What Livewell Nets Are and How They Differ From Other Bait Nets
A livewell net is a bait net designed to keep live baitfish in oxygenated water while you fish, rather than storing them in a bucket or cooler on shore. The net hangs from the side of your boat or anchors to the lake or river bottom, with one end open to the water and the other sealed or fitted with a drawstring. Water flows through the mesh as the boat moves or as current passes, keeping the bait alive and active for hours.
The key difference between a livewell net and a standard cast net or dip net is purpose: you use a cast net to catch bait in the first place, and you use a dip net to scoop individual baitfish into your tackle box. A livewell net is where the bait lives between casts. It keeps shiners, herring, mullet, and other live bait in better condition than a bucket, because the mesh allows constant water exchange and prevents the bait from becoming crowded or oxygen-starved.
Livewell nets come in different sizes and mesh gauges. Smaller nets (12 to 18 inches in diameter) work for panfish bait or when you are fishing alone. Larger nets (24 to 36 inches) hold more bait and are common on bass boats and saltwater skiffs. The mesh size determines what species you can hold—finer mesh keeps small shiners from escaping, while coarser mesh works for larger mullet or herring.
Key Takeaways
- Livewell nets keep bait alive by allowing water to flow through the mesh while the net hangs from your boat or anchors in the water.
- They work best in moving water or when your boat is underway; in still water, you may need to move the net or add an aerator to maintain oxygen levels.
- Mesh size matters: fine mesh (1/8 inch) holds small shiners, while coarser mesh (1/4 inch or larger) works for bigger baitfish.
- Livewell nets are most useful when you plan to fish for several hours and want to avoid the hassle of recatching bait or watching it die in a bucket.
- Anchor or secure the net so it does not tangle in your propeller, and check local regulations—some states restrict net use in certain waters.
How to Set Up and Use a Livewell Net
Most livewell nets attach to your boat using a rope or carabiner clipped to a gunwale, cleats, or a dedicated net holder. Lower the net into the water so it hangs vertically, with the open end facing into the current or the direction your boat will move. If you are anchored in still water, position the net so it catches any breeze-driven current, or plan to move it occasionally to refresh the water inside.
Fill the net with bait using a dip net or by pouring bait directly from a bait bucket into the open end. Do not overstuff it—crowded bait will stress and die faster. A good rule is to fill the net about three-quarters full. Once the bait is inside, close the drawstring or seal the end loosely so water can still flow through but bait cannot escape.
As you move between fishing spots, the net will trail behind or alongside your boat, and water will continuously flow through it. If you stay in one spot for a long time, check the net every 30 to 45 minutes. If the bait looks sluggish or you see dead fish, lift the net slightly to let fresh water rush through, or move to a location with stronger current. In very warm water or during summer, bait will tire faster, so monitor more often.
Mesh Size and What Baitfish Each Holds
Livewell nets are sold in several mesh sizes, and choosing the right one depends on the baitfish you plan to use. A 1/8-inch mesh is the finest and holds small shiners, minnows, and young herring without them slipping through. This size is common for freshwater bass and pike fishing. A 3/16-inch mesh is a middle ground that works for medium shiners and small mullet. A 1/4-inch mesh or larger is better for bigger baitfish like adult mullet, mackerel, or herring, and it allows water to flow more freely, which can be important in slow-moving water.
If you use bait smaller than your mesh allows, the fish will escape. If your mesh is much larger than necessary, water flow improves but you lose the ability to hold smaller bait. Many anglers who fish different waters or target different species keep two nets on hand—a fine-mesh net for freshwater shiners and a coarser net for saltwater mullet or herring.
When a Livewell Net Works Best
Livewell nets shine when you are fishing moving water—rivers, tidal flats, or areas with steady current. The current does the work of oxygenating the bait, and you can leave the net unattended for long periods. They are also ideal if you plan to fish for four or more hours and want to avoid the chore of recatching bait or watching it deteriorate in a bucket.
They are less effective in still ponds or lakes with no current, especially on hot days. In those conditions, the bait can become sluggish within an hour or two, and you will need to actively refresh the water by lifting and lowering the net or by adding a small battery-powered aerator. Some anglers clip a small air stone (connected to a 12-volt aerator pump) inside the net to keep bait lively in calm water.
