A bait well is a vital component of your fishing trips. It functions to keep your live bait healthy and lively throughout your boating experience, making them much more appealing and attractive to predatory fish. It is a perfect way to keep your live bait ready when you need it, without constantly having to catch new bait or relying on artificial alternatives.
A bait well can be installed into an existing boat or included in the design when purchasing a new one. There are various types of bait wells, each suited to different types of boats and fishing styles. However, they all function to maintain a consistent supply of fresh water for your live baits.
The physics behind a bait well is relatively simple; it allows water to enter from the surrounding body of water, while at the same time filtering out the debris and keeping bait healthy with aerated wells. The primary function of the bait well is to give the live bait access to clean water while they’re in the well, as well as keeping temperatures stable, oxygen levels high, and the water quality fresh. This is essential since the bait can remain healthy, and its movements can remain natural, attracting bigger fish.
Good bait wells incorporate a recirculating water pump, which keeps the well’s water in motion, pushing it through a filter and back into the well. The pump is a crucial component, as it circulates water, oxygenating it to keep the bait alive and healthy.
Some bait wells come with a built-in aerator, which efficiently increases dissolved oxygen in the water. An aerator pushes air into the water, stirring it up and increasing oxygen levels. Without adequate oxygen, the bait will suffocate and die within a few hours.
Generally, bait wells are made of polyethylene or fiberglass for durability and are placed somewhere in the boat, usually near the rear or at the vessel’s transom. Some wells can be removable or made into compartments integrated into cooler boxes, depending on the design of the boat.
A bait well is an essential component of any fishing boat. It is useful for keeping bait alive, healthy and fresh throughout the fishing trip. While there are different types of bait wells available in the market, they all function by maintaining water quality, regulating temperature, and providing adequate oxygen levels to keep your live bait healthy and lively. With a well-functioning bait well, you are one step closer to making lasting catches on your next boating trip.