livewell on a kayak?

[tuckert3439]

just wondering what the best way to keep fish on a kayak was. possibly a stringer tied off and thrown over the side?

 

[BassmanIU]

I've used several methods including stringer, cooler in the back hatch, fish bag in the front hatch. The stringers are easy but create drag when paddling if you don't pull it back into the kayak. Also, depending on where you are fishing, turtles and snakes (alligators too) will come try to snatch your catch. I've seen some videos of people using a clothes basket with pool noodles attached so it floats. You can then velcro or zip tie some mesh over the top to keep them from jumping out.

 

[bullshot]

Jackson Big Tuna has a tankwell. However, the best way is to throw it in a cooler with ice. I prefer a soft sided cooler with frozen water bottles.

 

[Guest]

for about twenty dollars(or less depending on the size basket you choose) you can purchase a light collapsable metal basket which holds fish in it. You can either get one that floats or one that doesnt.

This is the best option for keeping fish fresh(unless they are critically injured), and it protects the fish from turtles. However the downside is the drag they will create when paddeling.

The option I would do If my kayak could handle it, would be to have a little cooler with ice that I just put the fish in. That way you can still move and manuver well if you need to and the fish will remain fresh.