I will use the built in smaller built in cooler for most of my local day fishing trips. It holds plenty of ice and drinks, then use the livewell for the fish. The idea is to keep the clutter in the cockpit down. For longer weekend trips to Montauk or offshore, then I will clear out the big rear fish box and bring a second large cooler full of ice. In addition I will also mount a 65qt rtic on the transom swim platform for bait, This seems to work. On these trips Ice is like firewood when ever you think you have enough, bring more. I have used igloo, coleman and other cheap coolers. they all hold ice well, but the components are crap and will constantly break or just rip out of the cooler. The RTIC coolers seem to hold up better, the rubber feet are nice and they are sturdy enough to stand on too. I have a soft RTIC which I use all the time for transporting drinks and food to the boat. it holds Ice ok, but the shoulder strap is invaluable because it frees up a hand to carry other stuff like rods etc. On a side note, I have found old sections of hose cut in half work very well as a hinge for the cooler lid.
Coolers advice
- Thread starter Sanitari
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JerseyJarred
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I have both Pelican and Yeti and would recommend both brands without hesitation. But I think as others have pointed out, it all depends on your intended use. I have found the video reviews/comparisons found on Youtube to be particularly helpful.
I 2nd Engel coolers. I use it as an extra seat and for day fishing, using just 2 blue ice packs- one for bait and the other for the fish. The 2 packs are fine for the entire day. I also liked that it can take a divider so the bait is one one side, fish on the other. Large, non-skid feet keep it in place- never slides around. About $100 less than the comparable Yeti.
@Ky Grady I see you are a tackle hound like me, very nice collection especially with the two grandchildren rods at the end.
Where do you fish for pickerel, or as you Americans incorrectly say walleye?
To be clear i am speaking of Sander vitreus not Esox niger
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@Ky Grady I see you are a tackle hound like me, very nice collection especially with the two grandchildren rods at the end.
Where do you fish for pickerel, or as you Americans incorrectly say walleye?
Good eye on the grandkids rigs!
We just started fishing for walleye this year and fish out of Port Clinton and Lakeside/Marblehead in Ohio. Going to try and get up there more this coming year. Sunset pic is the backside of Kelleys Island.
Right now it is prime time with the western migration in full swing. The boat you're in looks suspiciously like a Lund setup for backtrolling.... No downriggers or are you running dipseys?
How is your Grady in heavy Erie water? I'm hoping to find a 192 Tournament or 190 Freedom soon. It will be used in the Eastern Basin near Port Colborne.
How is your Grady in heavy Erie water? I'm hoping to find a 192 Tournament or 190 Freedom soon. It will be used in the Eastern Basin near Port Colborne.
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Pulling Dipseys and spoons. I'm on my buddy's new Tracker Targa V-20. Haven't had my Grady on Erie yet, planning a trip or two with it next year. We are still learning and running his Targa up from Kentucky is an easy pull and the boat is big enough to handle Erie.