Long fishing with trophies poses a challenge for the fisherman: how to keep the catch fresh and alive until you return to shore. A conventional cage tied to the board is not always effective, especially in high water temperatures or during active movement on a reservoir. boat-boatThis is an indispensable element of equipment.
Modern container models allow you not only to fold fish, but also to maintain optimal conditions for its vital activity or rapid cooling. fish-tank Or a thermal container solves the problem of spoiling trophies and keeps them in good shape, and in this article we will discuss all the nuances of choosing, installing and operating these devices.
Fishers often underestimate the importance of keeping their catch properly during the fishing process, but it is the conditions that determine whether the fish will reach home in a fit for food condition, and using specialized containers is not only a matter of comfort, but also a matter of hygiene.
Types of containers for storing catch on board
All the solutions on the market can be divided into several key categories, each with its own specifications, the main difference lies in the material of manufacture and the functional purpose. Thermocontainers They are designed to keep the cold, while fish-tank (Cassons) provide the circulation of water.
Plastic refrigeration boxes are extremely popular because of their ease and affordability, often equipped with layers of polystyrene foam for insulation, while metal or special plastic caissons that are cut into the deck are a more stationary and reliable solution for professionals.
- 🐟 Thermal boxes: They work on the principle of thermos, keeping the temperature of the ice inside for up to 24 hours.
- 💧 Flowing cages: They are installed below the waterline and provide a constant exchange of water.
- 🔋 Aerated tanks: equipped with pumps or compressors to saturate water with oxygen.
- 🧊 Flexible containers: folding containers of PVC, convenient for transportation in folded form.
The type of fish you choose depends on the length of your fishing trip and the type of fish you target. Aeration is critical for a pike or perch you plan to bring home alive, and if the goal is to quickly cool a perch or bream, a high-quality ice-filled thermal container is enough.
Manufacturing materials and their impact on catch
The durability and safety of fish depend on the material from which the container is made. PP or HDPEIt's an industry standard, and it's inert, it doesn't react with water, it doesn't emit toxic substances, which is critical to preserving the taste of the trophies.
Metal variants made of aluminum or stainless steel are less common and are more commonly used as cut-in caissons on metal boats, their main advantage is mechanical strength, but they are susceptible to corrosion when in contact with salt water if they do not have a special coating. Aluminum alloys It is easier, but requires careful care.
⚠️ Warning: Never use technical containers made of untested plastic to store fish. They may contain phenols and other harmful impurities that will make the catch unfit for consumption.
Modern composite materials allow for lightweight and durable structures, often with an antibacterial layer covering the inside of the tanks to prevent microbial reproduction, especially when the fish are kept in warm water for long periods of time.
How to check the safety of plastics?
Put a piece of material in hot water, if there is a sharp chemical smell or the water has changed color, you should not use such a fish container, and safe food plastic should not emit any odors even when heated.
Livefish tanks and aeration systems
It's not enough to just pour water to keep fish alive. The key is oxygenation. livewell They use built-in or external pumps, and the principle of their operation is to create circulation: water is taken from the reservoir, passes through the filter and returns to the tank with enriched air.
Mobile solutions are often equipped with battery-powered autonomous compressors, which create a bubble stream that mixes the water layers and saturates them with oxygen, and it is important to properly match the power of the aerator to the volume of the tank, otherwise the fish can die from suffocation even in a large barrel.
| Type of system | power supply | Tank volume (l) | Time to work. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in pump | 12V (boat battery) | 40-100 | Unlimitedly |
| Portable aerator | Batteries/PowerBank | 20-50 | 6-12 hours |
| compressor | 12V / 220V | 100+ | Unlimitedly |
When using aeration systems, you need to monitor the cleanliness of the filter elements. A clogged filter reduces the pump performance and can lead to overheating of the engine. Regular washing of sponge filters is a mandatory procedure after every fishing.
Use water conditioners in your tanks to bind chlorine (if tap water) and reduce stress in the fish by coating the mucous membrane with a protective layer.
Thermocontainers and keeping the cold
If you don't want to keep the fish alive, but to bring them cool, thermocontainers come in, and their effectiveness depends on the quality of the insulation layer. polyurethane or polystyreneThe thicker this layer is, the longer it stays cold.
For maximum efficiency, it is recommended to use dry ice or special refrigerants (cold accumulators). Regular ice melts, turning into water that can spoil the taste of fish on prolonged contact. Dry ice evaporates without leaving moisture, which is ideal for storing fillets or large fish.
It's important to close the container lid tightly, and each opening results in a loss of cold and warm air. drain plugIt allows you to remove melt water without opening the lid completely.
- ❄️ Wall thickness: It is optimally 30-50 mm for daily storage.
- 🔒 Leakproofness: presence of a rubber seal on the perimeter of the cover.
- 🚫 Light insulation: opaque walls prevent the contents from heating by the sun.
Installation and installation of a container in a boat
Installing a container in a boat requires careful planning. The container should not interfere with the movement of the fisherman and the management of the boat. For PVC inflatable boats, soft inserts between cylinders or attaching a hard box on a special bracket to the transom are the best option.
Metal boats often practice cutting caissons into the deck, which requires cutting holes in the bottom or on board and carefully sealing the joints, using only polyurethane-based marine sealants that are resistant to UV radiation and constant contact with water. Silicone sealants They are not suitable for this purpose, since they peel off over time.
☑️ Checklist of the inlet tank installation
When attaching heavy tanks filled with water and fish, the boat's center of gravity must be considered. Shifting the cargo one way or on the stern can critically change the stability of the vessel. Reliable fixation will prevent the container from shifting during pitching or abrupt maneuver.
⚠️ Warning: When drilling holes in the aluminum hull of the boat, be sure to use non-ferrous metal drills and zinku edges to avoid microcracks and corrosion.
Care, cleaning and winter storage
After each fishing, the container must be thoroughly washed, the residues of scales, mucus and blood are the perfect environment for the reproduction of bacteria that cause unpleasant odor and rotting of plastic. Use warm water with a mild detergent, avoiding aggressive chemicals.
To remove the persistent fish odor, you can use a solution of baking soda or vinegar, which is safe for plastic and effectively neutralizes organic odors, and after washing, the tank should dry completely before closing the lid.
In winter, plastic containers become brittle, stored in a warm room, spread out to avoid deformation of the walls under their own weight or pressure of other objects, and sudden temperature changes can lead to cracks.
The main rule of care: a clean tank without odor is a guarantee that the next time the fish will not be afraid of foreign scents and will remain alive longer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long can a fish live in a container without aeration?
Without forced aeration, the survival time of the fish depends on the water temperature and planting density. In cool water (about +10 ° C), carp can live for several hours, while a pike or perch will die much faster due to high oxygen consumption. It is recommended to change the water every 30-40 minutes or use an aerator.
Can sea salt be used to disinfect the tank?
Yes, a saturated sea salt solution is a great antiseptic, it kills most bacteria and doesn't harm plastic, but after this treatment, the tank needs to be thoroughly rinsed with fresh water so that the salt residue doesn't get into fresh water the next time you fish.
What is the best tank for a PVC boat?
For a standard two-seater PVC boat, the optimal volume is 20-30 liters. Larger containers will create an unnecessary load on the cylinders and can complicate management. If you plan to catch trophy fish, it is better to use an external flow cage attached to the side.
What is the “old” smell in the container?
The smell of rotting or old silt acts on fish as a powerful stressor, in which fish begin to rush, quickly deplete their energy reserves and die, and pathogenic microflora can infect healthy fish trapped in a dirty tank.