[23seacraft]

I am wondering if anyone out there has a live bait pen that they keep live baits in between trips.... Locally, the tuna fleet have large pens they keep beside their boats at the slip. They keep live bluefish in them while the bite is on.

I am thinking of building something on a bit smaller scale to hold herring in. The herring push through Cape Cod in great numbers, but by the time the good sized bass arrive, the herring are becoming harder to find. I am thinking of stocking up early in the run, putting a stash in the pen and the reaping the rewards come mid-may!

If anyone has built something like this, what material did you use for the framework? For floatation? I have looked at rubber coated chicken wire screening which would be easily cut and formed into shape, but I don't think it will hold up against corrosion.

Any ideas????

Thanks guys, Hooper

 

[MakoMatt]

First thing that popped into my mind is would they stay alive? That's a long time to hold them, mid May?? The water is a lot warmer.

MakoMatt

 

[MakoMike]

23,
for smaller baits a lot of guys use the plastic drums that the lobstermen use for holding their bait. Just drill holes in them and run a sring of small floats around the top.

 

[615657]

I have 2. One is large and made out of 1/4 pvc pipe that is filled with insulation foam. Then i covered the hole thing with netting. Herring stay alive in it for months as long as they are not overcrowded. I also have one made for a commercial fish basket and starboard top. If you want detailed instructions on either, i will post.

 

[bluefinrig]

http://www.groveslam.com/images/downloads/baitpen.pdf

Good luck!

 

[23seacraft]

Many Thanks

Thanks to all!

Now I have a small winter project to keep the chill off!

Bluefin rig, I got those same plans from someone else and I think it looks good, I may give that a shot.

Thanks again, Hooper

 

[twlack]

http://baitbaskets.com

 

[fishNsurf31]

Floating Lobster tote....I have had mullet in one of mine for over a month now

 

[kirk12]

 

[IrishJig]

Look at the bottom of this link.

Bait Pen