Keeping your live bait live

Most Charlotte Harbor fishermen use live bait at least some of the time. It probably doesn’t surprise you that live baits are most effective when they are alive. But sometimes keeping them alive long enough to use isn’t as easy as we’d like.

A bucket, a cooler, a Polar Pop cup — if it holds water, it can hold bait. But purpose-made bait containers will probably keep your baits alive and kicking longer. Insulated bait buckets and coolers are the best and most universal choices. These containers are great because they work for all seasons and freshwater or saltwater baits. Even underwater animals need to breathe, so you’ll need an aerator to provide oxygen.