Cheap portable aerator 12v conversion

I'm a big fan of not wasting money on disposable batteries and especially buying D batteries for camping has been a long time hatred of mine.  I decided to try a using a small converter to replace the batteries for my bait pump, and it seems to have worked out fine.  A cheap pump and a 12v to 3v converter, a 12v cigarette lighter adapter cord I had lying around and some connectors, I can now plug it in my lighter, or use my fish finder battery.

https://www.amazon.com/YQMIGU-Gallons-Suitable-Tropical-Enthusiasts/dp/B0CJ4YFS3S/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2WVWZQ0A50G0W&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.3zAimo7CvUgoDxlO1m4-vpVzP6WuV-Ecg6t48LEC2CjBfZISID-0Rbd9wqju14O6J4c_mrNdO1GKkS8MqOgx7YPZwqXy5qVkb4PvMNH61uFlbOfedTZ-jMb45GgQ6YcZpn_rKWq-OVb-x4Y4ZjT8bu5yCqeNM447EFtH3c8Nf2C2FoFCrMuUvMhNIImPVG-4h87jc0Y5qqjEwlsbnqLcxkoXWbWGFBffukjW2n-PDvbOoTtezYPccQMrXyLahNHPTjn6Lse0e8Kw15dKT1MA36UkgtEDw-7LILDpfWZFKH8.OLPJn6auGFU9osStv-6DdK25tJbD5IgDNEFDbM1u7AE&dib_tag=se&keywords=12v+air+pump+bait&qid=1726078899&sprefix=12v+air+pump+bai%2Caps%2C249&sr=8-5

https://www.amazon.com/3V-3A-Waterproof-DC-DC-Converter/dp/B07PNWPLRY/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3D6DGANJYMUYD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.caV4qonPKNZXftTrC0FXNZVmsp7wY1jjKOVnBHxXN5V6l7_-O8YDnu93y3CiskHsuSO6pSh7Awt2vSNis583wO5pQf1CmocHPiFgiIPHjKRs4yPsRSrF_UNVOJl50oJLbVoCo4NblOt3lWz6QgiSzcOl2qZm8hY4yWba9hXAs_3qxRHlJocGB1BLXboT-JAYjxmv9fZLA0OE54ZHNkxoUtIy7PxJ0JjjfjPZbH37eFE.6senXf6On-abU6JSk0sIAGnjbVUlLfPqz7owyBI9vds&dib_tag=se&keywords=12v+to+3v+converter&qid=1726078951&sprefix=12v+to+3v+converte%2Caps%2C209&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

Very nice work.
I have been using a rechargeable one, after trying several different versions.  It costs around $15 and lasts all day +.  I had to place rubber plugs to cover all USB connection ports to make it more water-resistant.


https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806158728449.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.5.2535180200amkc&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

Nice work!

I bought this one it came with all that stuff, it's lasted over five years and at least 10 trips and I'm still on the first set of batteries because I run it off an outlet at home and the 12v when I'm driving. Costs ten times as much but you don't need to buy or fab anything else.

Full disclosure the cigarette charging adapter eventually broke but my car came with a 12v to 120v converter option.....so I'm still good.

I use a dogfood container and quart container to scoop freshwater to keep the bait alive.  Unless you have lots of baits, it’s easy to just scoop water into the container and no need for an aerator

I use a dogfood container and quart container to scoop freshwater to keep the bait alive.  Unless you have lots of baits, it’s easy to just scoop water into the container and no need for an aerator

I do this as well, simple and less gear is always best IMO. Unfortunately this doesn't work if catching bait the day before.

This looks really handy for transporting baits!


For on the water, I really like the little drag along bait bucket. I don't notice any drag, and the baits stay nice and fresh. Only problem is bigger baits like macks and smelts get a little cramped, but anchovies and sardines tend to stay pretty happy. It also kinda gets tangled with my paddle sometimes when I stop moving and drift for a few minutes, but it isn't too much of a problem. 

Frabill Flow Troll Bait Container, 6-Quart, Yellow/White https://a.co/d/5g2kOPb

This is for freshwater, as I use a floating bucket in the ocean and am plenty happy with that.  I'm thinking of doing a night fishing mission this weekend, and when I buy minnows I'm definitely going to keep them aerated until they are in the bucket on the water.  I had the parts and the time, but would just buy something if I didn't.  The post is meant to inspire, maybe someone has a similar need for a different project.