Livewell nets also work well for anglers who fish from a drifting boat. As you drift, the net trails behind and stays oxygenated. If you anchor and stay put, the net is less useful unless you have current or an aerator.
Regulations and Safety Considerations
Before using a livewell net, check your state or province's fishing regulations. Some states restrict the use of nets in certain waters or require a special permit. Saltwater states often have different rules than freshwater states, and some prohibit nets entirely in certain bays or rivers. Your state's fish and wildlife website will list these restrictions under "bait net" or "live bait" rules.
From a safety standpoint, secure the net so it does not tangle in your propeller or outboard motor. Attach it to a cleat or gunwale well away from the engine, and use a quick-release knot or carabiner so you can detach it instantly if needed. If you are fishing in a river with strong current, make sure the net is not so large or positioned so that it creates drag that could pull your boat off course.
In saltwater, check that your net does not foul on oyster beds, rocks, or other underwater obstacles when you anchor. A net snagged on the bottom can be difficult to retrieve and may damage the mesh.
Livewell Nets Versus Other Bait Storage Methods
A traditional bait bucket keeps bait contained but does not refresh the water unless you manually change it. Bait in a bucket often becomes stressed and dies within a few hours, especially in warm weather. A livewell net solves this by providing constant water exchange, so bait stays alive longer with less effort on your part.
A boat-mounted livewell (a built-in tank with a pump and aerator) is more effective than a net if your boat has one, because it maintains precise water temperature and oxygen levels. However, livewells are expensive, require electricity, and are not an option for small boats or kayaks. A livewell net is a low-cost, portable alternative that works on any boat and requires no power.
A cast net lets you catch fresh bait on demand, which is useful if you do not want to carry bait from shore. However, cast nets require skill and take time to use repeatedly. Many anglers combine methods: they bring a small bucket of bait from home and use a livewell net to keep it alive, then use a cast net to catch additional bait if they run low.
Choosing the Right Size and Material
Livewell nets are typically made from nylon or vinyl-coated mesh. Nylon is lighter and dries quickly but can degrade in direct sunlight over time. Vinyl-coated mesh is more durable and resists UV damage, making it a better choice if you leave the net in the sun for hours. Both materials are easy to clean and rinse after use.
Size depends on how much bait you want to carry and how long you plan to fish. A 12-inch net holds enough bait for a few hours of casual fishing. An 18-inch net is a good middle ground for most anglers. A 24-inch or larger net is useful if you fish all day or if you want to keep extra bait in case you need to switch species mid-trip. Larger nets are heavier and create more drag, so balance capacity against the size of your boat and motor.
Look for nets with reinforced seams and a sturdy drawstring or closure mechanism. Cheap nets often have weak stitching that fails after a few trips. A quality net costs between $20 and $50 and will last several seasons with basic care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can bait stay alive in a livewell net?
In moving water or with your boat underway, bait can stay alive for 6 to 8 hours or longer. In still water without an aerator, most bait will become sluggish within 1 to 2 hours and may die within 3 to 4 hours, depending on water temperature and species. Warm water reduces oxygen levels, so bait tires faster in summer.
Can I use a livewell net in saltwater?
Yes, livewell nets work in saltwater and are common on skiffs and bay boats. Use a coarser mesh (1/4 inch or larger) for saltwater baitfish like mullet and herring. Rinse the net with fresh water after each trip to prevent salt corrosion and mesh degradation.
What do I do if my bait dies in the net?
Remove dead bait immediately to prevent it from fouling the water and stressing the remaining fish. If bait is dying faster than expected, the net may be overcrowded, the water may be too warm, or there may not be enough current. Try reducing the number of fish, moving to cooler water, or adding an aerator.
Do I need a permit to use a livewell net?
Requirements vary by state and water type. Some states allow livewell nets without a permit, while others require a bait net license or restrict their use to certain areas. Check your state fish and wildlife agency's website or call their office before your first trip.
Can I leave a livewell net in the water overnight?
It is not recommended. Bait will die without constant oxygen, and the net may attract predators or become tangled. Remove the net, empty it, and store it in a cool, dry place. If you plan to fish the next day, catch fresh bait or bring bait from home in a cooler with ice.