Is a bait tank overkill?
 

For live bait on a yak is a powered bait tank that important? Why not just a small bait bucket that I can drop in the wate once in awhile?

If you're talking about a bucket with holes in it, that can fit into one without holes, you might be able to keep 3 or 4 spanish alive that way, if you cycle the water every 15 minutes or so. Greenies and sardines require a constant source of fresh saltwater, or they'll die pretty quick, unless you only have a couple in there.
Ocean fishing success has always been much greater with VERY lively bait.

I would avoid carrying a bait bucket around all day , It might be easier to just carry a bait tube , Less drag and space.

Yeah I have a yellow bucket full of holes and it's a pain to drag it and out of a kayak. But I think I've got too many accessories already on m kayak and I'm losing the pleasure of simplicity. Plus the more stuff on my kayak I have the more paranoid I get in punching (or capsizing) through the surf.

i bring the bait tank when there is supposed to be a "hot bite". came in handy for threshers and keeps about 15 dines alive and well for halibut. but if im just going out to find fish and soak, i bring a regular bucket and load up on mackerel to use for bait in the surf and if i use a live one i put it on right after catching it.

squid and 2-5 10" mackerel will stay alive in a 2.5ft tube all day, but it does get caught on kelp and adds some drag.

Go to petsmart and buy a dog food container, either big or small, poke a couple holes in the top. Get a bilge and some tubing. Your set.

If you fish live bait a tank is very nice. You can build one yourself or buy one from OEX. If you fish bait a lot it becomes a hassle to drag a bait tube.
The majority of all fishermen on this board use bait tanks. So to answer your question, no it us not overkill.

If by huntingthebigone you mean a fish, then yes, live bait is good. You can keep bait alive in a bait tube for a while but you have to keep moving and the capacity is low.

Sorry 805 I responded to the wrong person. Get the bait tank.

Glad you said it. If you want to be taken seriously you got to change that picture. Even if you only catch a goldfish, anything. Take a picture of your kayak . Sorry for the jack. Maybe not to get started, but a good bait tank is invaluable.

Just keep in mind with the bait tubes you have to drag that around when you paddle, and if you put the bait in the wrong way you will kill your bait. The Easy way is to just get a bait tank and have peace of mind.

bait tube
Remember this fish must be pointed in the was you are paddling so they can breath.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Vosj2V0DG8

live well
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSD0iX5HHxo (set up)

DIY (DO IT YOURSELF)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E72_aRLuULE

Get a tank. You can make it or buy, but get a tank.

I had a kayak that I loved,.was stable, fast had everything I needed..... Exept a tankwell for a live bait tank. Now shes gone and my new ride (coming tomorrow!!!) Is going to be rigged out. Bait tank, sounder/gps. I did a season with the "minimalist" approach. At some point it just became a pain in the a**. If you plan to fish live bait for any of the 3 coveted species on this site, a bait tank isnt a novelty its a necesity. Bait tubes work but when your friends are paddling a mile ahead of you waiting for you to catch up, you will reconsider.

Yea,that picture makes me feel like I'm in a different forum.the name also sounds funny.just saying how I feel,not that anybody cares.:luxhello:

Cosidering you live in 'Hillcrest', coupled with your picture and profile, you shouldn't have a problem "cating the big one" :rolleyes:

Stop trying so hard.....your one post beyond the "Repressive Hypothsis"

Hahhaaaaaahaaaaahhaaaaa

Is a bait tank overkill?

YES, and thats exactly why you want one.:wsb:

Welcome to the site, its just a little odd for a fishing forum. But welcome, the site is a wealth of information with only the occasional teenage name calling.

Dude......thats the guy from law and order: special victims unit.