NEWBEE

[Dean Machine]

Bait tubes are definitely cheaper and easier as far as setting up goes. The drag created by a bait tube Vs. a bait tank full of water is not much different. I would even guess that it might even be less work paddling with a bait tube. It is a little tricky if you have a screw cap on the end of your pvc bait tube and you need to get the lively bait into the tube. Unscrew the cap, grab the bait while holding the tube. guide the frenzied bait into tube,re cap th tube,repeat......you get the idea. It does beat frantically chasing that last piece of bait in the bait bucket in circles while a boil of yellowtail are sinking out of sight. I personally started out with a bait tube since it was easy and cheap and also never had bait die in the tube (spanish and greenbacks). They do get a bit distressed though. Make sure if you use a tube put them in so that when you paddle their heads face forward otherwise they will die. Also make sure to make some holes in the leading and trailing part of the tube to allow a good flow of water while you paddle. Oh, one more thing, if you use a screwcap don't put it on very tight because you will never get it off without a pair of channel lock pliers and don't get any sand in the threads or you'll need channel locks for that too!! Good luck!!

[JOHNA.]

Thank you very much for the advice fish dudes.

[dorado50]

During the summer months when the water is warmer a constant water flow is almost a must especially for sardines. I do believe there is less oxygen in warmer water, thus constant water flow allows adequate oxygen. Timers are great for cooler/colder water as the oxygen remains in the standing water longer. Live bait needs to swim around in order to circulate water thru their gills, thus I would suggest a real bait tank in order to maximize your fishing experience.

[THE DARKHORSE]

Originally Posted by dorado50

During the summer months when the water is warmer a constant water flow is almost a must especially for sardines. I do believe there is less oxygen in warmer water, thus constant water flow allows adequate oxygen. Timers are great for cooler/colder water as the oxygen remains in the standing water longer. Live bait needs to swim around in order to circulate water thru their gills, thus I would suggest a real bait tank in order to maximize your fishing experience.

Without a doubt, you will catch more fish with quality bait. Just because your bait is still barely breathing and able to swim after living in a bait tube, doesn't justify limiting the amount of strikes you will get. A "hot bait" will get bit ten times more often, especially in slower conditions. Buy a tank or make a tank, if you want to catch more fish.

[esdees]

Tubed baits are very healthy as long as you do everything correctly:

• don't over pack
• drag at the right speed
• don't mix small baits with large ones

But if you can afford it, a bait tank is the way to go. You can throw one together using a bucket and a bilge pump for pretty cheap, or you can go all out and get a kayatank (internal bait tank). The main thing is to just get out there. Live bait is nice to have, but it is not a requirement. Good luck!

[Zed]

also what about using some stress coat. you know like for aquarium fish handling.

They're bait, not pets!

--aguachico

[THE DARKHORSE]

Originally Posted by esdees

Tubed baits are very healthy as long as you do everything correctly:

• don't over pack
• drag at the right speed
• don't mix small baits with large ones

But if you can afford it, a bait tank is the way to go. You can throw one together using a bucket and a bilge pump for pretty cheap, or you can go all out and get a kayatank (internal bait tank). The main thing is to just get out there. Live bait is nice to have, but it is not a requirement. Good luck!

I know, bait can stay alive in a bait tube "for a period of time if you follow a few simple rules". My perspective on this subject is coming from the angle of "hot bait" vs. the amount of strikes you will draw as apposed to using "bait". My personal definition of a "hot bait" : Catch a horse Sardine, and as soon as he flops of the sabiki hook, send him out on the flyline. No comparison, to the nervous speed like this to a stressed bait that has been kept in a confined area. You could propose an argument that a bait tank is a confined area also, and I would have to agree again. Each little fish is different, as some handle the stress better than others (just like people). That's all the more reason to take advantage of a quality tank, thus directly affecting how many fish you will catch (guaranteed), especially in slower conditions or when bait is plentiful.

Even with a quality bait tank, I look real close as to which baits are "lit up", and brimming with energy. Just like when I'm on a two-day trip offshore, I huddle over the tank wells the entire time, and have "my eye on the hot bait of choice", waiting for a troller to be hit. The same theory of using a "hot bait" applies to all Pelagics.

[Craig jones]

Definitely look into the kayatank, the pump is on a timer, and is inside the hull so reduced drag. I find that the bait stay healthy all day.

[esdees]

I agree that a "hot" bait is better than one that is just alive, but I don't agree that you can't get a hot bait from a bait tube.