I started using the Engle shiner container instead of the front bait well in my boat with an aerator (which I only use during the summer). And yes, always keep the ice to them. If you fellas remember the time at the Toledo Bend gathering when it snowed and very cold, I had a regular minnow bucket with shiners in. The next morning it had a 1/4" sheet of ice on it and the shiners were lively as can be.