Ice Fishing Bait Bucket: The Game-Changer in My Fishing Expeditions
🎣 Hooked On Ice: My Journey in the World of Fishing
It was the crack of dawn, a crisp winter morning when I felt the first tug of the line. I remember it as if it was yesterday, the thrill of the unknown, the passion kindled within. Little did I know, this was the beginning of an everlasting love affair with fishing, a journey that has been as rewarding as it has been transformative.
The transition from a curious novice to a seasoned angler was one filled with adventure, countless trials, and rewarding victories. A journey where I learned that success is not just about skill and patience, but also about the equipment you wield. 🧰
Equipping for Success: The Role of Gear in Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is a different beast altogether, a thrilling pursuit in harsh, often unforgiving conditions. Over the years, I have come to appreciate the significant role that quality equipment plays in my ice fishing success. While a sturdy rod, sharp hooks, portable ice fishing shelter, and warm clothing are all invaluable, there’s one piece of gear that’s often overlooked – the bait bucket. 🪣
The right bait bucket is not merely a container for your bait; it’s an essential tool that can mean the difference between a rewarding day on the ice and a frustrating one. As a seasoned angler, I cannot stress enough the importance of a high-quality bait bucket in successful ice fishing.
In my quest for the ultimate ice fishing gear, I discovered a bait bucket that changed my fishing experience entirely – a game-changer, if you will. In the ensuing sections, I will delve deeper into the world of bait buckets, sharing my experiences, discoveries, and insights. It’s a chilly ride, so strap in! 🎿
🥶 Tackling the Cold: Why Your Bait Bucket Matters
In the chilly world of ice fishing, the quality of your bait bucket is as crucial as the bait itself. This isn’t merely a bold statement; it’s the accumulated wisdom from countless chilly expeditions on the ice. Here’s why:
A superior bait bucket ensures your bait remains alive and attractive to your underwater prey. On the flip side, an average bait bucket may not provide the ideal conditions, reducing your bait’s efficacy, which can lead to a less-than-satisfactory fishing trip. But, why is maintaining these conditions so challenging in ice fishing? ❄️
🌨 Battling the Ice: The Angler’s Challenge in Bait Management
Ice fishing introduces a unique set of challenges that anglers must overcome to ensure a successful outing. Let’s take a peek at some of these common issues:
- Frosty Temperatures: As the temperature drops, keeping your bait lively and effective can be a daunting task. Many types of bait, such as minnows and worms, struggle in low temperatures, becoming lethargic or even perishing.
- Water Freezing: Traditional bait buckets can freeze, making it difficult to access your bait. A good bait bucket will insulate against the cold, keeping the water in a liquid state and your bait accessible.
- Ice Formation Inside the Bucket: Even if the water doesn’t fully freeze, ice may form inside the bucket, which can damage your bait or make it hard to handle.
- Transportation Difficulties: Hauling your bait bucket through snowy or icy terrain can be a challenge in itself. A quality bait bucket must be sturdy and easy to carry.
🔶The right bait bucket can alleviate these issues, transforming your ice fishing experience from a struggle with the elements into a satisfying pursuit of the catch. The question remains, what bait bucket offers these solutions? Join me in the next section as we explore my favorite fishing companion – the ice fishing bait bucket. 🎣
🔍 Baiting in Style: My Discovery of the Ice Fishing Bait Bucket
As an enthusiastic angler, I’ve always been on the lookout for tools that can enhance my ice fishing experience. My breakthrough moment came during a fishing trip to Minnesota. It was there I first laid my hands on an ice fishing bait bucket, a piece of equipment that would soon become indispensable.
In a bustling local market buzzing with fishing gear, one particular bucket caught my eye. It was sturdy, well-insulated, and designed to withstand the icy conditions that had troubled me for so long. Intrigued and hopeful, I decided to take this new companion for a test drive on the ice.
