I keep spilling the minnows.

Guys I need a hand. I spill my minnows almost every time I go out. Styrofoam buckets freeze and break, Plastic buckets freeze to fast. and they all spill water out when they tip over. I need a bucket that will hold up when it’s bouncing in the portable as we run across the lake at 50 mph. If any of you have a bucket you could recommend let me know please. Thanks.

Have used a plastic Cooler with some success. still has some problems but will leak less when tipped!

I use a 5 gallon bucket with a styrofoam insert with a lid, you can secure the lid, then secure the bucket by boxing it in and then using bungie cords, otherwise just get a good size cooler and keep your bait in there

Try a small six pack size cooler with the minnows in a extra large zip lock freezer bag. Will not freeze up and you can roll it without spilling.

I’ve had the best luck with a 1/2 gallon red colmen screw on lid thermos.It is leak proof doesn’t freeze,only draw back is the screw on lid has a tendency to want to freeze on.If ya got vice grip hands it’s not a problem.I also use a small lunch type cooler,water doesn’t freeze but it’s hard to find one that when tiped over it doesn’t leak.I’m always looking for a way to build a better mouse trap too.

I had the exact same problem last week when it was -10 below out When I was putting the shanty in the truck, we tipped the 5 gallon bucket over to make it fit..I forgot that I had put the minnow bucket inside the 5 gal. When we got to the spot, all the water was inside my shanty and the minnows had no water. Surprisingly, I was able to get some water in there once we got on the ice, and the minnows are still alive right now! They sure are troopers, as I bought them on the 12th of January!!!! and they are still going strong today, the 11th of Feb. Needless to say though, there was a couple inches of ice in my sled

Either a combination or a new direction for you. Use the styrofoam bucket into a 3.5 gallon bucket (diameter of 5 gallon about 1/3 shorter.) They don’t spill easily because of the wide base. The insluation keeps it from freezing – if traveling on a four wheeler you should really look into a palstic lid to prevent your foam lid from flying off. Another option is to build a foam lined lid for the styro bucket from thin plywood and stryo.

If you can’t make that work out then you can use the Coleman water jugs with a screw off lid and a flip up spigot. They come in a variety of sizes so you can buy the size that fits your needs – insulated – spill proof and the lids don’t freeze shut in my experience at all. Your results may vary, Chuckles

I second the 1/2 gallon screw on top thermos. It doesn’t work great for real big minnows, but it is fine fatheads and crappie minnows. Thanks for the reminder, I better change the water in mine.

Use a large style lunch box thermos. Works great!

when ever i use them, we have a med size folgers can and a small stryofom bucket and it fits really nice and tight, never spill anything.
-Aaron

ok, I know this is going to sound corney, but I use a 2 gallon bucket that you can get from any sherwin williams paint store, then put in a 5 gall with lid, seems to work just fine for me when I have pulled house out behind sled, also if you find the 2 gallon bucket with lids, I think that home dump or menards have them, they should also work for you.

shane

Thanks guys I am on my way to the store today to get something worked out.

I have an idea, more of a invention, but the whole process of inventing something is $$$$.

I’ve said it before and will say it again. Go to grocery store or bakery and get an empty pail from frosting they use with a snap on lid. A foam bucket fits inside just right. Caulk the foam in place and you are good to go. Painting it black helps it absorb some sun heat and it won’t freeze and it helps to see it in the snow. With the snap lid you can transport upside down if you want. They last for many years and the price is right.

I really don’t think you have many options for not spilling minnows, if you are zipping 50mph?

Sgt Rock;
Great idea!

I have a bucket that’s 70mph proof. Has an open top for easy access to your bait and if it tips over,nothing can spill out. Watch for them coming to a store near you soon.