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4theReels

Hey guys,
I have a 2013 Mako Skiff that is in excellent condition. Runs great...no problems with it. I have had it for about a year...it has about 50 hours on the 60HP motor.
The only thing is that I would like to start fishing some bay fishing tournaments but I don't have a place to keep the fish alive.
It does come with a small live well in the front and a 85qt sit down cooler. I know the live well will not hold big fish but I am thinking maybe I could modify the cooler so that I can keep fish alive until I can get back to the dock to weigh them. I really don't want to drill holes in it as I would like to keep it as a cooler since I won't be doing tournaments all the time. Is that cooler big enough?

This is my first boat so I am still learning. I know I still need alot to learn as far as fishing goes, especially using artificials and plastics, but I plan to spend alot more time out there teaching myself before I join any tournaments.

Another option I thought about doing was trading it in and getting another one that has a big live well but I really like that boat and I am comfortable with it.
So.....any advise....suggestions?
Thanks,
Dave ~
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joejoe7716 · Posted: Sat Jun 04, 2016 4:49 am Post subject:

Go to a weigh in.........all you need in an ice chest Wink

CopanoCruisin · Posted: Sat Jun 04, 2016 5:59 am Post subject:

You can buy live well kits made for ice chest. Just basically a small bilge pump with an aerator manifold. The wire can just run out of the lid. Google it or just check at the local fishing shops. Best of luck............cC

ironmanstan · Posted: Sat Jun 04, 2016 4:28 pm Post subject:

landlocked beachbum · Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2016 8:10 am Post subject:

Yes, and they often work better than factory livewells which AREN'T INSULATED like an ice chest is!
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Dave

"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has it's limits". Albert Einstein

ThomasCarpenter · Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2016 8:37 am Post subject:

I have a 35-45qt cooler that I modified. Frabil had a good kit for about 45. Just remember to take you batteries out when not in use ( as with most things) If I add half way with water it will keep 2 quarts of shrimp for about 2 days with some added water on the second day. Also buy some 1liter water bottles and freeze. It helps keep the water cool. Getting in and out of it when the bite is on will warm the water pretty quickly. If you run a smaller cooler use a smaller water bottle. Larger cooler 65qt or larger freeze a 1 gal water jug.
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TroutSupport · Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2016 8:44 am Post subject:

Most of the summer tourneys aren't live release tourneys...

I wish all the tourneys were live release, but also we have to keep in mind the temperature of summer shows a higher mortality of released fish anyway. Some still survive after the release right after being caught, but that isn't the OP.

Bigger ice chest and an oxygen bottle and way to refresh the water is the way to go. No need to get a new boat. You might be able to do it in the 85 qt space.. I have a 72qt ice chest and it works fine with O2. I use this for winter tourneys.. I don't fish tourneys much anymore, but a lot of guys use this set up.

All the methods above work with live bait as well.