top that rests on the inside of live well. Once the live well is full and circulating it keeps minnows all day , unless water gets real warm in the summer.

Originally Posted by blueball

The one i cut and notched sets down in the groove,you can shut the lid with the net in the groove

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I did the same thing with the net and cutting the groove....love my engel 30 quart


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