bait box for the dock

[fishingstar]

looking to build a new bait box to store bait next to my dock.

I have a wooden box now but it needs to be replaced. Just looking

for any tips or suggestions. I'm thinking of using a plastic laundry

hamper with mesh over the holes on the side.

thanks

Dan

[fishingstar]

any help?????

[delmuts]

What kind of bait?

[fasternu]

Why not just buy one of the big square minnow traps sold in stores? If nothing else, maybe your bait will become free, or at least increase in amount!

[bogwalker]

A lot of guys have used washing machine drums. Get one at the salvage yard. Add a wooden top and you are done. The drums last many years and the holes allow for fresh water exchange without beating your minnows to death with waves. My last wire bait box was destroyed when I used as a live well at the dock. Something ripped the end open.

[foo]

I built one using 1/4 mesh this winter----I will post some pics this week or next if you are interested in how mine turned out.

[Timber]

I take a 5-gallon pail, drill a bunch of 1/4 inch holes in it, starting about 3 inches up from the bottom, tie a rope to the handle, put a rock in it for weight, and lower it off the end of the dock. If you have lots of minnow, make a couple of them. Works for me.

[Timber]

Opps! Put the cover on before the lower it into the water!

[fishingstar]

I would like to use it for minnows and pan fish.

I was thinking about the wash tub but would like it to go deeper

to keep the minnows in cooler water.

[walleye29us]

I use a wire rabbit cage for a live well at the cabin. I put a bunch of zip ties on it to really hold it together well. I have a long rope on it and can drop it off the dock in any depth i want. It works great. The cages are only 15 to 20 dollars. Zip ties are cheap. For minnows you would also need to wrap the cage with a smaller wire mesh?..or something similar..Just a thought...Also very very light!!

[aanderud]

Look up a product called "live bait mate". Looks perfect for a dock situation, if you ask me.

[foo]

Here is a couple pics of the one I built this winter----easy project.

[bogwalker]

Nice job foo.

[dan z]

Nice work!

[foo]

Thanks! I will let you know how it works as I will be going after some spot-tails next week if they are running.