Keeping Anchovies Alive - the bargain basement way

Hello all, 

I bought a small 2-speed aerator by Romar from Hook1:

http://www.kayakfishinggear.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=111

I've got one of those portable yellow topped bait buckets. From what I've read they aren't going to be big enough to keep anchovies alive and that anchovies need a filter.

Here is my question - If I get one of those large styrofoam coolers, poke a hole in the top and run the tubing down to it - could I throw the anchovies in a bait bucket in the cooler with the aerator going just long enough to get out into Santa Cruz Harbor and then throw the bait bucket over the side of the yak?

Will that work?? I just don't want to have to drag the bucket while I'm paddling and want them to stay alive.

Any suggestions would be great! Trying to keep it within budget as there are other "tackle/stuff" I have on my list...

Thanks!

Kim

Bait tube

I know Duane / insaneduane and Luis / Isda are the guys who have experience when dealing with live bait (catching 'em and keeping 'em alive for days) Allen Bushnell also has a live bait set up on his yak. Hoping they can share their rigs and post some photos.

Anchovies in buckets moving between water and aerated cooler won't last very long.  I'd expect it to work decently for short periods so long as their isn't too much bait in there.  Uncured anchovies are about the most fragile bait around, they get frantic and beat the crap outta themselves at the slightest change in environment.  I'd say you'll have better luck with a recirculating pump and round bucket mounted in the yak if your looking for lively baits with more capacity.   

Chovies are fussy...it'll work, but not for long.  They don't last long in a tube either...BTDT.  A good tank is the best, but it ain't cheap.

I think a bait tube is the way to go. just don't overload it.  take some time to get
the rope just the right length so that tube rides right next to the stern of your yak.
load those 'chovies tail first.

and if your 'chovie is dead. send him down anyhoo.

J

Thanks for all the suggestions. I ran across this site on how to put together a bait tube - I'm going to make one of these and try it out:

http://www.kayakfishnation.com/bait-tube.htm

Kim

Kim,  that tube is fine, but it's for bigger fish like mackerel.

somewhere on this site are plenty pics of member's attempts.

I made one out of clear plastic myself. and one from opaque plastic.

pic posted somewhere on this site.

I greatly prefer the clear one since you can monitor your bait, plus
it's cool to see them all swiming away in the tube as you paddle.

I did have a sealion bounce off it one time, but it was not a scary thing,
just a small female/juvenile, just a curious poke.

for chovies, you want a lot of holes, all down the length of the tube.
and make them small ones. some guys angled the holes to get better flow.

J

Can you show a close up to show the hole pattern/density on the sides and end caps

Hi Ernie,

I wasn't happy with my bait tube so I had the guy at dock S in Santa Cruz load up my lil yellow bait bucket with anchovies - it took a while to get out into the harbor having to put them in the water every 2 mins...they got out there, but then I had other issues.

A very large seal thought that 25-30  anchovies thrashing around in that bait bucket next to me was the dinner bell ringing (of course at that point I thought of others inviting themselves to dinner) the seal gave me a drive by and some serious wave action at which point I decided that the anchovies needed to live to see another day and emptied the bait bucket. 

Have you had any problems with "visitors" wanting to eat your bait??
I'm not sure how to avoid this... 

Kim

Hi Kim:

        My Tube is Blk and don't have a problem. the Seal Lions will dog you for a short time unless your are dragging your catch in the water or, Anchovies are  escaping  thru your  Scupper holes. Try using 1/4 scoop to Min. overstocking.Do not to get between the Males and  Females. Try barking at them it works for me. 

See my short story  how to make a Bait tube
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=9162.0
                                                                                            Ernie