🎯 Fishing’s Secret Weapon: The Ice Fishing Bait Bucket Uncovered
The ice fishing bait bucket proved to be far more than just a handy container. It was a game-changer. Let me share what sets this bait bucket apart from traditional ones:
- Superior Insulation: This bucket was designed to keep the harsh cold at bay. The thick, insulating material ensured the water inside didn’t freeze, making it a perfect habitat for my bait.
- In-Built Aerator: This feature was a pleasant surprise! The in-built aerator kept the water oxygenated, ensuring the bait remained lively and attractive to fish.
- Ergonomic Design: The ice fishing bait bucket was easier to carry with a sturdy handle, and its compact design made it perfect for hauling through snowy terrains.
- Secure Lid: To prevent spilling, the bucket had a secure lid which, to my relief, also kept the curious hands of pesky raccoons at bay!
This bucket was a revelation, solving the issues that I, and many other anglers, face during our chilly fishing expeditions. I found it to be a remarkable blend of practicality and innovation, designed keeping the ice angler’s needs in mind. It quickly became an essential part of my fishing gear, accompanying me on every icy adventure. 🏔
🔶In the next section, we’ll explore this bucket’s features in greater detail and discuss how they can elevate your ice fishing experience. 🚀
🎦Video YouTube: Custom Bait-Well for Ice Fishing
Best Ice Fishing Bait Bucket Review
When most people think about ice fishing, the first thing that comes to mind is a person sitting in a small wooden shack on a frozen lake, with a fishing rod in hand. What many people don’t know, however, is that ice fishing can be just as exciting as traditional fishing – you just need to use the right bait bucket!
Our team has put together a list of the best bait buckets on the market, based on customer feedback and product quality. From insulated options to budget-friendly picks, we’ve got you covered. So, what are you waiting for? Check out our top-rated baiting buckets below!
1# Frabill Universal Bait Station
The Frabill Universal Bait Station is the perfect way to keep your bait fresh and accessible. The battery-powered aerator ensures that your bait stays properly oxygenated, while the insulated design keeps it fresh and cool. The durable moulded base with nonslip pads prevents tipping, and the soft-sided body makes it easy to transport. The quick-access bait door adds convenience, and the mesh side pocket provides extra storage. The bait station holds up to 8 Qts. of water, ice, or soil and is compatible with up to 4 sizes 3600 boxes.
2# Frabill Dual Bait Bucket with Aerator
Looking for an advanced live bait storage solution that will keep your minnows healthy and frisky? Check out the Frabill Dual Bait Bucket with Aerator. This innovative bucket features a lid-mounted battery-powered aerator for oxygenating the water, as well as an insulated liner to help maintain water temperature. The unique lid design provides security and easy access, and there’s even a built-in clip-on aerator bracket and hose hole in the lid for aerator tubing. With a 1.3-gallon capacity, this bucket is perfect for storing your bait, and its durable molded construction and sturdy carry handle make it easy to transport.
3# Frabill 8-Quart Floating Wade Bucket
When you’re looking to get your bait in the water, you need a reliable floating bucket. The Frabill 8-Quart Floating Wade Bucket is constructed from tough galvanized steel and has an easy-to-open lid with multiple aeration holes. Thanks to its interior buoyancy collar, the large bucket always floats the door up for easy retrieval.
4# StrikeMaster Bait Bucket
The StrikeMaster Bait Bucket is the perfect choice for long-term bait storage. This watertight, insulated bucket features a rubber gasket in the lid to provide a splashproof and airtight seal. The removable handle makes it easy to transport your bait wherever you need to go.
5# Clam Bait Bucket with Insulated Carry Case
Looking for an insulated bait bucket that will prevent your minnows from spilling everywhere? Look no further than the Clam Bait Bucket with Insulated Carry Case! This versatile bait bucket is perfect for use all year round, and features a spill-proof bait keeper with an adjustable shoulder strap and carry handle for easy transport. The screw-top lid has a gasket forming a watertight seal, making it perfect for taking on the go. Plus, the included insulated carry bag provides all-season temperature protection for your minnows. Don’t let spilled bait ruin your next fishing trip – trust the Clam Bait Bucket to keep your bait fresh and protected.
