Question? Is something wrong with my bait tank?

idan420 · Aug-30-2008, 02:44 PM

The last three trips my bait has been getting bloody noses and blood spots on their bellies, then eventually dying. Im using the factory built in bait tank on my 26 striper, but I modified the overflow drain so that it doesnt clog from quid eggs. The only thing I can think is the drain having less restriction has caused the water level to drop below the inlet which is making a lot of air bubbles. When I look at the bait it seems to be rolling over when its in the water inlet stream. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Az.monkey · Aug-30-2008, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by idan420

The last three trips my bait has been getting bloody noses and blood spots on their bellies, then eventually dying. Im using the factory built in bait tank on my 26 striper, but I modified the overflow drain so that it doesnt clog from quid eggs. The only thing I can think is the drain having less restriction has caused the water level to drop below the inlet which is making a lot of air bubbles. When I look at the bait it seems to be rolling over when its in the water inlet stream. Does anyone have any suggestions?

A few questions.....
How many gallons does your tank hold and how much are you putting in it ? 2 scoops in a 2 scoop tank with warmer waters will kill the bait fairly quickly, think of it like this...how long can you breathe with a plastic bag over your head, the warmer water is less oxygenated and makes it harder for bait to breath when at capacity and they will beat the hell out of themselves trying to breath

idan420 · Aug-30-2008, 04:15 PM

The tank is 28 gals, and I have been getting a light scoop.

rza007 · Aug-30-2008, 04:25 PM

Get a Pacific edge... A good friend of mine also has a striper 26 and he has the same problem. Generally speaking, most stock bait tanks might as well be used as an icebox for beers

fishnazzi · Aug-30-2008, 05:11 PM

I see where you say you have a lot of air bubbles if we are talking about bubbles that look like................carbonate water after pouring thats not good. Check you seastrainer for anything in it and clean it out.If it only does it while your running slow down your pump is catching air. Also don't forget that to much flow or flow that is not channeled is also no good. Sounds like alot of people are having problems.......cured in the box at least..................6hrs...............That's summer!!!! Good luck hope it helps.

Bottom Line · Aug-30-2008, 05:58 PM

The main issue right now is the bait is just weak - yesterday's batch couldn't even swim upcurrent and was generally just rolling around all over. My bait system works really well (22 gal Kodiak w/500gph pump) but I'm having trouble lately. I've switched to a half scoop (3 passes) but it only helps a bit.

dbar · Aug-30-2008, 06:11 PM

Summer time bait sucks!!! High turnover rate, so it doesn't have time to cure before it is sold. The warm water also is bad for bait. I doubt that its your bait tank, this happens every summer to the bait.

sickcat · Aug-30-2008, 08:14 PM

The problem started right after you modded the drain? If so sounds like some more work on the drain and/or water input is in order. All the above about warm water, uncured bait, overloading and bubbles is true.

bmachale · Aug-31-2008, 09:38 AM

You might want to think about putting a light in the bait tank. It's pretty easy and only costs about 25.00. Anything to help and improve your chances of keeping good bait. Running too fast in rough water can kill them, too. I have a 21 Striper and will only put in half a scoop. No reason to have lots of bait if it is dead.

upperbump · Sep-07-2008, 10:35 AM

There's some mods you can do to the stock tank to make it better. Proplem is the dead bait release a lot of ammonia and if you dont evacuate it the result is more dead bait. Some guys are modifying the inlet with a pvc down pipe to the bottom with a few holes to circulate the water more efficiently. A simple fix is to drill a couple of 3/16 holes in the drain plug which lets the ammonia out the bottom where it accumulates anyhow. Problem with this fix is aerator must run all the time or you drain your tank. There some good info on this on the net just type striper bait tank. Hope this helps.

BiggestT · Sep-07-2008, 10:58 AM

No, the bait has been real bad of late. Due to the warm water, they can't keep anything in the receivers very long. Nothing is cured. So you're stuck with rudy red nose and bellies on your dines. God help you if you get a mix of dines and choves. Might as well strain the choves out for chunks as they will all die.

wils · Sep-07-2008, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BiggestT

No, the bait has been real bad of late. Due to the warm water, they can't keep anything in the receivers very long. Nothing is cured. So you're stuck with rudy red nose and bellies on your dines. God help you if you get a mix of dines and choves. Might as well strain the choves out for chunks as they will all die.

That's what I'm seeing up here in CIH/ventura, Steve. water temps are ranging from 69 - 75. the chovies are TOAST within minutes of purchase but the dines survive all day plus the hour ride home to be bagged up for lobster bait .

The chovies are excellent when used for "fresh dead" chum.