[On Target]

I have a 19' boat. I want the smallest cooler I can get away to save on space, but big enough to hold kings. I'll probably keep it up on the front deck to get it out of the way. Don't want to break the bank as in yeti, but want it to keep ice decent. Any recommendations? Last year I tried using the livewell, it's not insulated at all and 3 20 lb bags would be about toast by noon on a hot summer day.

 

[Thirty pointer]

This is what i use not too expensive keeps ice quite well . $ 114

 

[6Speed]

Thirty posted one I have and it works just fine. I also use an RTIC. It's the same technology as a Yeti because they didn't do their patient well so the RTIC is half the cost of a Yeti. My RTIC isn't big enough for Kings so I can't make a recommendation for what you're asking. I do know my RTIC will keep ice for many days!

Good luck...

 

[1morebite]

I went with this one. I run a 19' boat as well and the 120qt. Was to big.

 

[wolverines]

I have a 19' boat. I want the smallest cooler I can get away to save on space, but big enough to hold kings. I'll probably keep it up on the front deck to get it out of the way. Don't want to break the bank as in yeti, but want it to keep ice decent. Any recommendations? Last year I tried using the livewell, it's not insulated at all and 3 20 lb bags would be about toast by noon on a hot summer day.

There is no difference in a YETI and RTIC other than price. The only RTIC I have so far that I don't like is the soft cooler cause the zipper is a PITA, but that's not what you're looking for anyway. They have all the hard cooler sizes and guaranteed one that will suite you for half the cost of YETI.

 

[Cat Power]

Big fan of American made Grizzly coolers

 

[On Target]

Both coolers shown look like good candidates. The larger is 32" long inside. Is that long enough for a king. Don't they push 40" sometimes? I suppose the tails will bend up reducing space needed. I do like the idea of wheels if I'm by myself. Keep the ideas coming, I've always been a livewell guy, but need to make the switch.

 

[fishdip]

My salmon coffin is 42"L x 20"H x 20"w and some days its just big enough.Its an old Igloo.

 

[D-Fresh]

Get a kill bag (Kuuma, Reliable, etc.), it is a game changer on smaller boats. They are a bit pricey, but I regret not buying one sooner. They keep fish cold and are a lot easier to store out of the way on smaller boats. I've carried well over 100 lbs of kings in mine with a little room to spare.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Michigan Sportsman mobile app

 

[Cat Power]

Get a kill bag (Kuuma, Reliable, etc.), it is a game changer on smaller boats. They are a bit pricey, but I regret not buying one sooner. They keep fish cold and are a lot easier to store out of the way on smaller boats. I've carried well over 100 lbs of kings in mine with a little room to spare.


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Sent from my SM-G950U using Michigan Sportsman mobile app

that is an excellent idea

what qt size do you have 80 or 150?

 

[D-Fresh]

that is an excellent idea

what qt size do you have 80 or 150?

I have the 80 qt, and it has been big enough to hold the fish for most of my trips. On banner days, I'm more than happy to use livewell for overflow fish. 20+lb kings fill it up fast. For reference, the big king in the picture in my post was 28 lbs with a couple other mid 20s in there. If you fish for kings a lot, you might want to get next size up.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Michigan Sportsman mobile app

 

[sportsman98]

I've got a 120 quart rtic and love it for the fact that a couple 20 lb bags will last the weekend. But man, the times I've stacked it full of fish it becomes a 4 man operation to get out of the boat.

Seriously looking a kill bag to make that easier and free up a bit of floor space.

 

[Cat Power]

I think the Reliable 28"x48" would be great.

Amazon.com: Reliable Fishing Products- 28"x 48" Insulated Cooler Bag Takes Up Less Space, Easy to Clean, and Produced in USA : Sports & Outdoors

 

[salmon_slayer06]

for size and not bulky the inexpensive igloo or Coleman whatever that meijers etc sells.

 

[On Target]

I think the Reliable 28"x48" would be great.

Amazon.com: Reliable Fishing Products- 28"x 48" Insulated Cooler Bag Takes Up Less Space, Easy to Clean, and Produced in USA : Sports & Outdoors

Would the straps on a bag hold up to 100 lbs of weight long term?

 

[DoubleJay]

I think the Reliable 28"x48" would be great.

Amazon.com: Reliable Fishing Products- 28"x 48" Insulated Cooler Bag Takes Up Less Space, Easy to Clean, and Produced in USA : Sports & Outdoors

My wife bought me the big one 72” for Christmas. It fits perfectly in my big livewell in front of the transom. I got the idea from a guy in CC Texas that runs out to spearfish abandoned oil rigs in his small boat. Mark, I’ll send you a pic. It’s going to be a lot better for us in July & August while chasing steel and salmon; I won’t need my giant cooler up front anymore! 😎

 

[Cat Power]

That was my intention

steelhead fishing

thanks Jim

 

[Cat Power]

Would the straps on a bag hold up to 100 lbs of weight long term?

I believe they would, yes

 

[sportsman98]

My wife bought me the big one 72” for Christmas. It fits perfectly in my big livewell in front of the transom. I got the idea from a guy in CC Texas that runs out to spearfish abandoned oil rigs in his small boat. Mark, I’ll send you a pic. It’s going to be a lot better for us in July & August while chasing steel and salmon; I won’t need my giant cooler up front anymore!

How big is your live well? I have a 50 gallon one up front and this is exactly what I was thinking of doing.

 

[On Target]

A bag in the livewell sounds like a perfect solution. Next question would be best fit. If it's squished a bit because it's a little big, I wonder if the zipper would be a pain to open and shut?