6# Frabill Aqua-Life Bait Station
The Frabill Aqua-Life Bait Station is an effective way to aerate your bait, whether you’re fishing from a boat or on land. The micro bubble diffuser provides whisper-quiet operation, while the removable insulated liner keeps your bait fresh. The watertight design ensures that your bait stays hydrated, and the 6-gallon bucket with 10-quart liner provides plenty of space for all your needs. The power options include 2 D-cell batteries, 12V power adapter for boat or truck use, or by 120V use at home (120V adapter not included).
7# Frabill Aqua Life Bait Box with Aerator
The Aqua Life Bait Box with Aerator is the perfect way to keep your bait fresh and aerated while you’re on the go. The durable insulation keeps bait cool, while the included Frabill model 14331 aerator ensures that your bait remains healthy and active.
8# Frabill Magnum Shrimp Flow-Troll Bait Bucket
Looking for a bait bucket that is not only saltwater safe but also aerates your shrimp as you pull it through the water? Look no further than the Magnum Shrimp Flow-Troll Bait Bucket from Frabill. This bucket is designed with a shrimp insert and a convenient carry handle, making it easy to transport live bait from one spot to another. The hydrodynamic shape ensures that the bucket floats with the door up, keeping your bait healthy and lively.
9# Frabill Drainer Dual Bait Bucket
The Frabill Drainer Dual Bait Bucket is the perfect tool for serious anglers. This bucket features tough molded construction, a full lift-out interior minnow trap, and a built-in lid compartment for bait or tackle. It’s also pre-equipped for adding a portable aerator (sold separately), with a clip-on bracket and air hose hole in the lid. Keep your bait fresh and your hands dry while you’re fishing with the Frabill Drainer Dual Bait Bucket.
10# Frabill Bait Bucket
The Frabill bait bucket is a top-of-the-line live bait storage container that helps you keep your minnows healthy and frisky. The advanced lid design allows for easy access, and the sturdy carry handle makes transport a breeze. The built-in clip-on bracket also lets you easily attach a battery-powered aerator.
11# Frabill Aqua-Life Bait Bucket with Aerator
The Frabill Aqua-Life Bait Bucket with Aerator is a durable, insulated bait bucket that’s perfect for keeping your bait fresh. The accessory lid has molded slots to hold a bait net or aerator, while the included Frabill 14331 Aerator helps to keep your bait healthy and lively.
12# Frabill Magnum Bait Station
The Magnum Bait Station is a heavy-duty, injection-moulded bait container that’s perfect for keeping your bait healthy in any weather. The commercial-grade foam insulation keeps bait fresh and the padded shoulder strap makes transport easy.
13# Frabill Worm & Leech Lodge
Looking for a reliable way to keep your bait lively and fresh? Check out the Frabill Worm & Leech Lodge! This bait bucket features an easy-to-open, ventilated lid with secure locking points, ensuring that your bait stays lively and fresh. The insulated foam insert keeps your bait cool and comfortable, while the grab-and-go rope handle makes it easy to carry. Made in the USA, this bait bucket is a must-have for any serious angler.
14# Frabill Shrimp Shak with Aerator
The Frabill Shrimp Shak with Aerator is the perfect tool for keeping your bait fresh while you’re out on the water. The durable, insulated liner is removable so you can easily clean it, and the large, self-standing bait door makes it easy to access your bait. Plus, the included Frabill model 14331 aerator runs on 2 D-cell batteries (not included) to keep your bait healthy and lively.
🌟 Beyond the Ordinary: The Unique Features of the Ice Fishing Bait Bucket
The ice fishing bait bucket stands out from the crowd, and its unique features are the reason for its superior performance. Let’s dive into these distinguishing aspects:
- Enhanced Insulation: A high-quality ice fishing bait bucket is engineered with superior insulation that keeps the freezing temperatures out, ensuring your bait remains in an optimal state. This feature directly tackles the challenge of maintaining water temperature, a common issue that anglers face in icy conditions.
