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When it comes to keeping your bait alive, you have two options. Either get a bucket and aerator or a live bait bucket. What is the difference? I hear you ask.
A bucket and aerator are exactly as they sound. This could be any container with an aerator attached. A Live Bait Bucket does not have an aerator but instead is hung directly into the water. If you’re just looking for an Aerator, follow this link to Fishing Aerators (Best 11)
Content
Live Buckets
- Frabill Flow Troll Bait Container
- INTRUDER BaitKing
- Frabill Flow-Troll Magnum
- Flambeau Outdoors 6080FA
Bucket and Aerator
Bucket Only
Dispensing Bucket
when it comes to keeping your bait alive, you want something small and compact, as you will be carrying many things and don’t want to make two trips. this is especially significant when fishing a long way from the car, like Jetty/Pier and beach/surf fishing.
Below, you will find all the information you need to make the best-educated decision for your circumstances.
I will start my list with bait buckets, then move on to buckets with aerators.
Frabill Flow Troll Bait Container
Brand – FRABILL
Color – Yellow/White
Material – Blend
Dimensions – LxWxH 11.8 x 7.3 x 9.5 inches
Capacity – 6-Quart
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Features
- 4501 Frabill Flow Troll Live Bait Container
- Self-closing bait door prevents bait escape
- Hydrodynamic shape for easy flow through
- 6 Quart capacity
The Frabill Flow Troll 6-quart live bait container features a self-closing lid with a locking door and handle. The Hydrodynamic shape allows for easy flow through water. Designed to be pulled behind the boat or used when wading, or hanging off a Jetty/Pier or Wharf.
The hydrodynamic shape features a balanced keep to keep the bucket floating with the bait door facing up. Constantly aerates bait as it is pulled through the water.
Pros
- Well priced
- Floats just under the surface when not moving
Cons
- Needs a stronger handle
INTRUDER BaitKing Live Bait Bucket
Brand – Intruder
Color – Yellow
Material – Blend
Dimensions –LxWxH 11.57 x 6.1 x 5.59 inches
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Features
- Fits nicely in live wells and bait wells – use trolling or floating, even ice fishing
- Secured screw top prevents critters from getting inside
- Use with any type of bait or even as a chum bucket
- Just add weight to make the bait bucket fully submersible bucket
- Stainless steel mesh keeps the bait securely inside
The easiest way to handle your bait! BaitKing’s varmint-proof design eliminates lost or stolen bait. The BaitKing can be used with leeches, crawlers, minnows, shrimp, frogs, and insects – the all-in-one bait-keeping solution. Fits nicely in live wells and bait wells – use trolling or floating, even ice fishing! BaitKing protects and keeps bait lively longer.
Pros
- Great for leech
Cons
- A bit small
Frabill Flow-Troll Magnum Shrimp Bucket
Brand – FRABILL
Color – Multicolored
Material – Blend
Item Weight0.21 Kilograms
Dimensions – LxWxH 13.5 x 10.1 x 8.6 inches
Capacity – 10 Quarts
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Features
- Saltwater & Freshwater Tested
- Specially designed for shrimp to cling to the screen inside
- Extra-large size holds more shrimp
- Also works great for crayfish and crab
- Self-closing lid with locking door
The big brother of the Frabill Flow Troll Bait Container, the magnum can hold a lot more. The larger size doesn’t just mean it holds more but can accommodate larger species. The larger size does come with its drawbacks, however. With more drag, you get the increased risk of the handle braking. As well as that, because of the larger size, I wouldn’t recommend it for kayak fishing.
The magnum comes with all the same great features as its smaller brother and is my choice for pier/jetty and wharf fishing.
Pros
- Larger size holds more
- Can accommodate larger species
Cons
- Needs a stronger handle
Flambeau Outdoors 6080FA
Brand – Flambeau
Color – Cream/White
Material – Blend
Dimensions – LxWxH 17.01 x 12.24 x 23.5 inches
Capacity 6 Quarts
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Features
- Deep Trolling Bucket
- Smart Design
- 6 QT Capacity
- Collapsible
Although the 6 Quarts may seem small, but you will be surprised by just how much they can hold. The compact size means it fits inside a standard 5-gallon bucket for easy storage of your live bait. Featuring a sturdy reinforced collapsible handle for extra security, you never need to worry about breakage while trolling.
