I am looking for this item.I went to my local wal-mart and am trying to find this item so i can rig a live well to my boat.Does anyone have any ideas as to where else these bags might be?Such as cabelas or K-mart etc...

slydog

Slydog, could you give a little info on the bag. What exactly are you looking for?

I was doing some searching on this site regarding live wells and i came across one stating that wal-mart had something called a "follo-me-bag" and was used for a livewell.So i went to my local wal-mart looking for one and could not find it.So i thought i would ask any of the guys on the forum about if maybe there was some other place that might have them....

slydog

I'm not sure but I think what you may be referring to is a type of collapsable laundry basket. It has a very small diameter wire frame with mesh walls and handles on top. When you "open" it up it stands freely without collapsing and weighs less then 1 lb. The ones I've seen are multi-colored. I've seen them at both Wal-Mart and K-Mart. Not sure if that's it or not, hope that helps.

That sounds about right!I'm just looking for something simple and easy and this sounds like it could be just that.I've read on this site that a lot of bass-n-tube guys are using them

slydog

You can see a pic of my livewell, it was very easy to make and the most expensive thing was the bag at about $5. I have several of these that I lend to friends when we go tubing.

http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/mywoodsac/vwp?.dir=/Float+Tube&.src=ph&.dnm=0929009.jpg&.view=t&.done=http%3a//photos.yahoo.com/bc/mywoodsac/lst%3f%26.dir=/Float%2bTube%26.src=ph%26.view=t

WOW! This is exactly what i'm looking for this is cool was this purchased this way or modified?

slydog

I made it with help from the guys here on the board. They only take about 15 minutes each. Here's what you'll need:

1/2" PVC 6" long

1 Noodle (these are swimming pool float toys about 6' long, try to get one with a hole in the middle)

6 Zip ties (I recommend 8" long)

1 mesh laundry bag (appr. 24"x36" found at wal-mart)

Insert the PVC pipe into one end of the noodle half way. Now bend the noodle around to other end of PVC and cut to desired length. (wherever it makes a good circle about 48"-50" long) Insert onto exposed piece of PVC. Now place round noodle into bag. Work it down far enough to pull the bag closed. Important! Keep the opening of the bag centered in the middle of the noodle! Now attach 1 zip tie to each side of the PVC securing the bag to the noodle. Then place the remaining 4 zip ties around the noodle evenly. Don't overtighten, just snug. Then trim of excess.

I built a weight out of PVC to keep the bag from closing. You could just bend a piece of round metal stalk and lay it in the bottom if you wanted. Hope this helps.

Thanks for this info and i surely will be trying to build on of these in the comming days..This is great woodsac..Once i get this livewell built i think my boat will be complete and i'll be able to fish with more comfort...

Once again thanks,
I may be able to rip alip this weekend!

slydog

IFISH say's,

well slydog, the livewell " bag " is great for a float tube. I've heard of many people falling in love with the bag when you're in a tube. However, if you've got a kickboat, consider these things:

* Livewell bags have lots of drag on a kickboat ( unless it has big opening's. example: the gaps in chicken wire would have good flow )
* When you're rowing on a kickboat, the Livewell bag might interfere with your rowing motions ( trust me, i've tried and it sux ! )
* If in fact you CAN row without the bag getting in the way of your rowing, the floatation to hold the Bag up can cause the livewell to tip and make the top opening of the livewell bag become parellel with the water ( NOT cool if you've got fish in the bag ! )
* The bag could get a tear in Brushy, wooded areas, or basically when something could " Snag-The-Bag " and possibly rip an opening

I've found that if you ARE in a kickboat and you can handle the WEIGHT, I suggest this type of livewell and many will agree it's the way to go,

* Any type of shatter-proof container ( rubbermaid bin, closable lid top, etc... ) will be a good choice.
* With these livewells, you can store things in them when not in use ( when you have no fish in um' basically ) such as tackle, food, drinks, lifejacket, an emergency pump for your boat, etc.... It's a 2 in 1 use!
* You can use a small bilge pump inside the container for circulation and they run about $20 - 30 bucks or so, and all you need is a small motorcycle battery( light as possible ) to power it.
* I've also noticed that having them kept in a stationary livewell like this keeps them calmer because the containers are covered and usually dark inside.
* Most of us put them on the back deck right behind our seats, needless to say, you feel a bit more comfortable knowing your fish are right behind you.

As you can see, there's alot to consider and i learned by expeirimenting and weeding out what doesn't work. I hope what information i've provided you with has helped. Feel free to ask me about something you don't understand or if you'd like more enlightenment on something, i'm there Bro. Late.......

IFISH

Slydog, didn't realize you were in a kickbaot. IFISH is right, there is a lot of drag and it would be in your way unless you could rig it behind you. The "container" live well would probably meet your needs a lot better then the "floating" live well.

Although I have never had one turn sideways on me, they are a pain when you're in wooded areas. A couple of times I've had to tie my live well to a nearby tree in order to really get up in between the timber without risking damage to my livewell. Unfortunately with a tube I don't have any other options. Hope all the info helps.

Kick Boat Custom finishing touches to Live-Well

I’ve found if you find the right depth and length to your live-well container.
The lid to the container, I choose to discard and custom make out of wood or plastic.

