Have you ever gone fishing for blues and Spanish mackerel only to find that your bucket of live bait has met its maker before you even cast your first line? It’s a disappointing way to end an otherwise promising fishing trip. As an avid shore fisherman, I’ve had more than my fair share of bait buckets turn into bait coffins over the years.

But I’ve also learned a few tricks and techniques for keeping baitfish such as menhaden, mullet, and pencil mullet swimming much longer than expected—sometimes all day—giving you more time on the water fishing instead of collecting more bait. In this post I’ll share how to keep bait fish alive in a bucket so you can avoid dead bait disasters and make the most of your valuable fishing time.

Why May You Want to Keep Bait Fish Alive in a Bucket?

1 . To Save Money

There are a number of reasons why you would want to keep bait fish alive in a bucket. First and foremost, it can help you save money. If you go fishing frequently or for an extended period of time, buying live bait every day can become expensive.

By keeping them alive in a bucket, you can reuse them for multiple fishing trips without having to purchase new bait every time. This can also save you the frustration of having to make a trip to the bait shop if it is not conveniently located near your fishing spot.

2. To Preserve the Quality of Your Bait

Keeping bait fish alive in a bucket also helps preserve their quality. Live bait is much more enticing to fish than dead or dying bait, which can quickly become unappealing and ineffective. By keeping your bait fish alive, you ensure that they are fresh and lively, increasing your chances of catching more fish.

3. To Maintain the Natural Ecosystem

Using live bait also helps maintain the natural ecosystem in bodies of water. Live bait is typically native to the area where you are fishing, so using them ensures that you are not introducing any foreign species or disrupting the natural balance of the ecosystem. This is important for preserving the health and biodiversity of our waterways.

4. To Attract a Variety of Fish

Live bait can attract a variety of fish species, making it a great option for both beginner and experienced anglers. Different types of bait fish appeal to different types of fish, so by keeping a variety of live bait in your bucket, you increase your chances of catching a wider range of fish. This can make for a more exciting and rewarding fishing experience.

5. To Have Fun with the Kids

Keeping bait fish alive in a bucket is also a fun activity to do with kids. Children are often fascinated by live creatures, and they can learn a lot about the different types of bait fish and how to take care of them. Plus, it can be a great way to get them involved in fishing and outdoor activities.

10 Tips on How to Keep Bait Fish Alive in a Bucket

Now that you know why keeping bait fish alive in a bucket is beneficial, here are some tips on how to do it effectively.

1 . Use a Large Enough Bucket

One of the most important things to keep in mind when trying to keep bait fish alive in a bucket is the size of the bucket. Ideally, you’ll want a bucket that is at least 5 gallons in size. This will give your bait fish enough room to swim around and stay healthy.

2. Change Out the Water Regularly

Just like with any other type of fish, it’s important to regularly change out the water in your bait fish bucket. This will help keep the water clean and oxygenated, which is essential for keeping your bait fish alive.

3. Use an Aerator

Another way to ensure that your bait fish have enough oxygen in their bucket is by using an aerator. This device pumps air into the water, keeping it oxygenated and preventing your bait fish from suffocating.

4. Keep the Water Cool

Bait fish thrive in cooler water temperatures, so it’s important to keep the water in their bucket cool. This can be achieved by adding ice or using a cooler with a lid to prevent direct sunlight from heating up the water.

5. Avoid Overcrowding

Overcrowding your bait fish bucket can lead to stress and potentially death for your bait fish. Make sure to only add a reasonable amount of bait fish to the bucket and avoid adding too many at once.

6. Monitor Water Quality

Regularly check the water quality in your bait fish bucket, including pH levels and ammonia levels. If these levels are off, it can be harmful to your bait fish and may require a water change or treatment. Also, make sure to use dechlorinated water when filling up the bucket.

7. Provide Adequate Cover

Bait fish need places to hide and rest in their bucket, just like they would in a natural environment. Add some plants or small decorations for your bait fish to use as cover. This will also help reduce stress and prevent them from constantly swimming, which can tire them out.

8. Avoid Feeding Too Much

It’s important to feed your bait fish, but be careful not to overfeed them. Uneaten food can lead to poor water quality and can also harm the bait fish. Only feed them what they can eat in a few minutes and remove any excess food.

9. Keep the Bucket in a Shaded Area

Direct sunlight can quickly heat up the water in your bait fish bucket, so it’s best to keep it in a shaded area. This will help maintain cooler water temperatures and prevent stress on your bait fish. Also, avoid placing the bucket near any potential predators.

10. Keep an Eye on Your Bait Fish

Last but not least, always keep a close eye on your bait fish and monitor their behavior. If you notice any signs of stress or illness, take action immediately to prevent further harm. Keeping your bait fish healthy is crucial for successful fishing trips.

Remember, these are just some general tips for keeping bait fish alive in a bucket. Different types of bait fish may have specific care requirements, so make sure to do your research and provide the best conditions for your particular species. With proper care and attention, you’ll have healthy and lively bait fish ready to use for your next fishing adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Precautions Should I Take?

• Start with clean equipment
• Be sure to use the proper ratio of fish to water, typically 1 pound of fish per gallon of water
• Keep the bucket out of direct sunlight and extreme temperatures
• Use a lid or cover to prevent fish from jumping out

How Often Should I Change the Water?

It is recommended to change the water every 12-24 hours. This will ensure that the fish have enough oxygen and that their waste products are removed from the water. Also, make sure to add a de-chlorinator when adding tap water to remove any harmful chemicals.

Can I Use Tap Water?

Yes, you can use tap water but make sure to add a de-chlorinator. Chlorine and chloramines found in tap water can be harmful to fish.

What Should I Feed the Fish?

The type of bait fish you are using will determine the type of food they need. Generally, you can feed them a mixture of live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. It is recommended to not overfeed the fish as it can lead to poor water quality.

Can I Keep Different Types of Bait Fish Together?

It is not recommended to keep different types of bait fish together. They may compete for food and can also carry different diseases that can be harmful to each other.

How Can I Keep the Water Temperature Consistent?

If you are fishing in extreme temperatures, it is important to keep the water temperature consistent to prevent shock or stress on the bait fish. You can use a small aerator or add ice cubes to cool down the water, or use a small heater to warm up the water. Make sure to constantly monitor the temperature to avoid any sudden changes.

Can I Reuse the Water?

It is not recommended to reuse the same water for extended periods of time as it can become stagnant and decrease oxygen levels. It is best to change the water every 12-24 hours for optimal bait fish health.  However, if you do choose to reuse the water, make sure to properly clean and disinfect the bucket before adding the water back in.

Conclusion

In conclusion, keeping bait fish alive in a bucket may seem daunting at first, but with the right knowledge and techniques, it can be easily achieved. From setting up the bucket correctly to maintaining proper water conditions and providing sufficient oxygen and nutrients, we have covered all the important aspects to ensure your bait fish stays alive and lively for your next fishing trip.

By following these tips on how to keep bait fish alive in a bucket, you can save money on frequent bait replacements and increase your chances of catching bigger fish. So don’t let your bait fish go to waste any longer! Try out these strategies and see the difference for yourself.