After fishing with live bait over the past 25 years, I have tried and tested countless bait systems. Quality bait carried in quality bait tanks is important for live bait fisherman. There are many options out there but everyone has their take on a good system. I have developed a simple tank that will work to keep live bait frisky. By cutting some production corners, I have developed a bait tank that is more affordable and will work for a variety of baits.
The Bait Cube is a rotomolded 30 gallon tank that is made locally in Tennessee. The design is intended for gizzard shad, threadfin, and alewives up to 6 inches. This tank can also hold trout in cold water.
When I decided to build my first tank. I had no clue about running a cnc machine, but purchased one anyways and got to work designing a bunch of protype tanks, most of which failed. I went through many headaches before coming up with the design that I felt would be best for me. Everyone said that bait tanks had to be oval. I spend a ton of time chasing bait and see them in their natural environments, and I notied that they don’t swim into the corners of the dam walls. The do this because they can see the walls. To replicate that, I have made my walls inside of my tanks black. I believe that they can see the walls and will not run into them. While my tanks are not completely squared, I have incoporated 3 inch radii in each corner. This gives me a few more gallons to work with in the same footprint as a round or oval tank.
These bait tanks are designed to be easily cleaned and parts can be replaced. I have used 3d modeling to come up with unique parts for filtration and aeration. These parts are 3d printed and will always be available if needed. I will try and keep a few tanks in stock at all times so if you’re interested in one, let me know.
I use 3d modeling softwater and 3d printers to create parts used in these bait tanks. By being the designer and tester, I can work out many of the issues and create parts in a timely manner.
My filter system is as simple as it gets. Window screen and pvc pipe will trap all of the scales which will help keep the bait happy.
