Engel Cooler Bait Tanks

What size Engel cooler bait tank do yall like for keeping minnows and other live bait? I see a 7.5, 13, 19, and 30 quart capacity ones available. I usually don't get more than 4 dozen minnows for a trip so I'd imagine the smaller ones would be fine, however, I was thinking a larger size may also make a good icebox to throw fish in on days when I wasn't using live bait to keep my other coolers smelling a little better.

Also, anyone have any experience with Engel's Li-ion rechargeable aerators pumps? Not having to buy C or D batteries for my little Frabil pump would be pretty handy.

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Originally Posted by scout-j-m

What size Engel cooler bait tank do yall like for keeping minnows and other live bait? I see a 7.5, 13, 19, and 30 quart capacity ones available. I usually don't get more than 4 dozen minnows for a trip so I'd imagine the smaller ones would be fine, however, I was thinking a larger size may also make a good icebox to throw fish in on days when I wasn't using live bait to keep my other coolers smelling a little better.

Also, anyone have any experience with Engel's Li-ion rechargeable aerators pumps? Not having to buy C or D batteries for my little Frabil pump would be pretty handy.

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I have the 19. It works okay, but i need to get a 30 for summer so i don't have to keep changing water every couple hours. I would not go smaller than 19 unless space is really at a premium in your boat. 13 is perfect for bank fishing, 19 is a little big/heavy.

I use a rechargeable pump from amazon, it has worked well now for a couple years. I cant even hear it running and it will run all day and night on a charge, can also run while plugged into boat with 12v adapter. It charges with a usb cable.

https://a.co/d/077Kofu

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I have the 13. But like most minnow keepers, you have to keep the water cool. I freeze water bottles and put one in it until it is about half melted, then swap it for a frozen one. You can rinse the outside of the bottle and drink it if needed. I would think you could get a much cheaper ice chest for your fish.

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Originally Posted by "D"

I have the 13. But like most minnow keepers, you have to keep the water cool. I freeze water bottles and put one in it until it is about half melted, then swap it for a frozen one. You can rinse the outside of the bottle and drink it if needed. I would think you could get a much cheaper ice chest for your fish.

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I agree on the ice chest cost. I was just looking for ways to make it multi-purpose. The difference between the 13Q and 30Q is only $20 so I thought if it wasn't overkill I could make use of it in other ways for $20 more which would be cheaper or same cost at worst than a new separate cooler.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by "D"

I have the 13. But like most minnow keepers, you have to keep the water cool. I freeze water bottles and put one in it until it is about half melted, then swap it for a frozen one. You can rinse the outside of the bottle and drink it if needed. I would think you could get a much cheaper ice chest for your fish.

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I tried this and found if the minnow water is 10deg or so off of water temp they will go into shock when you cast them out. Thus having little to no movement. It was a big struggle last week in 85deg water temps, when the bait shop water was 58. I had to spend over an hour trying to acclimate them to warmer water or they would just sit on the hook and not move.

One thing i found out which worked pretty well is that the engel basket fits well in my livewell, so i can just pump new water and have 28gal of water for my minnows at lake temp.

This is why i want the 30 for summer, more water thus more oxygen and lower ammonia levels without having to drop water temp.

Personally i really dont want to go to an oxy setup for bait, but that is the best setup. Ive tried running large air pumps but water volume seems to be the limiting factor.

From Sept-june the 19q engel works fantastic for up to say 75-100 fatheads.

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I have 19 and no issues what so ever. Just had a 1lb minnows last Saturday. Fished for almost 6 hours. Outside temp was 80 when started and and 100 when we ended. Posted pics of trip in this main forum the other day. Have had this cooler since 2015 with original pump and still kicking. Haven’t ever had to change the water. Just use what they give me when buying minnows.

I can't confirm, but I think minnows are tougher up north. The ones we used in Michigan definitely out last the ones down here in Louisiana. The heat absolutely is harsh on them here, that's why the frozen water bottle. Just a small one at a time ,to cool not chill the water. I can't remember ever having the "shock" problem though.

I’ve got the Engel 13q 6 years now.
Original pump was loud and died quickly. Have used the Bubsdaddy aerator in it since.

Works good for my needs. Usually put a pound in it at a time.
Use frozen water bottle and better bait or g-juice and no trouble with livability in 100 degree temps.

Also think any other cooler would perform about as well. It’s not insulated like a yeti or the like. The net liner include is very beneficial


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I’ve got the 30 since about the spring and have the d battery with wall and DC charger. I got this big one to get a bunch of minnows at once because the bait shop is out of the way. So I pick up a lot and keep them at home in the cooler. Haven’t used it since summer started but has ran for weeks and kept 99% of minnows alive. I forgot how many pounds I’ve had in there. It’s been great about insulating and keep water cold and also throw a frozen water bottle in it when it’s hot outside. The net is great!! The only complaint I have is it can be heavy when putting into the boat. I’ve been very happy with the cooler. I will buy the rechargeable once this pump dies.
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19 here..replaced the bubbler with hush or quiet bubbles..silicon a new (bigger) stone to the bottom to increase bubbles..does the job even fishing hot summer days

Incase you guys didnt know, the original aerator is "rechargeable". I wondered why my batteries were not dying after several days use so I got out the multimeter. When you plug it into the wall/boat it puts voltage straight through the batteries instead of bypassing them like most. I ran the same two batteries in it for a year and they did not explode (although i would suggest buying rechargeable batteries to put in it).

I only upgraded because of the loudness.

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I have a 30qt Magellan and it works just as well as the Engel at half the cost. It has a quiet bubbles bubbler on it and I can run of portable or boat battery. I fish by myself most of the time so if I had to do it again I would get the 19qt unit. I do love the basket with the Engel but a cheap dip net is all I need for a day on the water.

I have a Frabill 19 qt which works great. It takes up space in the boat but I can keep 100 minnows in it for multiple days with ice added occasionally and “”bait saver” added. The 30qt looks very nice

I bought a 19 quart standard cooler and added my own aerator. I bought a Engel tri-powered aerator. 12volt, 120volt, or built in lithium rechargeable battery. 12volt plugs into a USB port which I have in my boat.
Amazon.com

I use the Engel 19 & couldn't be happier with it.

My std. minnow count is 4 dozen for a day... mostly for my 10yr old sidekick. I have the 13 gallon and it works great!! Do yourself a favor and spring the extra $ for the rechargable lithium battery aerator...It's stupid quiet. I'm sure you can find a youtube video review... I've thoroughly enjoyed mine, but will for sure say that southern summers require cool water for minnows... Keep it closed if you don't have your hands in it!