Plano bait bucket

I have a Plano bait bucket that I haven't used yet.  The latch at the door seems very flimsy.  Its easy to open.  Is this normal or do I have a defective one?

Jeff/Barefoot1 has a pretty nice little modification to keep it from opening.

He drilled a tiny hole in the bottom of the bucket, then took the clip off one end of a bungee and stuck it inside the drilled hole and tied a knot so it can't be pullted out.  He then drilled a tiny hole into the clasp that holds the door shut and then he sticks the hook end of the bungee into the hole on the clasp.  Works like a charm. 

I haven't made the modification yet so I can't post pictures but maybe he can.

Yeah just like Dilbeck said, use a real small bungee so that you can drill a small hole in that clasp, hook one end of the bungee there and attach the other end to the bottom of the bucket.  It will hold the cover down tight.  I'll try to post a picture.  Last year at Clear Lake that thing opened up twice.  For the cost of minnows, this mod is cheap insurance!  I have another Pro-Troll bucket at my Delta place and I don't have this problem with it.---Jeff

you can always go with a frabill..the latch is unlikely to pop open but it is a little bit smaller

I hope these attachments post.  Anyway, since you already bought the Plano here is the fix.  Ben is correct on the Frabill.  I think that is what I have at my other place.  Just drill a hole in the bottom of the bucket, cut off the one wire end of the bungee, pull it through, tie a knot in it, drill small hole in clasp, and use the other wire end of the bungee to hold it shut.----Jeff

OK am I missing something. Isnt drilling a hole in the bottom of the bucket rendering it useless as a bucket? when I use one off these, one of the great features is that you can bring it onboard and paddle for some distance without it creating drag.
What happens when you go to get a bait? Does the water not run out and leave the remaining bait temporarily dry and beat them up?

new for 2011 the "Plano Bait Sieve"

OK am I missing something. Isnt drilling a hole in the bottom of the bucket rendering it useless as a bucket? when I use one off these, one of the great features is that you can bring it onboard and paddle for some distance without it creating drag.

It's actually a fairly tight fit and if one was that concerned, they could seal the hole with some sort of glue or apoxy.  I suppose an anchor point somewhere on the front might be better so it will still hold some water.  Good point and I'll take that into consideration when making mine.

What happens when you go to get a bait? Does the water not run out and leave the remaining bait temporarily dry and beat them up?

As for the water draining out when getting a bait, I actually think this is an advantage as I usually have to dump water out anyways in order to catch a minnow.  Maybe I'll glue the hole shut on the bottom and drill little holes around the circumference of the bucket several several inches up so that when I grab the bucket from the lake/reservoir/river/ocean, more water will drain out and the bait will be easier to catch.  Don't know that I've ever had my bait get beat up though.

The water draining out has never really been a problem.  If it was a problem I would GOOP the end of the bungie with the knot.  I paddle a P-15 half the time anyway so I ride in a wet cockpit to begin with! 

Its not water in the cockpit I'm worried about. I often put mine onboard and paddle a half mile to the next hole. I'm worried I would get there and find my agents dead

Would it work if you drilled  holes off to both sides of the latch knot through both holes just using a short bungie no hook?

Would it work if you drilled  holes off to both sides of the latch knot through both holes just using a short bungie no hook?

Yeah, probably would.  Great idea Mike.  I'll play with that idea when I get a chance.

Would it work if you drilled  holes off to both sides of the latch knot through both holes just using a short bungie no hook?

Yeah, probably would.  Great idea Mike.  I'll play with that idea when I get a chance.

+1 thanks

Don't know how stong it is but this one has a differant latch is a cam turns into a slot. http://compare.ebay.com/like/200557881164?ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar

If you're looking for a thinner option pick up some shock cord (for tent poles) at any of the larger outdoors stores. REI has it if you're so inclined to shop there.