- In-Built Aerator: Equipped with a battery-operated aerator, this bucket keeps the water well-oxygenated, providing a healthy environment for the bait. This feature addresses the issue of bait vitality, significantly improving your chances of a good catch.
- Ergonomic Design: The design of the bucket takes into consideration the challenges of icy terrain. Its sturdy handle and compact size make it easier to transport, making your fishing trip less of a hassle.
- Secure Lid: The tightly fitting lid not only prevents water from spilling but also safeguards your bait from scavengers. It also ensures that no ice forms inside the bucket, making it easy for you to handle the bait.
💪 Game Changer: How the Ice Fishing Bait Bucket Enhances My Fishing Experience
Each feature of the ice fishing bait bucket has directly contributed to making my fishing expeditions more fruitful and enjoyable. I vividly recall an expedition to Lake Michigan where the temperature was well below freezing. The superior insulation of my bait bucket ensured that the water inside stayed liquid, while many of my fellow anglers struggled with frozen bait and ice-clogged buckets.
On another occasion, during a trip to Alaska, the in-built aerator kept my minnows lively and active, which attracted a record catch of rainbow trout. Not to mention, the secure lid saved my bait from a curious fox, a challenge I hadn’t anticipated!
🔶These experiences have cemented my faith in the ice fishing bait bucket. Its unique features have addressed every challenge I’ve faced in the icy conditions, truly enhancing my love for this wintertime pursuit. In the next section, I will share some tips on making the most of this game-changing tool. 🎣
🎣 Maximize Your Catch: Tips for Using Your Ice Fishing Bait Bucket
Having an ice fishing bait bucket is one thing, but knowing how to leverage its features for the ultimate fishing experience is another. Let me share some practical tips to get the most out of this game-changing tool:
- Aerate Regularly: Make good use of the in-built aerator. Regular aeration keeps your bait lively and more appealing to fish. This small step can significantly increase your catch rate.
- Keep It Secure: Even though the bait bucket comes with a sturdy lid, always ensure it’s securely closed to avoid any unwanted spillage or intrusion from wildlife.
- Monitor Water Temperature: Try to keep an eye on the water temperature inside the bucket. Although the bucket’s insulation helps maintain a steady temperature, extreme cold can still cause a drop. Adding a bit of warm water can help to stabilize the temperature.
- Carry Extra Batteries: If your bait bucket has an aerator, always remember to carry extra batteries. The last thing you want is for the aerator to run out of juice in the middle of your fishing trip.
🗝 My Trade Secrets: A Peek Into the Ice Angler’s Diary
From my numerous adventures on the ice, I’ve picked up a few ‘trade secrets’ that have enhanced my ice fishing experience:
- Bait Variety: I always carry a variety of baits in my bucket. Different fish are attracted to different baits. A mixed offering increases your chances of a good catch.
- Bait Bucket Placement: Position your bucket close to your fishing hole but not too close that it might fall in! This ensures easy access to your bait and keeps your fishing spot organized.
- Bucket Cleaning: Keep your bait bucket clean. This may seem basic, but a clean bucket helps maintain the health of your bait.
🔶These tips and secrets, combined with the impressive features of the ice fishing bait bucket, will surely give you a leg up in your next icy adventure. Fishing is not just about the catch; it’s about the love for the sport, which brings us to our next topic. Let’s explore how this humble tool contributes more than just practical utility. 🏒
❤️ More Than a Tool: The Ice Fishing Bait Bucket & My Love for Fishing
Fishing, as any angler would attest, goes beyond the act of catching fish. It’s about the connection with nature, the anticipation of the catch, and the thrill of the pursuit. And, as with any passion, the right tools can make a world of difference. The ice fishing bait bucket is more than just a tool; it’s a companion that enhances the fishing experience, deepens the connection with the sport, and fuels the passion for it.
