When it comes to saltwater fishing, using live bait is one of the most effective ways to attract a wide range of fish species. However, keeping live bait fresh and healthy can be a challenge, especially when you're on a boat. In this post, we'll explore some tips and techniques for keeping your live bait fresh on a boat, so you can have a successful fishing trip.
- Start with Fresh Bait
The first step to keeping your live bait fresh on a boat is to start with fresh bait. This means choosing high-quality bait that is lively, healthy, and free from disease or parasites. Look for bait that is active and swimming freely in its container, and avoid any bait that appears lethargic, weak, or damaged.
- Keep Bait Cool
One of the biggest challenges when it comes to keeping live bait fresh on a boat is managing the temperature. Saltwater fishing often takes place in hot and humid conditions, which can quickly cause bait to overheat and die. To keep your live bait cool, store it in a shaded area of the boat, and use a portable cooler or bait tank to regulate the temperature.
- Use an Aerator
An aerator is a device that adds oxygen to the water, helping to keep your live bait healthy and active. When using live bait on a boat, it's important to use an aerator to keep the water well-oxygenated. This will help to prevent the bait from becoming stressed, which can lead to illness and death.
- Change the Water Regularly
Even with an aerator, the water in your bait tank can become stale and polluted over time. To keep your live bait healthy, it's important to change the water in the bait tank regularly. This will help to remove any waste or toxins that have built up in the water, and ensure that your bait has a clean and healthy environment to live in.
- Keep Bait in the Dark
Live bait is sensitive to light, and too much exposure to light can cause it to become stressed and disoriented. To keep your live bait healthy, it's important to keep it in the dark as much as possible. This means covering your bait tank or cooler with a dark cloth or lid, and avoiding exposing your bait to direct sunlight.
- Avoid Overcrowding
Overcrowding can be a major problem when it comes to keeping live bait fresh on a boat. When too many fish are crowded into a small space, it can lead to stress, disease, and death. To avoid overcrowding, make sure that you choose a bait tank or cooler that is large enough for the amount of bait you plan to use, and avoid adding too many fish to the tank at once.
- Handle Bait with Care
Live bait is delicate and sensitive, and can easily become injured or stressed if mishandled. When handling live bait on a boat, it's important to do so with care. Use a soft net to transfer bait from one container to another, and avoid touching the bait with your hands. This will help to minimize stress and reduce the risk of injury.
Keeping live bait fresh on a boat can be a challenge, but with the right techniques and tools, it's possible to keep your bait healthy and lively throughout your fishing trip. Start with high-quality bait, keep it cool, use an aerator, change the water regularly, keep it in the dark, avoid overcrowding, and handle it with care. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to a successful saltwater fishing trip.
