Searching for the best live bait cooler doesn’t need to be a difficult task. There are many compact and light weight coolers on the market that are easy to transport. Most come with an Aerator-water pump and net, making it convenient to keep your bait alive and fresh. When choosing a live bait cooler, it’s important to consider how often you’ll be using it and what type of fishing you’ll be doing.
If you plan on using it frequently, then it’s worth investing in an Engel’s Live Bait cooler with Aerator. However, if you only need it for occasional use, then a less expensive cooler will suffice. No matter what your budget is, there is a best live bait cooler that will suit your needs.
Engle Live Bait Coolers
- Best overall
- High-quality construction
- Ability to maintain temperature
- Keeping bait alive for several days
- Highly versatile bait cooler
- 2-speed aerator pump
- Bit noisy aerator
- Available in different sizes
- 5 Years Limited Warranty for the Cooler
- 30 Days Warranty for the Pump
Quality live bait is essential for a successful fishing trip, but transporting bait can be a challenge. Engel cooler’s bait coolers with Aerator are the perfect solution, offering an affordable way to keep bait fresh and accessible. Engel bait coolers are made from high-quality materials, ensuring that they will stand up to the rigors of transport. These Bait coolers are also designed to be lightweight and easy to carry, making them ideal for anglers who have to hike to their fishing spot. Whether you are looking for a simple bait cooler a more sophisticated live bait cooler, Engel has the perfect product for your needs.
Engel’s Live Bait Cooler with Aerator stands out due to –
- High-grade molded polystyrene insulation to keeps the cooler’s contents stable
- Marine-grade construction
- Injection-molded copolymer body for
- Stainless steel screw latches
- Beefy gasket lid seal for temperature control
- Large handle for easy transportation
- Silicone air hose to prevent from water spilling
- Net basket
Key Features of Engel Live Bait Station
Build Quality
Built with Plastic body and insulated with Polystyrene Foam Engel Bait cooler is made to last years.
Size Variety
Different sizes and Different designs are available for you to choose your best fit. Available in 7.5 Qt, 13 Qt, 19 Qt and 30 Quarts.
Colors
Tan, White and Orange. White is the widely used color for the Engel bait coolers.
Warranty
Cooler Box comes with a 5 Years of Limited Warranty and Aerator Pump comes with a Warranty of 30 Days.
Cost
If you compare it with other Bait coolers, Engel is slightly expensive. But the quality it offers makes it Value for money product.
Why Engel Coolers
Engel Coolers have been in the business of making refrigeration products for over 50 years now. The company had a goal to create a cooler that would keep bait alive and fresh for longer periods of time. To do this, they designed a Engel Live Bait cooler with and Without Aerator for live baits.
Engel’s live bait coolers are now well-known for their durability and effectiveness, and are used by fishermen all over the world. In addition to bait coolers, Engel also makes a variety of other products, including Hard and soft coolers and tackle boxes.
Engel Aerator Pump Maintenance
The Engel Live Bait Cooler Aerator Pump is a great way to keep your bait fish alive and healthy. However, like all mechanical devices, it requires regular maintenance in order to function properly.
By taking the time to perform regular maintenance on your Engel Live Bait Cooler Aerator Pump, you can be sure that it will provide years of reliable service.
Watch below video from Engel Cooler’s youtube channel.
Frabill Magnum Bait Station
- Runner up
- Tough and sturdy bait cooler
- Ruggedly designed components
- Tangle-free netting
- Bigger handle than Engel
- Durable option for heavy use
- Expensive than Engel
- Available in three sizes
The Frabill Magnum Bait Station is one of the best live bait coolers on the market. It is made from high-quality materials, which makes it durable and long-lasting. The bait cooler is also easy to transport, making it ideal for use when fishing in remote areas. The Frabill Magnum Bait Station is also reasonably priced, making it a great value for the money.
Frabill Bait station cooler is one of the best selling bait cooler in the ecommerce websites. Main reasons are its Price and Quality which offers you the value for money deal.
The Frabill Bait Station is most loved due to –
- Heavy-duty construction
- Injection-molded plastic for both – cooler body and lid
- Large rugged plastic handles to carry fully filled cooler with baits and water
- Composite and rust free latches
- The built-in bait net is only in 13 and 19 quart models but the 30 quart has a divider
Key Features of Frabill Magnum Bait Station
Build Quality
Built with Aluminium body and insulated with Nylon material Frabill Bait cooler is sturdy and lightweight.
