How to Keep Your Baits Alive, and Lively

Ya can’t catch ‘em if they ain’t there. Finding fish is definitely the most important part of fishing. Having good bait is a close second. The difference between good bait and bad bait mainly depends on how well you take care of it. Here’s a few tips and tricks that will help you keep whatever live bait you use happy and healthy.

1 - Cool Water, But Not Too Cool

Keep the water cool, but don’t go crazy about it. If your bait tank water is significantly more cool than the water you’re casting your bait into, more sensitive live baits will often die quickly. It isn’t an exact science, but keeping your bait tank water within 5 to 10 degrees of the river or lake water will help insure your bait doesn’t kick the bucket as soon as you toss them out.

2 - Insulation Is Your Friend

Once you have your water slightly cooler, you want to keep it slightly cooler. At least when it's really hot during the middle of summer. It’s much less of a problem during spring and fall. A 5 gallon bucket will work just fine for hardy baits like bullheads and sunfish, but more delicate ones like suckers and creek chubs thrive in cool, stable water temperatures. It takes an insulated bait tank to insure that. There’s many options on the market ranging from insulted buckets, to coolers with an aerator attached to them. They all get the job done.

3 - Water Additive

Water additives make a difference. I thought it was a bit of a gimmick until I got a sample pack and tried them. Your bait is livelier, lasts longer on the hook, and fewer die in the bait tank. Most of them also remove chlorine, so you can simply add it to tap water, and your bait is going to be in the best shape it possibly can. I mainly use Better Bait, but G Juice is also effective.

4 - Don't Overcrowd Them

For my at home bait tank, I only keep one 5-7 inch bait fish per gallon. For a 90 gallon tank, I never put more than 90 baits in it, and usually no more than 60. This number has treated me very well so far. When you are on the water, because your baits are in the tank for a shorter period of time, I generally double or triple that number. You will be removing them from the tank as the trip goes on, and they are only crowded for a short period of time. This is all subjective though and there are a lot of variables. If you are unsure, I recommend erring on the side of fewer baits in the tank. Live baits are often tough to get. You don’t want to lose them all because you overcrowded your bait tank.

5 - There’s No Such Thing as Too Much Aeration

I almost didn’t include this because I figured it went without saying, but an aerator of some kind is essential. The better your aeration in your bait tank is, the more bait you can keep in it. Battery powered ones are great, but battery costs add up after a while. I prefer rechargeable ones for this reason. Marine Metal Aerators are the most durable ones that I’ve used. 

Many seasoned anglers are already aware of these things, but an occasional reminder is never a bad thing. Either way, these little tips will lead to healthier, tougher, and livelier baits. The better your bait, the more fish you’re going to catch.