Bait tubes... what's the best size?

I've seen guys using PVC tubes from 2" to 4" in diameter.  What's the best width and length to use?

Hey Chuck, the tube I made for myself uses a 2' length of 2" ABS pipe.  I only decided on that size because 2' lengths are readily available from Home Depot.  Its worked well for me so far (smelt and shiners stay lively), but I wouldn't go so far as to say its the best (not sure how well a 'chovie would fare).

On Friday I picked up an aerator/bucket from SportsMart for $21.99 for keeping the smelt alive.  Dang thing makes a lot of annoying noise when I'm out on the water so if a bait tube works I'd like to switch over as well.  Anyone try keeping anchovies in them? 

Here is what I made. It's about 20" long with holes drilled on one end of the tube (a bunch of small ones) and holes drilled on the screw cap. I used 2" plastic pipe.

CHEERS!

I have a similar set-up. It varies a little. I was also thinking of making a couple of scupper screens. I have used the footwells in my Prowler 15 and it actually works pratty darned well. The fish always seem to know where the freshest water is coming from and instinctively head there every time. A small screen would keep the little guys from getting out.

That wouldn't work for me. My Malibu XFactor stays way too dry.

CHEERS!

Chuck-I made one out of 24 inches of 2" and it worked really well.  I kept greenbacks and spanish macks for around 7 hours...awesome.  The only thing at the ranch that I don't think will fit are lisa aka striped mullet (ultimate rooster bait) or caballito aka horse mackeral (also great rooster bait) sardinas will do well, and everything will eat a sardina.

FWIW the HomeCheapo in Ukiah sell 2 inch ABS in 2 foot sections...ready to go.  I built the whole deal for about 6 bucks!

I have a similar set-up. It varies a little. I was also thinking of making a couple of scupper screens. I have used the footwells in my Prowler 15 and it actually works pratty darned well. The fish always seem to know where the freshest water is coming from and instinctively head there every time. A small screen would keep the little guys from getting out.

Mike, I use those yellow foam golf balls and cut 'em in half. I stick the half of the foam on the P15's scupper hole - so it keeps fresh water flowing in the footwells while keeping the bait fish from escaping! Works really well  I've kept the Tahoe minnows alive this way - same with the anchovy we used to catch with sabiki rods in Linda Mar. Looks like the flooded footwells on the P15's were made for that reason 

Who needs a live well when you can just get it free with the P15 

Mooch,my P-13 has the same holes in the footwells.So you mean you stick the cut ball into the hole(not to plug,just into it length-wise) so that it leaves only 1/2 a hole size?is this assuption correct?

Mooch,my P-13 has the same holes in the footwells.So you mean you stick the cut ball into the hole(not to plug,just into it length-wise) so that it leaves only 1/2 a hole size?is this assuption correct?

Adam - you got it right

sometimes I just amaze myself Thanks for the tip Mooch!