From battling frigid temperatures to ensuring the liveliness of the bait, the ice fishing bait bucket solves problems I didn’t even know I had until I started using it. It’s not just about making ice fishing more comfortable or efficient; it’s about removing the distractions, allowing you to focus on the essence of the sport, and immersing yourself in the beauty of nature. 🌲🌨
🔮 A Bucket Full of Memories: The Ice Fishing Bait Bucket & My Fishing Journeys
Reflecting on my fishing adventures, one story stands out, shedding light on how this humble bucket has elevated my love for this hobby.
On a particularly chilly day on Lake Superior, as the wind whipped across the icy landscape, my fellow anglers and I huddled around our fishing holes, eagerly awaiting a bite. My friends struggled with their conventional bait buckets, their hands numbing quickly as they fumbled to keep their bait alive and accessible.
Meanwhile, thanks to my ice fishing bait bucket, my bait was lively and ready to go. I was able to relax, focusing on the quietness of the frozen lake, the majesty of the surrounding snowy peaks, and the thrill of the catch.
That day, I caught more than just fish; I caught a deeper appreciation for the sport. I realized how the right equipment, like the ice fishing bait bucket, could change the game—not just in the number of fish caught, but in the quality of the experience itself. It was not just a tool; it was a part of my love for fishing.
🔶In the end, ice fishing, like any other hobby or passion, is a journey. And on this journey, every tool, every experience, every catch contributes to a deeper understanding and love for the sport. The ice fishing bait bucket is more than just a tool; it’s a game-changer that has made my icy adventures more enjoyable and meaningful. 🏔🎣
❓ FAQ: Revolutionary Ice Fishing Bait Bucket Has Hit the Market!
🎣 Reeling it In: The Transformative Power of the Ice Fishing Bait Bucket
Ice fishing can be a fun and rewarding experience, but only if you have the right gear. In this article, we’ve recommended what we believe to be the best ice fishing bait buckets on the market today. We’ve also included some tips on how to use your new bait bucket so that you can make the most of your next ice fishing trip.
As we come to the end of this angler’s tale, it’s clear that the ice fishing bait bucket is more than just a fishing accessory. From its superior insulation, in-built aerator, ergonomic design, and secure lid, each feature enhances the ice fishing experience by addressing the unique challenges posed by frigid environments.
In addition to practical utility, the bucket also plays a pivotal role in the overall fishing experience. By reducing distractions and challenges, it allows us anglers to immerse ourselves in the joy and thrill of the sport, deepening our connection with nature and passion for ice fishing.
🔥 Ignite Your Ice Fishing Adventures with the Right Bait Bucket
For any serious angler, the ice fishing bait bucket is not just a tool—it’s a game-changer. It takes the ice fishing experience from merely surviving the harsh conditions to thriving in them. It adds comfort, convenience, and enhances efficiency, all of which contribute to a more enjoyable and productive fishing expedition.
🔶So, as we close this chapter, I encourage you to elevate your ice fishing experience in your next trip. Get yourself an ice fishing bait bucket, and let it transform your icy adventures from good to great. I’m sure you’ll have a tale or two to tell when you come back. Remember, in the realm of ice fishing, it’s not just about the catch—it’s about the journey, the experience, and the love for the sport. 🎣❄️🚣♂️
I live in Tenerife (Canary Islands) for the last 10+ years and share my daily fishing experiences on my website. Many years of personal experience as a fisherman and the vast experience of my friends allow me to write professionally on any fishing topics (from choosing a flashlight and equipment to deep-sea fishing).
All of my advice is based on practical real-world experience and will be useful to both novice anglers and professionals. Read more about the author.
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Anglers are very inventive and everyone improves his design as he can and as he wants. It’s interesting to see how different people customize their fishing buckets to fit their needs. The velcro strips sound like a great addition to keep everything secure without drilling holes into the bucket.
I have a friend who also uses a fishing bucket for his bait and gear. He has a similar setup with multiple rods and a scooper, but he also uses it to store his live bait. He has velcro strips all around the bucket to fit everything in any place he wants.
I can imagine how seriously some ice fishermen take their sleds, as I’ve seen some impressive setups myself. It would be great to see your dad’s neighbor’s setup if you’re able to snag some pictures. I’m always fascinated by the creative ways people come up with to customize their fishing gear.
