Livewell/Baitwell systems on the ice.

[Guest]

If your like me, I hate cleaning frozen fish. I just hate it! Over the years I have tried several options to keep fish fresh and healthy while on the ice.

Everything from stringers under the ice to ice augured ice tanks to store fish. These work but they have there downfalls. The ice tank is handy when a group is fishing in a close area and can share it. Yet it is a bit of a hazard to others once you move off. Much like a dead fall if you do not pack it in with slush to prevent accidental falls. The "Chop-a-well" system works, yet it is a lot of work.

So I went looking for better on ice livewell systems. Two systems I like are made by Frabill. One for fish destined for the pan, or larger baits, and the other for baits.

Frabill Bait Quarters: Floating baitwells.

A handy natural container for bait, or for storing your game fish. It will keep any fish healthy for an extended period. The cleverly designed buoyant top keeps the lid handy for easy access. Weighted bottom maintains a cylindrical shape even in stiff currents. A Velcro latch keeps the top secure. The soft 3/8" white nylon mesh is strong enough to keep fish, yet gentler than traditional wire or metal boxes. Made from non-corrosive materials so it will hold up. Collapses for easy storage. Several sizes to chose from too.

• Model 1290 18" x 18" Appx. 20 gallons
• Model 1292 30" x 30" Appx. 105 gallons
• Model 1291 24" x 30" Appx. 65 gallons
• Model 1293 36" x 30" Appx. 130 gallons.

1295 Frabill Livewell Liner

Fits inside boats live well or a cooler to hold baitfish, or to separate your catch. The floating frame design keeps net in the upright position so fish do not escape. It eliminates chasing fish inside the live well or cooler. Simply lift the net to strain and choose individual baits. Special folding frame design allows easy placement or removal from the live well and handy transport of your catch to the cleaning table. A must have for avid panfish anglers. Handy to keep large baits separate from minnows.

Durable PVC frame and soft fish friendly 3/8"nylon micro mesh.
Dimensions: 10"W x 20"L x 18" Deep.
Floating PVC Frame Design Rubber hinged folding frame design.
Soft 3/8" nylon netting.
(Works well in a series of overlapping 9" - 10" ice auger holes.)

This is also a great option for a large cooler in an ice shack. Keep the catch and the bait separated as well as aerated and healthy.

If frozen fish and dead or half frozen inactive baitfish is a problem for you too, take a good look at these systems. They are handy useful storage solutions all year around.

Ed "Backwater Eddy" Carlson

Backwater Guiding
"ED on the RED"
[email protected]
><,sUMo,>

[This message has been edited by Backwater Eddy (edited 11-29-2003).]

[Guest]

Frabill also has a new expanded line of aeration products out this season. Well worth a closer look.

For the home bait storage aeration system the Frabill 1421 110 Volt Aeration System is the real ticket.

• Whisper Drive Motor – for near silent operation.
• 36" Premium Non-Kink Air Hose – w/anti-siphon check valve.
• Aqua-Life Micro Bubble Oxygen Diffuser.
• Power Efficient - draws only 3 watts of power.

AQUA-LIFE #1400 & 1404 Min-O-Life Bait Station Portable Aerator system.

Two-speed design allows pump to run on high power or at normal aeration power. Includes the Aqua-Life micro bubble diffuser system.

The even more portable Frabill 1402 Min-O-Life Aerator D-cell systems.

A durable diaphragm pump and high quality micro electric motor powered by two D-cell alkaline batteries the 1402 will run for up to 80 hours.

New this season is the Frabill 1403 Min-O-Life Collapsible Bait Bucket

• Light-weight collapsible EVA bucket.
• Large 2 Gallon capacity.
• Powers off single D-Cell battery for up to 34 hours.
• Includes air hose and high output air stone.
• Comes in handy storage bag.

My personal favorites are the Frabill AQUA-LIFE #1400 Portable Aerator and the AQUA-LIFE #1409 Bait station.

Eliminates the annoying hum and vibration associated with standard style aerator pumps. Two-speed design allows pump to run on high power or at normal aeration power. Includes the Aqua-Life micro bubble diffuser system.

Streamlined in design with all electrical components sealed inside a water resistant compartment to help keep moisture out. No bulky add-on pumps or protruding attachments to get in the way. Features 6-gallon outer pail with a full removable foam liner that insulates bait and keeps water at a constant temperature. Lid and liner are easily removed for cleaning. Micro bubble oxygen diffuser and air tubing mount inside the foam liner so there is no plumbing to get in the way when retrieving bait. Large flip-up bait door provides easy access to interior of bucket. Built-in night-light automatically illuminates interior of bucket, a very kewl feature. Exclusive Triple play power option lets you take the Bait Station anywhere you fish.

With these "Triple Play power systems" you gain the added advantage D cell battery power, adapting to a 12V power supply, or adapting from a 110V to 12V supply.

A home to hut or boat system with lots of features that function well and add greater convenience.

Several great new options from Frabill to keep your bait and catch alive and well at home and in the field. Remember, quality bait will catch quality fish.

Ed "Backwater Eddy" Carlson

Backwater Guiding
"ED on the RED"
[email protected]
><,sUMo,>

[This message has been edited by Backwater Eddy (edited 11-29-2003).]