Live wells

Are there any good options for live bait besides a 12v live well? I bought a bait motel with the stainless ring on the bottom and styrofoam ring on top. Works great until I'm heading back up to the top of the drift. Kind of folds over and pinches the bait

You can use a bait tube or a battery powered live well.

I use a 6volt on my 40lb vittles vault. 12Volt is over kill. Lasts all day ask Rippinglips he's seen it and bummed bait off me.

DIY bait tube works well.

Been using this for years. Simple and works like a charm.
Dunk it every now and then when paddling/pedaling. Keep it in the water when jigging.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Frabill-Flow-Troll-Bucket/700059.uts?productVariantId=1185360&WT.tsrc=PPC&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=00553450&rid=20&gclid=COid3fmYis4CFURgfgodJ4IFbw&gclsrc=aw.ds

3 inch ABS with strainer and clean out cap. 24 inches long drilled with 3/8 holes every 2 inches. It tows behind me when paddling. And just hangs out when jigging. For some reason it floats pretty good. It does slow me down a bit, but it's worth it to have live bait.

live well for baits that die easy(6volt), bait tube or troll bucket for hardy species......

I vote bait tube. I used 4" diameter, black pvc and green gutter caps. I used zip ties to hold it all together and some bungee to tie on the rear cap. I zip tied a length of foam to the outside to aid in floatation too. Works like a charm.

BUT, the bait is going to bash their heads/noses again the front grate in an attempt to escape. I don't think there's a remedy for this since even with some foam cushioning, they're still going to try to escape.

The problem with a bait tube is that you have to keep it in the water the entire time. BTDT with several different designs.
The Frabill can be taken out of the water and set in the tank well when you have to make a long haul. Just dip it every now and then to refresh the water. Plus the spring loaded access means you just reach in and grab what you need. No unscrewing then screwing anything back on.
Also, the water doesn't drain out every time you need a new bait adding stress to your bait.

IMO the bait tube it a total PITA!

Get the big Frabill and just tug it, works for what I need. I have the smaller one but upgrading soon I have had it for years hold about 16 4-6 inchers and it all depends on what baits to. Good luck.

The problem with a bait tube is that you have to keep it in the water the entire time. BTDT with several different designs.
The Frabill can be taken out of the water and set in the tank well when you have to make a long haul. Just dip it every now and then to refresh the water. Plus the spring loaded access means you just reach in and grab what you need. No unscrewing then screwing anything back on.
Also, the water doesn't drain out every time you need a new bait adding stress to your bait.

IMO the bait tube it a total PITA!

I like this idea or add a 6volt pump with a plastic surgical tube going inside the bucket. When you want to move hook the tube to the pump put it In with you and when you ready to anchor just drop the bucket to the side. Pump is only needed when on the move so don't have to worry about killing the battery. Worst comes to worst and your batteries died then you can keep it in and ot of the water
To keep em fresh

Thanks to all for the different opinions and great advice!

Recently got a GIANT Frabill to use on the Islander trip, and didn't regret it at all.  It's easily twice the size of the normal bait bucket and was big enough for 7-8 sardines.  I've used the smaller ones for minnows and anchovies and like them as well.

Did not even know there was a bigger one. Thanks for the info.

Recently got a GIANT Frabill to use on the Islander trip, and didn't regret it at all.  It's easily twice the size of the normal bait bucket and was big enough for 7-8 sardines.  I've used the smaller ones for minnows and anchovies and like them as well.

Thanks Al.  Did the sardines bang up there noses like they do in the bait tubes?