Livewells

Most freshwater and saltwater anglers need live wells — also known as bait wells and bait tanks — on their boats to keep fish alive. » Read More

Learn More About Livewells

Contents


What is a Livewell?

A livewell is basically a circulating tank that is used on a fishing boat to store either live baitfish, shrimp or crabs, or game fish that you intend to release later. Fresh water is pumped from outside the boat into the tank to keep the water aerated and then drained back overboard. This keeps bait and fish fresh and alive.


Why Are Livewells Important for Fishing?

Livewells keep fish alive on a boat, which is crucial to recreational, tournament, and even commercial fishing for a variety of reasons: Read More


Important Features of Livewells

As we embark on this learning journey, we dissect key elements such as the materials, sizes, and shapes that transform a livewell into an essential tool. By unraveling these aspects, we aim to equip boating enthusiasts with insights into making informed choices that enhance the utility and success of their livewell systems. Read More


Important Livewell Parts

Livewells come in a variety of shapes — rectangular, oval, and round. One consideration is which shape will fit your boat best. Additionally, round or oval livewells have proven to keep bait and fish alive better. Baits crowd into the corners of rectangular livewells, bumping into each other and the walls. Even rectangular livewells should always have well-rounded interior corners. Read More

Livewells come in a variety of shapes — rectangular, oval, and round. One consideration is which shape will fit your boat best. Additionally, round or oval livewells have proven to keep bait and fish alive better. Baits crowd into the corners of rectangular livewells, bumping into each other and the walls. Even rectangular livewells should always have well-rounded interior corners.

Pumps

Livewell pumps are incredibly important as they are responsible for ensuring that the water stays aerated in the container part and the fish and bait stored inside are kept alive. Pumps draw raw water from outside the boat and pump it through the well.

Lids

Livewell lids are important in the same way that any lids on containers are important:  they stop the water or the fish and bait from sloshing out, while there is water being pumped in continuously. Of course, they also help prevent dropping pliers, phones, sunglasses, etc. into the well. Clear livewell lids make it easy to see the condition of the baits inside a well and also let in natural light, keeping baits healthier and less stressed.

Housings/Tanks

The housing or tank is where the live bait and freshly caught fish are stored. 

Plug

Livewell plugs are used to stop the water from escaping the tank through the drain. When you need to empty the water or want a flow of fresh water, you may choose to not have the plug attached until you reach the shore.

Feed

A livewell feed is the fitting through which water is pumped into the tank. To create a gentle circulation of water and avoid strong currents, livewell feeds direct water along the walls of the well, rather than toward the middle.

Drain/Standpipe

The standpipe is a crucial part of most livewells. It is inserted into the drain, allowing the well to fill to the top of the pipe before beginning to drain. Then the standpipe is removed to drain the livewell completely.


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Commonly Asked Questions About Boat Livewells

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