Capt. Duck
103X15.jpg)
Posted by Capt. Duck on February 27, 2003 at 14:08:27:
In Reply to: Re: Homemade bait tank posted by Jon Brady on February 27, 2003 at 13:16:23:
A Styrofoam cooler is probably alright for a small number of minnows or other hardy bait fish.
Blueback herring and threadfin shad are very delicate and need special care. In a 50 gal Ron Vest tank you can often keep up to 10 - 12 dozen bait alive for several days under the right conditions. In order to do this, the tank would need to have insulation, no corners, good filtration, good aeration and low agitation. About 3 cups of non-iodized salt should be added to 50 gals. also. The cheapest salt is 50 lb. bags at the local farm/feed store. It is feed grade salt. Ice cream or table salt can also be used but it is more expensive. If the water is chlorinated/fluorinated, as shad saver or bait saver chemical must be used to remove the chlorine and related compounds. At $4-10 doz. or a night on the lake catching bait, you want it to be alive and frisky, especially if you are spending a big wad of money to enter a tournament.
Good Fishin'
Capt. Duck