Live Bait Tank

     I finally got to test out and use my live well.   I like it so far. it was easy to fabricate  so I thought I'd share with anyone thinking about setting themselves  up for live bait.      The pump hangs over the side   ( back and between the pontoons of my kayak )  pumps water in...  slots cut in bucket sides to allow water to drain out.

  I used one of those Attwood pumps with the screen and  aerator type fittings and attached  that to a Kirkland  soap bucket.         Photo's posted showing details...   a picture is worth a thousand words... so here goes.

    Used a Dremel tool to cut the narrow slots  for water to drain out.   You can't see the slots from the outside as the flange hides them.

  Removed the wire bucket  handle and inserted  a 3/16" line (  with a knot tied )  to secure to kayak.

 Cut the lid in half  and used a section of PVC ( roofing material ) as a hinge . 

    A used exterior 110V  box,  served for the water resistant switch ( cheap ) .    A timer would probably work better, but cost more $$$.     There's got to be a good quality waterproof switch out there... somewhere.   I couldn't find anything.
 
If anyone has some improvement ideas,  please feel free to share them with us..

Cheers !
   

   

Do you have a video of you using it?  It sure would be nice, to see it in action.. *hint*

Looks good, I found waterproof 12V fuse holders at West Marine, I'm pretty sure they'd have waterproof switches as well.

I have a few cat litter buckets that are basically same demensions, been gonna do something similar, maybe now I'll get'er done.

Nice job on the bait tank there Jim. Thanks for sharing.

Jedmo

Great timing.  I just spent the last few hours researching live wells.  I picked up a heavier duty gel cell to power some green led lights I picked up for some night fishing.  I have a few extra amps so figured why now a live well.  The simpler the better, and usually cheaper which is even better than better.  Nice job.

  http://www.kayakfishingsupplies.com/servlet/the-Kayak-Accessories-cln-Electronics-Parts/start/21/total/23/Categories
 
   Found this just a while ago...    a Timer for live bait well...  Ha !   wouldn't ya know it.    And it's half the price of   West Marine.

  I could find  waterproof switches,,, it's getting it in a handy little unit that you could mount to the container that's been a challenge.

OK here is my 2 cents. I would buy a timer. They cost $30-40 but well worth it. Pretty much standard issue down in La Jolla for those 12 hour YT and WSB missions. I use the Minute Man 2-3 and it has worked well for me. Pack the knob with marine grease and it should last 3-5 years. An 8 amp lead acid battery will only last 5-6 hours on continuous run. A 4.5 amp lithium PO4 battery will last 10-12 hours + on a timer and weighs several pounds less. Buy the battery and timer you are going to use first. Then buy a Tupperware big enough to hold the battery and timer. Drill tight holes through the tupperware and Marine Goop them after running the wires. Use dielectric grease for the spade connections. When you are dragging your Raptor up the beach and through the streets of Capitola you will not regret the investment. Scott

That's a simple and "cost effective" live bait tank.  Thanks for sharing your idea Jim.

I made up a similar set up.....that now lives with sin coast!

OK here is my 2 cents. I would buy a timer. They cost $30-40 but well worth it. Pretty much standard issue down in La Jolla for those 12 hour YT and WSB missions. I use the Minute Man 2-3 and it has worked well for me. Pack the knob with marine grease and it should last 3-5 years. An 8 amp lead acid battery will only last 5-6 hours on continuous run. A 4.5 amp lithium PO4 battery will last 10-12 hours + on a timer and weighs several pounds less. Buy the battery and timer you are going to use first. Then buy a Tupperware big enough to hold the battery and timer. Drill tight holes through the tupperware and Marine Goop them after running the wires. Use dielectric grease for the spade connections. When you are dragging your Raptor up the beach and through the streets of Capitola you will not regret the investment. Scott

   Worth more than 2 cents !!!   Thanks.    I never heard of using grease... Brilliant.
 I've been using a Plano Bait box for battery with LED switches and trailer hitch connection.   One switch for FF.. other for  pump or  lighting.
 plenty of extra  room for storing the FF when traveling... plus it would add some floatation if ever needed.

i use the same basic setup, instead of a timer switch I use a motor controller (pulse-width modulator) to control the pump speed (  water flow ) and  extend the battery life. you can buy it at most electronic store or model train store.

Another alternative for a down and dirty power/pump set up is to use a 6volt battery with the 12v pump.
It will decrease the flow of a too forceful pump and increase battery life. If your sprayer makes a lot of noise this will quiet it down.