Size Variety
Different sizes and Different designs are available for you to choose your best fit. Available in 8 Qt (Soft material Bait Station), 13 Qt, 19 Qt and 30 Quarts.
Colors
White and Yellow. Basically all coolers have a combination of White and Yellow.
Warranty
Amazon mentions 11 Year Manufacturers Warranty but Frabill's Warranty-Return page is Down. Please verify it once.
Cost
If you compare it with other Bait coolers, Frabill offers affordable and good quality bait coolers. It ranges from $79 to $149.
Why Frabill?
Frabill company is making live bait equipments since 1938. The company’s products include minnow traps, bait nets, and various other fishing accessories. Frabill’s live bait equipments are designed to be durable and easy to use, and they have a long history of quality craftsmanship.
The company’s mission is to provide anglers with the best possible tools for catching fish, and their products are relied on by serious fishermen around the world. Whether you’re looking for a minnow trap or a new bait net, Frabill is sure to have the right product for you.
Few More Bait Coolers worth your money
Frabill Bait Station Bucket
- Removable aerator module
- Aerates up to 6 gallons of water
- Includes: Bait bucket, integrated aerator, 12V power adapter, 10-quart removable insulated liner, hook for bait net
Fish cannot regulate their own body temperature, so it is important to keep their environment at a comfortable level. The Frabill Bait station Bucket is an easy and handy way to do this. It features a lid that helps to maintain water temperature and a built-in aerator that keeps the water fresh and oxygenated. As a result, the Frabill Bait station Bucket is a good choice for Fish enthusiasts who want to provide their Fish with the best possible care.
Universal Bait Station 8 QT.
- Capacity of 8 Quarts
- Aerator included
- Size- 20.67 x 16.54 x 10 inches
The Frabill Magnum Bait Station is Lunch Box size Live bait storage option. It has a injection-molded hard plastic base and commercial grade foam insulation from inside. It also come with an aerator, which creates the perfect oxygenated environment to keep bait alive, regardless of the weather.
Flambeau Outdoors Portable Aerator
- Easy Bait Retrieval
- Water refreshing is easy
- 5 Gallon Bucket
Flambeau Outdoors’ live bait bucket is the economical but effective way to keep your bait alive and healthy. The lid also has a strainer to keep your bait from jumping out, and the handle makes it easy to transport.
Best of all, It is Made in the USA and this live bait bucket is made from durable materials that are built to last. So if you’re looking for a reliable way to keep your bait alive, the Flambeau Outdoors live bait bucket is the perfect choice.
Important Accessory
Frabill Conservation Series Landing Net with Camlock Reinforced Handle
- Hoop Size: 20″ x 23″ Telescoping Handle Length: 24-48″ Net Depth: 16″
- MeshGuard Hoop
- Saltwater safe
The Frabill Conservation Series Landing Net is designed to reduce the risk of harming fish when landing them. The net is made with a reinforced handle that is easy to grip, and the netting is constructed of materials that are less likely to get tangled in hooks.
The net also has a large opening that makes it easy to scoop up fish, and the frame is designed to collapse for easy storage. Overall, the Frabill Conservation Series Landing Net is an excellent choice for anglers who want to minimizes the risk of harming fish when landing them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep bait alive in a cooler?
Anyone who has gone fishing knows that live bait is essential for a successful day on the water. But how do you keep your bait alive and fresh during a long day of fishing?
A cooler with Aerator which is also called as a Live Bait Cooler can help to keep bait alive by providing a cool, shady environment.
Be sure to put some ice in the cooler, and change it out regularly to keep the bait cool.
You’ll also want to make sure that the cooler is well-ventilated, as bait can quickly suffocate in a closed space.
With a little bit of care, you can use a cooler to keep your bait alive and fresh for the duration of your fishing trip.
How do you keep bait alive without aerator?
Live bait will only be effective for as long as it remains alive, so it is important to take steps to ensure its longevity.
If you do not have an aerator, you can always try this trick-
Get an empty water bottle and deep it in the cooler or bucket filled with Baits and water. Let the air come out in the form of bubbles, it will provide the necessary oxygen for the baits.
Do it 4-5 times after every 20-30 mins.
Changing a water is always an option but if you can do the above trick, you do not need to change the water frequently.
Can I use a Normal Hard cooler as a Live Bait cooler?
Yes, You can. You just need an 
external Aerator setup which includes a Battery.