A V-shape back and wide design to prevent the bucket from rolling over during retrieval. Specifically designed to float deeper than competition models to keep contained water fresher and cooler. Durable and long-lasting for all of your weekends on the water.
Pros
- Deep Trolling
- Strond design
Cons
- Door not auto closing
Flambeau Outdoors 6092BB
Brand – Flambeau
Color – Green
Material – Blend
Dimensions – LxHxW 14.2 x 13 x 3.6 inches
Capacity – To fit a 5-gallon bucket (Not Included)
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Features
- Live Bait Retrieval System
- Hassle-free operation
- Quickly refresh the bucket without losing bait
- Includes portable Aerator
The Bait Butler conveniently combines the net, lid, and aerator into one unified system that can easily be detached for refreshing the water without losing bait, keeping bait fresher, and longer. Designed to fit most standard 5-gallon buckets (not included), it also has external loops and clips for hanging additional aerators, cup holders, hooks, and gear.
With a simple pull, the net collects bait and brings it to the surface while simultaneously opening the lid. Comes with a Flambeau aerator that features a 40-hour run time, with a flexible air hose and weighted filtration stone.
Pros
- Comes with an aerator
- Net collects bait
- Able to refresh water without losing bait
Cons
- Bucket not included
Frabill 4825
Brand – Frabill
Color – White and Yellow
Material – Blend
Dimensions – LxWxH 11.85 x 11.7 x 11.35 inches
Capacity – 1.3 Gallons
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Features
- Frabill Insulated Bait Bucket
- Included aerator
- 1.3-gallon capacity
- Insulated Liner allowing your bait to stay alive longer
- Built-in compartment lid and lid-housed aerator.
- Hose hole in the lid
Frabill 4825 Bait buckets have a 1.3-gallon capacity with an included aerator. The insulated liner will keep your bait alive longer. The durable snap-on lid includes a compartment for the aerator. Having the aerator built-in means no clipping to the outside.
The low profile of the Frabill 4825 makes it great for the boat, or anywhere space is at a premium.
Pros
- Aerator built-in
- Compact design
Cons
- Aerator requires batteries
Frabill Bait Box with Aerator
Brand – Frabill
Color – Multi
Material – Blend
Dimensions – LxHxW 15.75 x 8.66 x 8.27 inches
Capacity – 8- Quart
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Features
- Portable aerator, air hose, air stone
- 8-quart Capacity
- Lift-out net liner for simple bait removal
- Saltwater & Freshwater Tested
- Durable insulation
- Keeps bait cool and aerated
- Lid latch prevents spills during travel
Keeping bait safe and aerated has never been easier. This cooler includes a portable aerator and accessories that easily attaches to the side for bait aeration on the go. Holds up to 8 quarts of water and bait – or whatever you decide you want to throw in it!
Pros
- Whisper Quiet Aerator
- Very Energy Efficient
- Water Tight
Cons
- Requires batteries for the aerator
Fishernomics Collapsible Fishing Bucket
Brand – Fishernomics
Color – Large = Black
Medium = Black/Red
Material – Waterproof EVA
Dimensions – LxWxH Large = 20x 11 x 10.5 inches
Medium = 16 x 10 x 9.5 inches
Capacity – 9.5 Gallons
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Features
- Self Closing Lid
- Comfortable Handle And Strap
- Easy Storage
- Rechargeable Aerator
- Side Pocket
- Waterproof EVA
- Comes In Two Sizes
With a collapsible design, the Fishernomics Fishing Bucket is very portable. Closing down to a tiny two inches, with an adjustable buckle to hold it in place, you don’t need much room to bring this with you.
Once you fold it out, you will see just how much it holds, being able to hold up to 9.5 gallons. Normally something that holds this much is quite heavy. Not this bucket. Weighing just 1.16 kg, there is no reason not to take it with you on long walks to the water. I use mine for surf fishing, or on the jetty.
A long-lasting and eco-friendly aerator with dual modes to supply your catch with 13 hours of continuous oxygen or 25 hours in intermittent mode! No more forgetting batteries. Easily charge from your phone charger or car’s USB port. It also has the benefit of a pocket that provides quick access to some of your favorite fishing tools, like a fish scale or pliers.