Note: Wood will warp over long use if not preserved with paint or other protections.
A heavier diameter of durable sheet of plastic cut out to fit over the top off your container,
works best for me.


Float Tube / Follow Me Bag
Or custom PVC Messh containier

=

-

Well, Geeeeez guys so many things to consider...The only reason i am considering this option is because sometimes i will have my trolling motor mounted on the back..I also thought this would be the way to go as far as weight in concerned due to the trolling motor and battery..Is this the right option?

slydog

I understand your concern with the weight and the rowing issue. Is it possible to make a bracket that would mount to one of the foot rests? Sort of a "bag hanger" that could support the livewell. That way it wouldn't be in the way of your oars or your feet when kicking since it would drift forward of your fins. Just a thought.

Woodsac,that is sure what i am gonna try..I figured that since it does not cost that much to make one of them,i would not be out much money if it did not work.I am surely gonna try something with the footpeg and see how that works.One other question with the way you made yours?Is there a lid or do you just untie it when needing to put a fish in?Sorry if that is a stupid question.....

slydog

Not a stupid question. There is no lid that's why it's important to keep the bag centered when assembeling and pull it shut before tying it down. These bags all have drawstrings like you would find on a hat to go under your chin. I guess it would be more appropriate to call it a sinch string. You just pull the string up and slide a bead type holder down to close and pull up on the bead or the net itself to open. You can open it with one hand. If you have any other questions just ask. I've got a couple of ideas on how to mount it in the front if you're interested. If we need to we can do this via e-mail unless no one else minds.

Keep posting on the forum.
This is what it's all about
"sharing information - helping each other in the joy of fishing in a water craft."

You might give someone a new or better existing idea.

Yo Slydog

I too have a trolling motor with a battery
mounted to the back of my kickboard. I also
use a floating basket and not a livewell. I
found that a basket can be taken out of the water
while rowing, but if you have fish in your basket
it will drag when you are moving from spot to spot.
When fishing a tourney trolling motors are not allowed
so I have a small ice chest on the back of my kickboat
to place the fish while I move from spot to spot. Hope
this helps.

Best Fishes
Gene

Hey Geneg,

If you don't mind me asking what kind of boat do you have? Also what size thrust motor and how much does you battery weight.I guess i should explained my questions.I got a trolling motor for x-mas and all i need is the battery and was just curious as to how much weight you boat will handle..Also does the front of your boat tilt up any?

slydog

I fish out of a kayak and opted to go with a floating fish bag (wire mesh, around $12 at WalMart or BassPro). The lid is spring-loaded to keep the fish in (hopefully). I tied a noodle around the top for extra flotation and to try to keep it from tipping while paddling. I have a length of rope tied to the handle so it can drag behind the kayak and be out of the way while paddling -- it is definitely extra drag to pull around! I am currently trying to figure out a better way to go with my limited space in the kayak...

the godfather

Hey Slydog

I have a 8 foot Outcast Blue heron 8. It can hold
up to 270 pounds. I weight 220 and have to watch
how much extra stuff I carry. I use a 23 thrust
Minkota trolling motor with a motor cycle battery
that is used to run my Hummingbird 100 fish finder
and the trolling motor at the same time. The battery
weights about 15 pounds and would not suggest using
this type of battery. I'm sure some of the guys can
suggest a lighter weight marine battery. Also my boat
is level fully loaded, you just need to move your
seat forward to transfer the weight.Hope this
helps.

Best Fishes
Gene :)

Hey Geneg,

This really helps in the what other things i need to do.Like i said before i have the water skeeter from cabelas and it has a weight capaicity of 275lbs.And i also weigh about 220 to 225 lbs.So not over loading my boat is a big concern.But now after speaking with you guys i don't think i'll have much a problem....


Thanks for all the info...

slydog

IFISH say's,

Hey Slydog, just to give you some more examples and comparisons, here what i have:

* Buck's Bag Alpine Series
* Weight rating : 275 lbs.
* Assembled Boat Weight ( Just Frame, Pontoons, Oars ) 40lbs.
* 6 Foot Long, 4 Foot Wide
* 18" x 22" Deck
* My Weight : 178 lbs.
* My Livewell Weight : 8.3 lbs per gallon x 8 gallons = 66.4 lbs = 70 lbs to be safe
* Tackle, Mini Cooler, Etc. : 20 lbs estimated, give or take
* Total Estimated Weight : 268 - 270 lbs

As you can see i'm pushing it close, but i had to go " Super Ghetto Cheese Style ", and put a sealed bucket underneath the wood deck standing up to give it a bit more flotation. Ever try to push a 5 gallon bucket sealed down in the water ?? Tough ain't it. I figure it gave me about an extra 15 lbs of weight holding power. It's Ghetto Cheesy to the max, but it works for the purpose. Hope this helps Bro.

IFISH

Thanks IFISH,

However i don't have the exact measurements from my boat but i'm sure i will be pushing it close also.Like i said before as far as the livewell is concerned i'm gonna try because if it does not meet my expectations i will only be out about 5 or 10 dollars..And with the trolling motor i'm really excited about this option,because it allows me to get to my spots faster and when bad weather comes up unexpected i can also get off the water faster.However i think i will be carring a very small cooler for drinks and my snacks...Because i plan on being on the water a long time....

slydog