Check out my new custom Hard Water Bait Carrier

[Whateverzbitin]

I made one of these for summer this year and loved it. My summer one is the larger work site sized igloo water cooler. This one is smaller (2 gallon). My summer one has a water proof housing to keep rain out of the pump. No need for the winter version. Just mountied it right to the top. I drilled holes through the lid and bottom plate of the pump and used zip ties to fasten it on. I used black tape just above and below the lid on the hose too keep it just where I want it. I drilled an extra hole for venting and to allow the quick addition of another hose that would be hooked up to 12v or ac pump overnight. No frozen bait for this guy.

[Poutmaster]

I've been using coolers the past few years as well. They cost a little more, but last much longer. I like your concept!

[Whateverzbitin]

I was lucky enough to find this cooler at GW for like 3.00. The price of bait buckets these days is outragous. A few years back I purchased a frabill bait station for like 80 bucks. I think they are 90 now and exactly the same. Super cheap noisy pump with redicoulus attempt at a water proof seal, and crappy thin foam insert. The only thing this doesn't have is a door, but no big deal. Better in every other way.

[Fishin4fun_MN]

I made one a few years back out of a soft side 6 pack cooler (has a plastic liner). I like this because I can separate my bait during walleye season (crappie minnows on one side, fat heads or chubs on the other, or fat heads on one and leaches on the other) also there is a pocket on the front that I put an ice pack in during the summer heat.

[Whateverzbitin]

The thought of using a soft bag crossed my mind. I was worried the zipper would freeze up. May be somthing to look into for future project.

[broman]

Does that lid pop off, or unscrew. I ask, because when I tried a jug a few years ago that unscrewed it would get water around the lid and freeze it shut.

[dfeste]

broman, I use a one gallon igloo jug with a screw off lid and to eliminate the freezing I just spread chapstick all around the area where the threads are. Both the cap and the jug. I think Northlander suggested this in the past to help with zippers freezing shut. I just expanded on that a little.

[Fishin4fun_MN]

The thought of using a soft bag crossed my mind. I was worried the zipper would freeze up. May be somthing to look into for future project.

Mine has no zipper...it is more of a pressure fit. Wish I could find another one like it.