Decent,solid minnow bucket

[so haaad]

Has anyone ever tried using the soft-sided coolers with the velcro "hatch" on the top? They are a lot lighter than the plastic coolers, so I'm wondering if they would work.

[Todd_J]

 Originally Posted By: so haaad

Has anyone ever tried using the soft-sided coolers with the velcro "hatch" on the top? They are a lot lighter than the plastic coolers, so I'm wondering if they would work.

All the ones that I have used have leaked at one time or another.

The best thing I've seen is a six-pack hard-sided cooler.

While it is not waterproof, it handles the sloshing fairly well. I believe that Plano makes a rectangular "cooler" type bait bucket with a built-in net. Looks pretty nice and water tight, but it costs over thirty bucks.

[zamboni]

Is there an aerated bucket that can be plugged into the wall? The only ones I have ever seen run on "D" batteries, and it says that battery life isn't all that great

[Northlander]

I also use water type coolers. 1 has a lid that sort of suctions on and 1 has a screw on lid. I use the suction lid one when going out by hand and the screw on type when pulling out with a sled/wheeler.

[BucksnDucks]

Frabill makes a great insulated minnow bucket with a flip open lid and with a areator that can be run on either 2 D batteries or else plugged into a cigarette lighter. I cant say enuf good about the one I own! No more dead bait, and no more leaky coolers. I've seen enuf of those coolers that have the flip over lids that stay attached to the whole cooler, well it seems all they want to do is slosh water around and freeze up! Then ur stuck til either you hammer it hard enuf to break the plastic or get it next to a heater and warmed up for a good 1/2hr.

[cRaPpiEMaN8265]

i have had a small yellow and white frabill plastic with styrofoam insulated minnow bucket for 2 years now and it has not broken or cracked... the nice thing is its easy to get into and slides right into the other 5 gallon frabill bucket i have so when you get to your spot there wont be a bunch of water in your shack from it leaking and you have the 5 gallon bucket for putting fish in...

Hope this helps,

Ryan

[slipperybob]

 Originally Posted By: so haaad

Has anyone ever tried using the soft-sided coolers with the velcro "hatch" on the top? They are a lot lighter than the plastic coolers, so I'm wondering if they would work.

Not all soft side coolers aren't meant to hold water/ice in them. That's why I meantioned getting minnow in plastic bag. Found out the hard way....Some comes in a thin plastic container inside that can hold water/ice.

[slipperybob]

 Originally Posted By: zamboni

Is there an aerated bucket that can be plugged into the wall? The only ones I have ever seen run on "D" batteries, and it says that battery life isn't all that great

Frabill did make one that has dual power for both wall and cigarrette lighter and can run off of D batteries. I think it was for about $40 or $50.

[Chode2235]

Get a AC powered aerator/bubbler at one of the big box retail stores (target or Wally World). They have them in the pet supply area and can be had for a few bucks. Any pet store will have a cheap one too, look online. They practically give them away.

I keep one in my garage to keep my minnows fresh.

[BoxMN]

 Originally Posted By: Chode2235

Get a AC powered aerator/bubbler at one of the big box retail stores (target or Wally World). They have them in the pet supply area and can be had for a few bucks. Any pet store will have a cheap one too, look online. They practically give them away.

I keep one in my garage to keep my minnows fresh.

Ditto. Works great in my little 6 pack hard, hinged, cooler while in the garage. Cooler works Way better than my styro inside of pail method last year.

[anyfishaldo]

I use the square coleman lunch box type with a flat lid and a locking handle. Works great and it doubles as a table if needed in my Scout. I change the water every two or three days and crappie minnows last weeks. the bigger suckers and fat heads die fast so I quit trying.

[aczr2k]

I've had a Frabil 1404 Min o 2 life for last few years, the aerator crapped out, other than that no complaints, it doesn't leak and nothing has broken off yet.

[rockman]

This is the exact box/cooler I posted about earlier in this thread.I am amazed this thread has gone to 4 pages already.Great ideas and suggestions,everybody.

[zamboni]

Yeah I am kinda wanting to get an aerated bucket, I usually keep my minnows in the garage which stays around 30 degrees, an aerator should keep the ice skims off the bucket

[NCLaker]

 Originally Posted By: aczr2k

I've had a Frabil 1404 Min o 2 life for last few years, the aerator crapped out, other than that no complaints, it doesn't leak and nothing has broken off yet.

I picked up this same minnow bucket because I liked its size and could be closed up to prevent leaking. Only things I don't like is that any water dripped on the rim ices up (if it is cold) then it makes it difficult to shut and lock (I'm sure before long I will break the plastic clasp due to this ice build up) Other than that it works great.