Please ensure that you can attach external aerator to your cooler. Also do not seal pack the cooler when using it as a Bait cooler.
Click on the image to check this Marine Metal Aerator Bubble Box 1.5V Aerator.
How do you clean a bait cooler?
Before you can clean a bait cooler, you need to empty it out completely. Be sure to remove any bait, as well as the netting that’s used to keep the bait in place.
Once the cooler is empty, you can begin the cleaning process. Hot water is usually the best way to clean a bait cooler, as it will kill any bacteria that may be present.
Use a cloth or sponge to wipe down the inside of the cooler, and be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
Once you’re satisfied that the cooler is clean, leave it upside down to air dry completely. This will help to prevent any mold or mildew from growing inside.
How do you get the smell out of a bait cooler?
As any fisherman knows, bait coolers are essential for keeping bait fresh. But even the best cooler can start to develop an unpleasant smell over time. There are a few simple ways to get rid of this odor, however.
One is to mix up a paste of baking soda, Lemon Juice and water and wipe it all over the inside of a Bait cooler. Leave it there for few hours, then rinse it out.
Then you can also put a few drops of essential oil on a cotton ball and place it in the cooler. This will help to mask the smell of the bait and make your cooler more pleasant to use. With a little effort, you can keep your bait cooler smelling fresh all season long.
How long do batteries last in aerator?
The lifespan of batteries in an aerator depends on a number of factors, including the type of battery used and the weather conditions. In general, alkaline batteries will last for 24 to 48 hours, while lithium batteries may last for up to 72 hours. However, in extremely cold or hot weather, the batteries may drain more quickly.
For best results, it is important to check the condition of the batteries regularly and to keep them charged as needed. By following this simple tip, you can ensure that your aerator will run smoothly and efficiently for many years to come.
How Can I last Alkaline Batteries longer?
Making your batteries last as long as possible isn’t just about being thrifty – it’s also good for the environment. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your alkaline batteries.
First, regularly recharge the battery and check for any leakage. Once it’s life is over, do not forget to put it into the recycle bin.
Second, store your batteries properly. Batteries last longest when they’re stored in a cool, dry place. And if you’re not using them for a long period of time, it’s a good idea to remove them from the device and store them separately. This will help to prevent accidental discharge and decrease the overall rate of self-discharge.
Finally, don’t forget to recycle your used batteries. Alkaline batteries can be recycled indefinitely, so there’s no need to throw them away. Most hardware stores and many grocery stores have recycling programs, so it’s easy to do your part. By following these simple tips, you can help to extend the life of your batteries and reduce your impact on the environment.
Conclusion
It is divided with the Sizes
For 7.5 and 30 Quarts Size Live Bait Coolers, Undeniably, Engel's live bait coolers offer Value for Money deal considering the Build Quality, Design and Functionalities offered for the Price.
For 13 and 19 Quarts Live Bait coolers, You can go for Frabill's Bait stations. Again, Both of these brands offer great products at great prices but in these sizes, Frabill's bait stations offer better value for money.
Engel Bait CoolersFrabill Bait StationsWhat About Engel Bait Cooler?
For anyone who loves to fish, having a good cooler is essential. After all, you need somewhere to store your live bait so that it stays fresh and lively. There are a number of different coolers on the market, but Engel and Frabill are two of the most popular brands. So, which one should you choose? Here’s a look at why an Engel Live Bait Cooler is the Best Live Bait Cooler in the market:
To start with, the design and construction of the Engel cooler is superior to that of the Frabill. The Engel is made with thick, durable walls that will keep your bait cooler for longer. It also has a tighter seal, so there’s less chance of your bait leaking out or getting stale.
In terms of performance, the Engel cooler simply can’t be beat. It’s been proven to keep bait fresher for longer, even in hot weather conditions. And because it has a tight seal, you can be sure that your live bait will stay lively and active until you’re ready to use it.
What about Frabill Bait station?
The Frabill Magnum Bait Station should be considered if you want affordable cooler with great quality and a beefier handle and seamlessly integrated aerator pump. The beefier handle makes it easier to carry and the aerator pump makes it easier to use. It is also lighter duty, making it less likely to tip over.
If you talk about Drawbacks, it comes to the price. the Engel Live Bait Cooler is marginally more expensive than the Frabill. Rather for the 30 Quart Live bait coolers, Frabill Bait station is more expensive than Engel’s Live bait cooler.
Finally, Both companies offer a Live bait cooler which is cheaper than the other options, making it a good choice for those on a budget.