I have the larger bucket for ice fishing and I generally find it to be a good option. However, there are a few issues that I have come across. Firstly, the lid has a tendency to freeze shut which can be quite frustrating.
Secondly, the side hole for the aerator hose leaked, so I had to add teflon tape to make it work better. I also lost the aerator the first time I took it out, so it’s important to make sure it’s well-secured. I’ve been trying to figure out a cost-effective way to power aerators, but it’s proving to be a bit of a challenge. I have a Clam lithium but unfortunately lost the charger, and it costs $15 to replace it.
One thing I really like to do is to line a 6-gallon bucket with a styrofoam round pail. This helps to keep minnows fresh for a longer period of time and provides good ventilation. I actually use both the bucket and styrofoam pail so that the minnows aren’t overcrowded. Overall, I think this setup works pretty well, despite a few minor issues.
I have a simple and cheap solution. On short winter fishing trips, I take a plastic bucket with me, in which honey is transported. It’s sturdy enough, you can sit on it, and I bolted two-rod tubes and a small container to the side. Inside the bucket strengthened and gave the thermal insulation of standard self-adhesive material. It turned out well and comfortably.
I have personal experience with all 3 sizes of the Clam insulated buckets and overall, I like them. However, there is one drawback that I have noticed with these buckets. The seal that makes them spill-proof also makes them airtight, which can cause problems for live bait.
Once, I left a scoop of crappie minnows in the small bucket with the cover on, and within a few hours, they were all dead. The bucket was clean, but I believe that they ran out of oxygen in the water. So, I now only screw the cover on when I am transporting them to and from the lake. Since I fish in lakes close enough to my house, this isn’t usually an issue for me.
When I am set up and storing the buckets in my garage between trips, I always take the top off to allow for proper ventilation. One helpful tip I have discovered with these buckets is that if you are in really cold weather and the water starts to freeze in them, you can take a disposable hand warmer and place it between the bucket and the insulated bag. This isn’t an issue when in a heated shack, but it can be helpful when out in the cold.
It sounds like the ENGLE bait coolers are a versatile option for both summer and ice fishing. I recently recommended them to a couple of my friends for summer fishing and they seemed impressed. The coolers are durable and come with a good aerator that can run on batteries or a 12-volt plug, giving you the flexibility to choose.
I’m considering getting one for myself, as there are three sizes available – 13qt, 19qt, and 30qt. The 30qt size would make a great live well to keep fish from freezing, or you could use it and a block of ice if you don’t want to deal with the DNR’s regulations around keeping water in the well during the summer. Overall, the ENGLE bait coolers seem like a reliable option for anglers who need a high-quality, versatile cooler.
As an ice fisherman, I must say that I am very happy with my Frabill Bucket. What I love the most about it is that it has an air pump built right into the lid, which keeps my bait lively and healthy all day long.
The added LED light is a nice touch, making it easier to see inside the bucket when I’m out on the ice in the dark. But what really sets this bucket apart is the fact that I have an adapter with clips that I connect to a spare Vexilar Battery. This allows me to run the air pump for up to a week without needing to recharge, which is a game-changer for longer ice-fishing trips.
In fact, our group of ice fishermen now uses two of these buckets for our week-long trips. We start out with plenty of minnows, loading up both buckets to ensure we have plenty of bait to last us through the trip. All in all, I highly recommend the Frabill Bucket to any ice fishing enthusiast looking for a reliable and convenient way to keep their bait alive and kicking on the ice.
In my opinion, Engel bait coolers may seem expensive but they are worth the price due to their sturdiness and metal latches that won’t break easily. On the other hand, the Frabil coolers I have seen are made of plastic and do not seem as durable or capable of sealing as well as Engel coolers.
I am not familiar with the current Frabil models, but I would avoid getting one with an aerator integrated into the lid because if it fails, it would be difficult to find a replacement that fits.
