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Better Bait and Fish Storage |
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How to Avoid Spoiled Swimmers
There’s nothing fishy about well-conceived bait storage
Story and photosCory Routh
In kayak fishing, the more you prepare before you get on the water, the more time you spend fishing vs. rigging. Here are three tried and tested tips for bait and catch storage without the fishy surprises.
Cut Bait Storage
The majority of anglers use cut bait, such as squid and mullet. The best way to keep cut bait fresh is to keep it in an airtight container (such as Tupperware) with an ice pack. I use a combination bait box/cutting board by Plano and add a re-freezable ice pack. I pre-cut all my bait so that all I need to do is to put it on the hook. I like to use a separate container for my bait and keep cooler space for lunch. There is nothing worse than sodas and sandwiches that taste like bait.
Live Bait Storage
Live bait is another popular option. The best and most economical way to keep baitfish happy is to use a float and troll type minnow bucket. I put it overboard while fishing and pull it onto my kayak while paddling. I have no trouble keeping hardier baitfish and crustaceans alive this way. When live bait fishing, I carry this bucket along with my cast net.
The other option is to buy or build a live well system for your kayak. Most kayak anglers use a bucket with a 12-volt aerator. This is better suited for less hardy baits, or when the water temperature is very hot. I use my trolling minnow bucket and the Fishflo2 oxygen system. You can also buy commercial systems made especially for a kayak. These are more expensive, but most are insulated and well worth the extra money.
Fish Storage
The question that I am most asked is “Where do you keep your fish?” The answer is simple – anywhere they will fit! Actually, using insulated fish bags inside my forward hatch is my preferred way to keep fish fresh during my kayak fishing trips. Fish bags, such as those produced by Precision Pak and Creative Feathers, are basically waterproof, soft-sided coolers tapered to fit the contour of your kayak. They can either be lashed to the top of your kayak, or put inside the kayak through the large forward hatch. They allow you to isolate the fish in an insulated compartment, preventing the inside of your yak from smelling fishy. Packing the fish bags with reusable ice blocks makes clean up easy and keeps the inside of your kayak dry.
Another option is to use a mesh bag or a stringer to keep fish fresh. You simply put your catch in the bag or on the stringer and hang it overboard. This method works well if the water is cooler or if you are not paddling. When you are on the move, however, you have to bring it onboard with you. Another disadvantage is that you are basically chumming and may attract bigger fish that want to share your dinner. Not a good idea where large predatory fish (SHARKS) are present.
Fishing guide Cory Routh is the owner of Ruthless Fishing in Virginia Beach, Virginia. This article is adapted from his book Kayak Fishing: The Complete Guide.
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