When it comes to fishing, live bait can be the difference between a great trip and a mediocre one. However, keeping live bait alive for a long fishing trip can be a challenge, especially in hot weather conditions. If you want to make sure your live bait stays fresh and lively throughout your trip, here are some tips to keep in mind.
- Store your live bait in a cooler
One of the best ways to keep your live bait alive is to store it in a cooler with a little bit of water. The water will help keep your bait cool and prevent it from drying out. If you're going on a multi-day trip, you can add a small aerator to the cooler to keep the water oxygenated and help your bait stay alive for a longer period of time.
- Keep your live bait in the shade
Sunlight can quickly heat up your live bait, which can cause it to die faster. Make sure you store your live bait in a shady spot, away from direct sunlight. If you're fishing from a boat, place your cooler in a shady area on the deck or under an umbrella.
- Keep your live bait away from direct sunlight
If you're fishing from shore, place your cooler in a shady spot under a tree or in the back of your vehicle. If you're fishing in hot weather conditions, it's a good idea to wrap your cooler in a towel to keep it cool and prevent the water from evaporating too quickly.
- Use a live bait bucket
If you're fishing in a lake or river, you can use a live bait bucket to keep your live bait alive. Live bait buckets have a screened lid that allows water to flow through and aerate the water, helping your bait stay alive for a longer period of time.
- Change the water in your cooler regularly
Over time, the water in your cooler will become stagnant, which can harm your live bait. Make sure you change the water in your cooler every few hours to keep it fresh and oxygenated. If you're fishing in a lake or river, you can also add fresh water to your live bait bucket regularly to keep your bait healthy.
- Keep your live bait in a covered container
If you're fishing in an area with a lot of wind, it's a good idea to keep your live bait in a covered container, such as a tackle box, to protect it from the wind. The wind can quickly dry out your live bait, so keeping it covered will help it stay fresh and lively.
Keeping your live bait alive on a long fishing trip requires a little bit of effort, but it's well worth it. By following these tips, you can ensure your live bait stays fresh and lively throughout your trip, giving you the best possible chance of catching a big haul of fish. So get out there, and happy fishing!
