Vittles Vault Bait Tank / Live Well

Thought I would share with my Norcal brothers ...
After 4 years of using the Shimano Bristlol Bay Bag live well / bait tank, it was time for a change.
Been checking these containers out for awhile, got some inspiration from a couple locals using these containers. and decided to get it done.

The Shimano bag was a great but was starting to show its age, the plastic liner had gotten a little soft
and would flex and sway if I had to heavy a rod load, the clear lid had dried out and after some modifications
the lively Macks were still occasionally able to wiggle their way to freedom.

What I wanted:
A stiff container that would not flex.
A rod holder that would accommodate the larger butts of a jig stick
A simple and secure lid that was easy to open
A portable rig that could be used on any kayak
A tank with a smooth uncluttered interior
and the ability to change the battery and trouble shoot on the water.

I had thought about other containers, ice chest and buckets etc.
and I was almost sold on the smaller Vittles Vaults but decided to go big.

I had thought long about a thru the hull pump, then a thru the scupper pump.
but decided on the old standard of the side pump for simplicity. Then I wanted to be able to remove the pump and hose for transport,
But decided against an exposed plug at the battery box. I like the way the pump stores on top of the tank so I don't think transport will be a problem.
Wrapping the hose back into the tank on the Shimano Tank kinked the hose and I was always frustrated with that.

So here you go:

These are the secret fasteners, they are called Connective Cap Nuts, they are made to work with Shoulder Bolts, sometimes called Sex Nuts:


Side View:


Adding the tie down straps, melted a hole in the strap with a soldering iron, bolted thru the rod holder:


Finished strap with hose fitting and wire loom, a continuous length of shrink wrap over the wire harness from the pump into the battery box:


Detail of Pelican battery box install:


Top View, I may look into a round hatch mounted to the lid, (like a hobie tank)  so I don't need to "unscrew" the lid all day.


Front View, showing Pelican battery box, water proof switch, and 6V / 10Amp battery:


Back View, used regular rod holders at 4 corners and a 2 inch ABS pipe that I flared with heat gun, then made mounting brackets from a coupler that I cut in half and slid into position:


Inside View, I got the smooth surface I wanted, I may had a hose to fill tank from the bottom, I may also add a fitting so I can adjust water level and drain tank at rear, but for now I wanted to start simple:


In the Trident:




Only took about an hour to build, One visit to Andy at OEX Sunset Beach and one or 2 trips to the hardware store...  (BS  )

I like it, and hope to give it a test run somewhere this week.
We will see....

Nicely built. I didn't add rod holders to mine and put the battery box on the back side. I had to step down the flow since it was beating up the bait.

-Brian G

Dude, that's the nicest bait tank well I've seen so far. Awesome job on it bro.

Jedmo

Don, thanks for the post brother As Jed said, that is by far the nicest bait tank I've seen so far. Thanks again!!

I have used hardware similar to your Connective Cap Nuts, but I think I like those better where did you get them?

Ryan

Niiiiice!  You should start a side business.

Btw, I'll be down in La jolla 9/5-7 to fish. Hope to meet up with some BWE members then.  Thx for sharing your handiwork. Wish I had the kind of skills I've seen on this board. 

Jonathan

Sent from my DROID2 GLOBAL using Tapatalk

 

  Yes very nice tank set up.  Be sure to add pictures when you modify it for the drain/level

Thanks guys
I put the tank through the paces with a full load of sardines
worked like a charm

The Connecting Cap Nuts were found at home depot
they are in the hardware section.
come 4 to a pack, "House-Mates hardware", 1/4"-20 x12mm part #81484
they are brass plated, I have found a source for Stainless and will change them out if they go bad
I just put a little grease on em so we will see about rust, all other fasteners are s.s.