Homemade Bait Well | Live Well

[Hotrod]

http://njsaltwaterfisherman.com/forums/index.php?topic=9188.0[/b]

Portable Bait Well | Homemade Bait Tank

I will be connecting this to my Raw Water Wash down

With the prices of these polypropylene tanks, I couldn't justify the cost based on the amount of time I would need one.  I also wanted one that I can remove or store up front.  We've seen them made out of trash cans. which I was going to do until Capt Joe gave me a 55 gallon drum and explained the benefits of using it.

Here are the steps I took to make it.

I purchased the kit from here. Bait Tank Plumbing

With a Jig saw, I cut the drum at the top band, this was close to the suggested 2.5 inches above the 35 gallon mark.

I then removed 2.5 inches of the piece I cut off, this is where the drum started to taper.

I inverted the band and placed it into the drum, fastening it with 4 SS screws.
This also creates a baffle for splash.

The kit came with instructions on the best locations for the fittings.

The lid can be used to make the top, but I am getting a 24" inch piece of 1/2 Polypropylene and will be making a top for it. with a SS piano hinged door. There is now a large enough lip to screw the top down.

I will post the complete pictures in a day or 2.

Thanks for the insight Capt Joe.

These drums can be found at Car washes and pool supplies.

[IrishAyes]

Wow Rod, that looks damn good.

Ummmm, can I have my drum back? 

[ped579]

Very nice Rod,  This project looks very easy and is well thought out.  It should be easy enough for everyone that has a boat without a bait well to take on.

Thanks for posting...

[Bucktail]

Nice!  You're pretty handy for a website designer!

[Pfishingruven]

That looks great Rod!  You wouldn't know it was a DIY homemade baitwell.  Looks better than the store bought ones fairly easy to do.  Certainly great way to save money in this day and age !  Thanks.

 

[PeggyLee]

Rod, I have some thing very similar and installed a 2'' overflow to discharge over the side.The tank is very portable and is a throw back to years ago 1975- 1980s when things were simple and inexpensive and very funtional.Good luck with it. AJ "Peggy Lee"

[Hotrod]

Yea..  I love the open deck.  and I'd like to have it on board in case I run into bait.  This way I can store it up front and use it when needed

[CapBob]

Nice Rig.....A jack of all trades

[Hotrod]

Master of none

[IrishAyes]

I heard the need for the bait tank was because you were a Master at Baiting. 

[PeggyLee]

Baiter Master or Vice Versa .

[Hunter 2]

Nice JOB!, A boat at my marina has the same setup. It works great!

[CapBob]

 

[Hotrod]

 

[Fishin Dude]

Nice Job!     <'((((><

[Hotrod]

Finished it off with a 1/2 piece of Polypropylene / a 1/2 Piece of Plexiglas and a SS piano Hinge

All Done!!.  Will be loading it with 3 dozen Spot in the morning

A little rough on the cuts.. but she will do the trick.

[IrishAyes]

Looks good. 

[Bucktail]

Nice job Rod!  Good luck tomorrow!

[ped579]

Lookin Good...

[shkbilly]

I have no washdown on my boat. Has anyone ever used the ones that you toss a bilge pump over the side? I was thinking of making somethine very similar but I am unsure of how to recirculate it.