Storing fish on a boat

Question
Hi, I just bought an old boat that has been used for fishing. I've heard of live wells but this boat does not have one. What are my options for storing fish that I catch while out on the lake? What are advantages/disadvantages of the different options? Do I just put them on a stringer and drag them in the water as we troll?

Thanks.

Answer
Brian; I would suggest that you find a big ice chest to put in your boat.  You can either fill it half way with water and put the fish in it to keep them live (good for panfish) or fill it 1/3 with ice and put the fish on the ice.  They will keep well that way.  I do not suggest a stringer like we used to use.  This may be illegal in some states but even if it is not it gives the kooks like PETA and other animal rights nuts an example of ill treatment of fish.  They want to stop all our fishing and are always looking for something they can use against us.

May I suggest that except for enough fish for a good family and friends fish fry, that you practice CPR meaning catch,photograph, and release.  I seldom keep any fish bigger than a couple of pounds I would prefer they have an opportunity to grow bigger to be caught again and again.  This is especially true of game fish.

If you use the ice chest as a water holder to put fish in you may want to buy a small circulating pump that keeps the water aerated.  Putting a bit of ice in the water helps keep fish alive in hot weather.

Of course you could have a live well installed but that would be expensive for an old boat.  I believe the ice chest is your best bet whether you use it to keep your catch live or use ice to keep them fresh.  You can purchase big ice chests at many places and they are not real expensive.  If you are careful and take care of it an ice chest will last a long time.

I hope this has been of some help.  Thank you for calling on me to answer your question.

I am
Jack L. Gaither    (JackfromSeminole)