Pros
- Collapsable
- Rechargeable Aerator
- Self Closing Lid
- Side Pocket
- Comes In Two Sizes
Cons
- Aerator isn’t waterproof
MR LION Foldable Fishing Bucket
Brand – Mr. Lion
Color – Black/Blue/Light Blue/Orange/Army Green
Material – EVA
Dimensions – LxWxH 18 x 11.1 x 3.2 inches
Capacity – 6/10 Gallon
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Features
- Environmentally Friendly EVA
- Impact and Corrosion Resistant
- Multifunctional
- Comfortable Handle
- Filter Mesh
- Lightweight
Made from a thick environmentally friendly EVA, this impact and corrosion-resistant foldable bag from MR LION will stand up (or fold down) to anything you throw at it. With 2 sizes, medium and large, 6 gallons, and a variety of color choices, there is an MR Lion to meet your various needs.
A multi-functional bucket, it’s perfect for fishing, camping, outdoor water intake, irrigation, and other outdoor activities, or as a water container during outdoor trips and car washings. The buckets have filter mesh with a high-quality zipper, making it easy to see the fish and preventing fish from jumping out.
Pros
- Available in 2 sizes and multiple colors
- Lightweight
Cons
- Doesn’t come with an aerator
PLUSINNO Fishing Bucket
Brand – Plusinno
Color – Blue/Black/Orange
Material – EVA
Dimensions – LxWxH 15.63 x 11.46 x 2.87 inches
Capacity – 3/6/8 Gallon
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Features
- Leakproof & Waterproof
- Net Lid Design
- Pump Side Pocket
- Space Saving
- Foldable & Portable
- Lightweight
This foldable bucket is made from waterproof EVA It holds water well, as well as water-resistant and impact resistance. The zippered net lid is convenient to put fish inside and prevent them from jumping out This also lets more oxygen in, helping to keep your fish alive longer while traveling.
There is also a side pocket for your aerator. The Plasinno fishing bait bucket can be easily folded in your backpack or trunk to take up less space. Available in 3 sizes 3Gal/6Gal/8Gal and multiple colors. All come with adjustable straps, but only the 6 & 8 have carry handles.
Pros
- Side pocket for aerator
- Lightweight
- Foldable
Cons
- Doesn’t come with an aerator
Dispensing One at a Time Minnow Bucket
Brand – Dry Hands Minnow Bucket
Color – Blue/White/Pink
Material – Polyethylene Insulated Shell
Dimensions –
Capacity – 1.75 Gallon
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Features
- Insulated
- Only dispenser in the world
- Aerator to keep the bait alive
Dry Hands Minnow Bucket is the only dispensing bucket in the world. It will dispense all known fresh and saltwater bait species most commonly used by fishermen for bait. Bait size can be from one to four inches in length and two inches in height. Will dispense just about anything that swims or crawls in water that will slide through the dispensing chute opening.
Delivers them one at a time, straight into the palm of your hand with just tiny droplets of water traveling with the bait. A thick, tough, chemical, and water-resistant polyethylene insulated shell, encases both the bottom and sides of the polypropylene inner liner to help stabilize maximum survivable water temperature both winter and summer.
Its blue-tented see-through top lets you monitor the condition of your bait at a glance, and also lets you view your minnows or other bait fish rising towards the exit chute when dispensing, to prevent more than one from exiting the chute. The inverted funnel on the lid is used to return any extra bait that may accidentally exit when dispensing.
Comes standard with factory mounted D-battery-operated bubble stone aerator that prevents the aerator from accidentally being torn off when transporting (a common problem with side-mounted aerators)
Pros
- Disensese one at a time
- Keeps hands dry
Cons
- Not very large
- Air pump noisy (needs to be insulated)
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To Wrap Up
Keeping your bait alive and fresh has always been a challenge for fishermen. Luckily it doesn’t have to be anymore. Whether you are looking for one with an aerator or not, these selections are the best available in each category and are sure to fill your needs.
For a great range of just Aerators by themselves, follow this link to Fishing Aerators (Best 11)
I hope you have enjoyed reading my post. I have put in a lot of research so you don’t have to. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them in the section below, and I will get back to you as soon as possible. As Always
Tight Lines
Tony, Creator Of Get Reel Fishin