Live bait tanks for Kayaks

I want to build two live bait tanks for sardines etc. for my wife's and my Outback Kayaks.  Does anyone know how many gpm pump you need to keep them alive? Can you go with a smaller pump and add an aerator? I am concerned about the size of battery.  Also about the size of the tank.  Hobie offers one but it is very expensive and it uses a 6 volt battery on a 12 volt pump.  I think that would under rate the pump approximately 50 % or less.  About 150 gpm I think?  I found an all plastic box to hold dog food at Costco and it seems to be a perfect size (about 10 gallons) with a large screw on lid for about $25.  the next step is pump and plumbing.  I will welcome any feedback......thank you...

you are on the right path. Most use a 6v on a 360 (or even 500 gph) pump. Plenty of flow and battery life. You also can make the switch easily assessable so you can just cycle it on for 10 min then off....even more batter life that way. I have pics of one I made out of a 2 gal bucket...In the long run I just went back to using my bait tube.

There's lots of different way to build one but the best is to use a submersible pump, 360 or 500 gph, then wire it to a 6v battery, the more amp hrs the longer it will last, OEX sells a timer switch that you wire in line and it will cycle the pump 10 seconds on 5 seconds off, $35 I think. It will prolong the battery life but you will want to use a submersible pump so it doesn't loose prime. You can house the battery in a pelican dry case attached to the back of the tank with a waterproof switch on the side. The idea is to make it modular so you don't have to take it if you don't need it. Check out OEX, hook1, or some of the other forums down in Texas or San Diego they are always coming up with great ideas. As always check with local shops to source your components, A bait tank build is the final part of the install clinic series I'm doing at Headwaters Adventure Co in redding. We should be getting some parts together soon and can get parts for you too.

Thanks for the info.  Just what I was looking for.  I would be very interested in the class your are running and the parts.  I live in Chico.  Being a newbie I am not sure how to make contact outside this forum, if you can help me with that it would be great.  I did post my e-mail on my profile.  Thanks again....Striperman

You could also use a bait tube instead of the live bait tank.  If your interested, take a look at this thread:  http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=22916.msg238285#msg238285

Hey there Striperman and welcome!
Here's a couple pics of the bait tank that one of the members made from a dogfood container: http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=17017.msg166353#msg166353
And here's the instructions from Hook1: http://kayakfishinggear.com/baittankhow-to.aspx

I agree a timer switch m/b a good idea. Last time I used my baittank (pictured above lol thanks Eric!) I tried to conserve battery by manually turning it on & off every 10min my sardines died. Also had a few jack macs in there too...possibly over-crowded. I'm installing a timer switch and added an angled spray head (to hopefully keep them swimming in the same direction).
The obvious downside to a bait tank is the additional weight. And that weight will make your kayak top-heavy too...susceptible to flipping over. I know it happened to at least 1 of our members. So definitely strap that thing down really well, and of course get very familiar w/the stability of your yak before putting a tank on it.

Hey there Striperman and welcome!
Here's a couple pics of the bait tank that one of the members made from a dogfood container: http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=17017.msg166353#msg166353
...

That same tank has been sitting in my garage for about two years and not used. I bought it from Martin who also did not use it for a long time. I've only used it three times for halibut fishing. It can keep smelt and shiner alive pretty good (2 dozen max), but you can forget anchovies/sardine/herring. These guys need much more circulation, space, and a circular tank. Not sure what's the purpose of your tank, but there are other ways to keep bait alive. It may not mean anything, but I have not seen an NCKA angler using a live bait tank in the last couple of years.

I have a live well and use it for stripers and halibut up north and yellowtail down south. the problem with bait tubes is when your paddling trough kelp or in the surf.  You cannot hold that many sardines in a bait tube. I use a timer and aerator. On the bay with smelt or shiners a tube or bucket is fine however on big blue you are fishing macs and sardines.

the problem with bait tubes is when your paddling trough kelp or in the surf.

Total BS.  My tube never hangs up in the kelp, and you stow the tube for launching and landing of course.  You can make the tube as long as you want and fit quite a bit of bait in there.  Doesn't require any batteries and doesn't add the weight to your yak. 

I know an awesome fisherman who uses both a live bait tank AND bait tubes at the same time.  A virtual mothership of bait 

going through the kelp, I have had both my bait tube and my pump hang up on kelp, but overall feel the bait tank keeps the bait livelier as long as I dont over crowd it.

Santa spent way too much on my purchased tank, but it uses a 6 volt battery, no timer, and I have never run out of juice.  http://www.kayakfishingsupplies.com/servlet/the-1031/KFS-Ultimate-Bait-Tank/Detail