If you're planning an extended fishing trip, keeping your live bait fresh and lively is crucial to your success. The quality and freshness of your live bait can make all the difference in attracting fish and getting a good catch. Here are some tips on how to keep your live bait fresh for extended fishing trips.
- Keep it cool
One of the most important things you can do to keep your live bait fresh is to keep it cool. Bait that's too warm can die quickly, which can be frustrating and expensive. If you're planning an extended fishing trip, consider investing in a portable bait cooler or insulated bait bucket. These containers are designed to keep bait cool and fresh for extended periods of time.
- Change the water
It's important to change the water in your bait container frequently to keep your bait fresh. Stale, stagnant water can quickly deplete oxygen levels, which can kill your bait. Depending on the type of bait, you may need to change the water every few hours or even more frequently. Be sure to use fresh, clean water each time you change it.
- Add oxygen
Live bait needs oxygen to survive, and if you're keeping it in a container, you'll need to make sure it's getting enough. Adding an aerator to your bait container can help circulate the water and provide the necessary oxygen. You can also manually aerate the water by splashing or shaking the container.
- Keep it in the shade
Direct sunlight can quickly heat up your bait container and kill your bait. Keeping your container in the shade can help keep it cool and extend the life of your bait. If you're fishing from a boat, consider placing your bait container in a shaded area or covering it with a towel or other material to protect it from the sun.
- Use the right bait
Finally, it's important to choose the right bait for your fishing trip. Some types of bait are more resilient than others and can survive longer periods of time in a bait container. Worms, for example, are hardy and can survive for several days in cool, clean water. Minnows, on the other hand, are more delicate and may require more frequent water changes and aeration.
Keeping your live bait fresh for extended fishing trips requires a little extra effort, but it's worth it for a successful catch. By keeping your bait cool, changing the water frequently, adding oxygen, keeping it in the shade, and using the right bait, you can ensure that your live bait stays fresh and lively throughout your fishing trip. Happy fishing!
