For keeping trout/gizzards, etc?

I got a 60 gallon tank to keep trouts in but I would like it to be a bit bigger.

Got a 175 gallon tank we keep bait in we have kept trout and shad

Had to make one last year just couldn't take throwing all those trout back into the lake.It payed for itself in 2 trips. I run it from October - April. 45 gal trash pail, pump, DYI filter and airstone. Trout no problem, shad not so good. Still looking for something bigger.

About to start building one. What is the premise of your question Mike? I know you don't need any advice! LOL

I have a little maybe 30 gallon barrell and a bubbler. I just started about two weeks ago trying to keep trout and shad. The 3 shad died and all but two of the 15 trout jumped out. They all jumped out in one night. I put a top on it now. I will have to get something bigger also. Just thought I would see how long they live to see if its worth fooling with.

My 1500 gal koi pond also serves as a great bait saver during the colder months. I keep the trout in a 45gal Rubber Made trash can drilled with holes and the shad just swim freely since they are easier to net when I need them. My koi are dormant this time of year so they don't mind the added company. I've been performing this method for years and the bait does great!

I can keep trout alive in my livewell for as long as the weather stays cold (not as much luck this year!). I put a dozen trout in my koi pond one morning and a great blue heron ate evey one of them by dark.

Mike,
Look familiar sir bait master? Mike has taught me a lot about keeping bait at home. He is the master of home bait tanks!

Holds 170 Gallons full; I keep about 150 Gallons in it. Trout like to explore and once they jump out of this pool not much water around. Thus, the need for the net cover.

Have had as much as 4-5 dozen shad and 4-5 dozen trout in it at once. Nice to have bait waiting in the garage anytime I want to go fishing.

No water cooler so I can only keep bait when the weather is cool (roughly Oct - May)

Whats it cost to get up and running? Looks pretty simple. I hate going to the bait shop everytime.

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.