Livewell Lighting

Capt Bob · 03-09-2008, 10:22 AM

I am going to install lighting in my livewells. My questions are for what would be better for the bait, not the fisherman.
First, would it be better to put the light above the water level or below?
Next, they sell many colors of sealed livewell lights. Does color effect the bait? Would red be a good choice or should I just go with white?
Thanks for your input,
Bob

HOGGEMIN · 03-09-2008, 02:34 PM

TTT hoping someone in the know can answer this one.

Cod Father · 03-09-2008, 03:04 PM

Go with white for sure and use a LED light.Creates no heat...

Capt Bob · 03-09-2008, 03:59 PM

I found some flush mount single LED livewell lights at a "boaters" store for around 10 bucks. So I got both colors. Both are very bright, and red is kind of cool looking at night. But is the color for different kinds of bait or conditions, or just the cool factor?

If you have a livewell or bait tank with a light, how is your light set up? Is your light wired to come on with your pump, or on a switch of its own? Above or below water level? Is anyone using colored light?
Better yet, maybe you guys could post some pictures of your livewell and how you have it set up. I am sure that many others would be interested in seeing your "Bait Tank"

Bob

Onokai · 03-09-2008, 10:00 PM

Use the led white lite below water line-Lite is for bait to see as well as you to see. My Boston Whaler bait well has a tight lid which lets in no light. Bait swims in circles to keep alive longer and a lite helps keep them in step. Below water line spread the rays around for fish and for you to see them-but most only net them out in the daylite anyway.The lit helps the bait more than you.My 2 cents
Mark

Chrome Bumper · 03-09-2008, 10:11 PM

The charter captains out of Westport thought dark is better. Just light coming in the open top.

Onokai · 03-09-2008, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrome Bumper

The charter captains out of Westport thought dark is better. Just light coming in the open top.

The charter captains out of westport can be a little bone headed I found out a few years ago-seems they also like to keep the fish a bit warm without ice and a few do not bleed them as well.That's from mine and anothers experience in westport on two vessels.Everyone does things a bit differently-I like my fish bled and iced but hey its just me -some do not care each to thier own. Some charter captians are deffenitly in the dark. Post this question on bloody decks for they fish bait in san deigo all the trips .I've lighted my bait on most trips the past few years seems to keep them lively. Mark

BaitStop · 03-10-2008, 04:29 AM

Here are some tips from the experts that catch & sell live bait:

http://www.baitbarge.com/baitsense.html

Pau Hana · 03-10-2008, 08:08 AM

If you have a larger bait tank, then install your light (flush) in these areas (in order of preference):

1) top of the tank (mimics nautral light from above)
2) upper sides of the tank
3) lower sides
4) bottom (worst place)

In a pinch, crack a chem light and drop it into the tank.

KeyWest · 03-10-2008, 08:40 AM

I have a blue sealed LED. I've read a number of places to paint the inside of your livewell blue. Mine is white - but appears blue with the blue LED.
It wasn't practical to install the light in the lid (from the top), so it is installed as high up along the side of the livewell as possible.
Mine is wired in parallel with the livewell pump. The light is on whenever the pump is on.

Goldrush · 03-10-2008, 02:38 PM

Onokai, I'm sorry you had a tough experience--most of the guys I know or work with do things better.

I have a large Delta Marine tank, and it has a 12 volt incandescent low in the tank. It's not the greatest tank in the world, but I've modified it so it's pretty acceptable. To me, the light keeps the bait low in the tank, and swimming in a more coherent circle. I've seen bait jump out of a tank when only backlight was used, and way more easy for the birds to have a snack as well.

There certainly could be much better ways of doing it--but I've had good luck with it.

Good luck,

Kevin

HiTekRdNek · 03-10-2008, 02:57 PM

My Kodiak tank came with a place for the light in the bottom. it seems to work real well so far. I haven't used it allot yet. The light is white.

Capt Bob · 03-13-2008, 10:38 PM

Thanks for all the good advice and suggestions on this one. After playing around with the colors, I found that the white has a nice soft blue glow that is not over powering. As Onokai suggested, I put it below water level to spread the light out and the glare off the top. The bait can see to swim and I can see the bait. It was a nice inexpensive and easy upgrade to my livewell.

Now.....What about an oxygenater system....

Anyone using them? Do they make a big difference? Will it make my bait super hot little swimming TUNA delights?

Wow I need a salt fix...

Pau Hana · 03-13-2008, 10:51 PM

Never used an oxygenater of any type; as long as your bait tank has a constant supply of fresh oxygenated water, you'll be fine. Pump flow is also critical; ideally, the pump should be able to fill the empty tank in about 7 minutes, and constantly replace the water in the tank. If your pump is too small, get a larger one and put a flow valve on it. Also, make sure your drain line is free of obstructions, and isn't too small.

Friendly warning- once you experience the joy of using live bait, you'll be spoiled for life!

Nalu · 03-13-2008, 10:54 PM

My Offshore brand bait tank came with translucent bottom and the previous owner had installed lights in the deck to light it from below.

Pretty sure the number 1 bait tank in So. Cal might have an idea how to rig them for lights.

BaitStop · 03-14-2008, 04:47 AM

[quote=Capt Bob;1919068]Thanks for all the good advice and suggestions on this one. After playing around with the colors, I found that the white has a nice soft blue glow that is not over powering. As Onokai suggested, I put it below water level to spread the light out and the glare off the top. The bait can see to swim and I can see the bait. It was a nice inexpensive and easy upgrade to my livewell.

Now.....What about an oxygenater system....

Anyone using them? Do they make a big difference? Will it make my bait super hot little swimming TUNA delights?

From my post re: Bait Sense:

Aerators work just fine for a small number of fish and a small volume of water, but for live bait tanks (a lot of fish and a limited volume of water) they can't put enough oxygen into the water to keep bait alive. Circulating water works best.

5 Salt · 03-14-2008, 06:10 AM

Lite-Blue is good.

This tank is gelcoated blue and with white lighting from just under the top edge - light-blue led would get the desired effect if your tank is white:

BaitStop · 03-14-2008, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5-Salt Fever

Lite-Blue is good.

This tank is gelcoated blue and with white lighting from just under the top edge - light-blue led would get the desired effect if your tank is white:

Very Nice setup!

HiTekRdNek · 03-14-2008, 10:32 AM