Instead, go for one that has an aerator that can hang on the side, allowing you to use any aerator you want. The battery-powered Engel aerators are not the best, so I would suggest going for their new lithium aerator or considering buying a replacement from another brand.
As an avid angler, I recently purchased the Frabill and have been quite pleased with its ability to seal well. However, I have found that the latches are a bit cheap and not very durable. In fact, I broke one of them when there was a thin layer of ice on the seal and I snapped the latch down, causing it to break immediately. Luckily, the other latch still keeps it watertight.
One feature of the Frabill that I really appreciate is its aerator, which seems to last forever on just one battery. It also has a plug-in adaptor for your truck or can be adapted to plug into a wall with a bit of searching on Amazon.
The only downside is that you have to take it apart to replace the batteries. However, I find that if it’s hanging off the side, something is bound to break it off or the hose might disconnect, so I see pros and cons to both methods.
I’m happy with my Frabill purchase and would recommend it to fellow anglers. Just be mindful of the latches and take care not to damage them when opening or closing the lid.
I have gone through several aerated buckets over the years. In my experience, the best one I have found was a mini 1-gallon drink cooler that I picked up at a rummage sale. I attached a battery-operated aerator to the side of the cooler with some velcro, and it worked like a charm.
However, after a few uses, the aerator eventually gave out and I had to replace it. I found that it was actually cheaper to buy a separate aerator and attach it to the cooler rather than buying a pre-made aerated bucket. Plus, by buying a separate aerator, I also have the option of using it as an aquarium aerator at home.
My advice to fellow anglers would be to check out thrift stores and rummage sales for a cooler that will suit your needs and then invest in a separate aerator to attach to it. This will not only save you money in the long run but also give you more control over the quality and durability of your aerated bucket.
I have had a great experience with my Engle 19 qt. the model that I bought about 2.5 years ago. It has been a reliable cooler for all of my summer trips. However, I did have to replace the aerator once, and it needs to be replaced again.
Interestingly, my brother-in-law has been using his Engle cooler for about 5-6 years now and he is still using the original pump. Right now, I am using a Clam rechargeable aerator on the ice and it has been running smoothly for the past 3 winters.
One of the reasons I like the Engle pump is that it can run on batteries, 12v, or 110v. Although it can be a bit loud, it still works really well. Now, I am thinking of getting two different types of aerators – one that can run on both batteries and 12v, and another one that can be plugged into 110v in the garage.
Overall, I have been quite satisfied with my Engle cooler and would definitely recommend it to others who are looking for a reliable and versatile cooler for their outdoor activities. Just be aware that the aerator may need to be replaced every once in a while.
As an outdoor enthusiast, I own both the 13 and 19 qt Engels and have been using them for various activities. I usually keep them in my boat during big wave days in the summer and in the Otter Box of my ATV for rough ice rides during the winter. I am happy to report that they have held up really well over the years.
I did have to replace the original noisy aerator with a Clam lithium battery-operated aerator which lasted for three years of hard use. Recently, I decided to upgrade to the new Engel lithium aerator and used it for a week on LOTW. I was really impressed with its performance as it worked perfectly and had excellent battery life.
Overall, I highly recommend Engel coolers to anyone who is looking for a durable and reliable option for their outdoor activities. With the added option of the new lithium aerator, it just makes it an even better choice.
I had the opportunity to use an Engel bait cooler throughout last year, and while I found it to be a great product overall, I did experience some issues when the temperature dropped way below freezing. When that happened, the net basket inside the cooler froze to the walls, making it almost impossible to remove it.
As a result, I found myself without a dip net and had to use my hands to grab the bait, which wasn’t very pleasant in such extremely cold weather. While you can try to prevent the lid from freezing by using vaseline, there’s not much you can do about the net basket freezing to the inside of the cooler.
I think this issue may only be relevant to a small percentage of users, but as someone who spends days in the backcountry, it can be a real problem. So, while the Engel bait cooler is slick and works great in most situations, it may not be the best option for extreme cold weather. In those conditions, it may just become an $80 insulated bucket.