B,

I have had it up and running for 2 years now, but I believe the pump and filter I bought cost $200 to $250 combined. Some guys make their own filter and only have to buy the pump. I just went the simple way and saved some time and experimentation.

You have to find a tank, but if you can find something used it should not be a lot of money. I caught mine from a friend who was upgrading to a larger tank.

Think a 55 gallon plastic drum would work?

I have an old aquarium filter and aerator. I have been keeping trout for 2 weeks or more in the livewell (20 gallon) on my boat:) I come back and put the filter and aerator stone in the livewell. Give them some food etc. Seems to work pretty well (not sure it would work as well in the summer, water temps in the garage might get too high).

I would think a 55 gallon drum would work very well with proper filtration.

Yes, that did look familiar John!! One mans trash is another man's gold. My grandmother taught me that! Glad it's been working out well for ya!! We are going to have to pull some trout out of a stripers gullet again this summer/fall.

If you can keep your water temps below 60, you can use pretty much anything to hold bait long term. Once you get to 62 or so, it start's getting harder and increase volume become much more important.

If anyone has any questions on keeping bait at home, feel free to call me and discuss. I am sure you can find my number somewhere!

Mike you know me I am ready to go anytime you are!

You need to get out and start fishing again buddy. Seems like it has been almost a year since you decided to work and not fish. Finish that GD project and lets get back on the water.

For those who are wondering what Mike is talking about


A year or so ago, Mike was reeling in a fish one day that had just eatin a nice size Gizzard when the fish appeared to come off the hook. Mike reeled in the line and his gizzard had been replaced with a partially decomposed trout, hooked in the tail.

Nah, that's just Mike about to eat the worlds largest Sardine.