When it comes to choosing the size of a bait tank or a livewell system for your boat, there are several things to keep in mind.
You may think "how complicated can it be to choose a bait tank?"—which is understandable! But just like any other fishing gear, it pays to do your research before deciding.
You'll want a system that is the right size and has the right features for your needs, and will fit in the space of your boat. It may seem like a good idea to get the biggest size possible, but that may not always be the most effective choice.
Let's look at some of the most important criteria for choosing a bait tank or livewell system so you can make an informed decision:
The Difference Between a "Bait Tank" and a "livewell"
At its simplest, a bait tank is exactly what it sounds like: a holding tank for live baits, where you can store your freshly-caught baitfish or other aquatic life until you’re ready to use them.
A livewell (or baitwell) is a special tank that's designed to have an aeration system, either internal or external, that keeps the water inside flowing and oxygenated, and helps keep the contents alive and healthy for a period of time.
Now, to make it confusing, some "bait tanks" are designed with an aeration system to create a livewell. So, for the purposes of this guide, when we refer to a "bait tank" we'll be referring to a tank with an aeration system.
What to Consider When Choosing a Bait Tank/livewell
Size and Quantity of Bait or Fish
When you're looking at a bait tank or livewell system, first and foremost, you must consider what exactly you'll be keeping in there—whether you're planning to store game fish or just the bait for catching them. Naturally, if you're planning on keeping bigger fish, or a larger quantity of smaller fish, you'll need a bigger tank to accommodate that.
Duration of Fishing Trips
Another thing to consider is how long you'll be keeping the fish or bait in the tank. If you're planning to be out on the water for a full day of fishing, then you'll want a larger tank so your catch stays fresh and lively. The bigger the capacity of the tank, the more oxygenated water can be stored inside it.
Built-in Aeration vs Using an Air Stone
Now, let's talk about aeration. This is what keeps the water oxygenated and the bait or fish alive. You can add aeration to a bait tank yourself by using an air pump and air stone, but as you can imagine, it's much more convenient if your livewell system already has built-in aeration.
Especially if you have a smaller boat, you don't want to have to worry about a jury-rigged air stone system coming undone out on the water from the movement of the boat. A tank with built-in aeration is much more reliable and convenient.
Space Requirements
Speaking of which, consider how much space you have available. Livewell systems come in a variety of sizes and capacities, so you should be able to find one that fits just right on your boat. The last thing you want is something that's too big or awkward, taking up valuable space and throwing off the balance of your vessel.
Power Requirements
It's also important to consider power when deciding what size tank or livewell system you need. All tanks with an aeration system will require some kind of battery/power source, so factor that in when you're picturing how it will fit together in your boat.
Budget Considerations
Lastly, you should consider your budget. All livewells and aerated bait tanks come with a built-in oxygenation system, but the best models will also include some type of filtration system, and an easy way to connect a power source.
All these features will cost a little more, but they will also help to keep your bait or fish alive longer and be more convenient for you. Without proper aeration, you'll be losing fish left and right, which is not ideal.
Smaller Tanks vs Larger Tanks
Features aside, when it comes to smaller tanks, the pros are that they take up less space, are lighter, and are less expensive. The cons are that they can't hold as many fish or bait, and there's less oxygenated water.
On the other hand, bigger tanks can hold more fish or bait, and have more oxygenated water, but they'll take up more space, be heavier, and be more expensive.
Again, consider the size of your boat. If you have a small boat, you may want to opt for a smaller tank, but if you have the space for it, then a larger tank is always going to be a better choice.
Once you know the size you need, then it's just a matter of choosing whether you want a no-frills system or a more sophisticated one to get the most out of your tank or livewell system. It's all about finding the right balance for you and what you plan to use it for.
The Bottom Line
Make sure you think through all the factors and choose a livewell or bait tank that will work best for your specific needs. It's a good idea to talk with a tackle shop to make sure you have the right size and features for your boat, budget, and needs.
It may seem like a lot of information to take in, but once you've chosen the best system for your boat, you'll have the peace of mind that your live bait or catch will stay fresh and lively for as long as you're out on the water.
