Livewell or Ice Box?

I've got a 100 quart Igloo cooler which I've thought of putting on the boat. Is it better to use a wire fish basket, then throw the fish in the smaller drink cooler when going home? Or would a big livewell be better? Or is it really only needed for tournaments?

I pefer livewells in cool weather but a ice chest full of ice is best in hot weather.

I use both. I don't cull fish once they go in the live well, so it really depends on the temperature like NIMROD said.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jim4065

I've got a 100 quart Igloo cooler which I've thought of putting on the boat. Is it better to use a wire fish basket, then throw the fish in the smaller drink cooler when going home? Or would a big livewell be better? Or is it really only needed for tournaments?

---

The problem with the wire fish baskets that I have found is: You have to pull them out of the water if/when you want to move any distance. If you leave them in the water while under motion it acts like a drift sock.

I think live wells are great to have but ice is king in my view. I say this because the fish will remain the freshest on ice and they will not suffer from trauma on ice like they can in a live well. Ice is a bit of a pain and live wells are more convenient. If your not looking to return a fish to the water Ice will be the best way to keep it as fresh as possible if thats important to you.