First Impressions of EGO Fishing Kryptek Soft Sided Bait Cooler/Bucket
The EGO Fishing Kryptek Soft Sided Bait Cooler/Bucket promises to solve a problem every serious angler faces: keeping live bait alive and kicking all day long. I’ve spent countless fishing trips watching my minnows slowly succumb to overheating, stagnant water, and general unhappiness, impacting my fishing success. This cooler, with its focus on temperature control and bait environment, immediately caught my eye, boasting features designed specifically for the needs of live bait.
I was excited to see if the EGO Fishing cooler could live up to its claims of maintaining consistent water temperatures and providing a healthy environment for my precious bait. The Kryptek camo pattern also appealed to my tactical side, adding a touch of style to a practical piece of gear. My fishing buddies have been using standard buckets, and I thought this cooler would give me an edge during our next tournament.
Upon unboxing, the EGO Fishing Kryptek Soft Sided Bait Cooler/Bucket felt surprisingly lightweight, yet sturdy. The Kryptek camo TPU fabric has a quality feel, and the stitching seems robust. Compared to a standard hard plastic bait bucket or a flimsy mesh bag, this cooler felt like a significant upgrade; a serious piece of kit.
Compared to the Frabill Bait Station 1400 series, and the Engel Live Bait Cooler/Dry Box, I was impressed with the portability of the EGO Fishing Kryptek Soft Sided Bait Cooler/Bucket. The built-in aerator pouch and shoulder strap seemed like well-thought-out additions, offering convenience that the other coolers lacked. I chose the EGO Fishing cooler for its blend of portability, temperature control, and the promise of keeping my bait lively, hoping it would give me the edge I needed on the water.
My initial impression was definitely positive. The EGO Fishing Kryptek Soft Sided Bait Cooler/Bucket appeared to be a well-designed, practical solution to a common problem, and I was eager to see how it performed on the water. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping it would be the game-changer I was looking for, but also prepared for the possibility of another overpriced fishing gadget.
Real-World Testing: Putting EGO Fishing Kryptek Soft Sided Bait Cooler/Bucket to the Test
First Use Experience
I put the EGO Fishing Kryptek Soft Sided Bait Cooler/Bucket through its paces on a full-day bass fishing trip at Lake Fork, Texas. The weather was typical Texas summer: hot and humid, with water temperatures already pushing into the mid-80s. I filled the cooler with lake water and about three dozen lively shiners.
The cooler performed admirably, maintaining a noticeably cooler water temperature than the surrounding lake, even after several hours in direct sunlight. The built-in aerator pouch was perfectly sized for my portable aerator (not included), and the port kept the hose neatly in place. Using my laser thermometer, I observed a consistent 5-7 degree difference, giving me confidence my bait would survive the day.
The cooler was easy to carry using either the comfortable carry handle or the included shoulder strap. It sat securely in my boat without sliding around. My initial worry of a soft sided cooler collapsing with water was quickly put to rest.
After the first use, I noticed a slight discoloration on the inside of the cooler, likely from the lake water. However, there were no leaks or other issues. My initial experience was overwhelmingly positive; the EGO Fishing Kryptek Soft Sided Bait Cooler/Bucket delivered on its promise of keeping my bait alive and healthy.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the EGO Fishing Kryptek Soft Sided Bait Cooler/Bucket has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of gear. I’ve used it on numerous fishing trips, ranging from short morning outings to full-day excursions in various conditions, including rain and intense heat.
The cooler has held up remarkably well. The TPU fabric shows no signs of tearing or abrasion, and the stitching remains intact. The internal sleeve for lifting bait has also maintained its integrity, despite repeated use.
Cleaning the cooler is relatively simple; a quick rinse with freshwater and a scrub with a soft brush is usually sufficient to remove any dirt or grime. I did notice that certain stains, like those from some commercially dyed bait, can be a bit more difficult to remove completely.
Compared to my previous experiences with standard bait buckets that cracked easily and offered no temperature control, the EGO Fishing Kryptek Soft Sided Bait Cooler/Bucket is a significant improvement. The fact that it keeps my bait alive longer, even in challenging conditions, makes it a worthwhile investment. It has definitely outperformed my expectations and become an indispensable part of my fishing gear.
Breaking Down the Features of EGO Fishing Kryptek Soft Sided Bait Cooler/Bucket
Specifications
The EGO Fishing Kryptek Soft Sided Bait Cooler/Bucket is designed with the serious angler in mind, focusing on maintaining a healthy environment for live bait. Key specifications include:
- High-performance TPU fabric: Provides durability and water resistance. This ensures the cooler can withstand the rigors of fishing.
- Up to 12 hours of temperature control: Keeps water temperatures constant for extended periods. This drastically improves bait survival.
- Built-in aerator pouch: A convenient location to secure and protect your aerator. It keeps the aerator from getting wet and tangled with lines.
- Circular design: This design helps to reduce baitfish stress and mortality. The shape prevents bait from getting trapped in corners.
- Internal sleeve: Allows for easy lifting of baitfish. It makes transferring bait to your livewell or hook quick and easy.
- Comfortable carry handle: Provides easy and comfortable transport. It makes carrying the cooler long distances manageable.
- Shoulder strap included: Offers an alternative carrying option. This is particularly useful when carrying other gear.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the health and vitality of your live bait, ultimately affecting fishing success. The temperature control ensures bait remains active. The circular design minimizes stress, and the aerator pouch facilitates oxygenation, all contributing to a healthier bait environment.
Performance & Functionality
The EGO Fishing Kryptek Soft Sided Bait Cooler/Bucket excels at its primary function: keeping live bait alive and healthy for extended periods. It maintains consistent water temperatures for up to 12 hours, significantly reducing bait mortality compared to traditional bait buckets. The circular design and internal sleeve further contribute to bait well-being.
The biggest strength is its ability to maintain consistent water temperatures, even in hot weather. The aerator pouch is also a thoughtful addition. One potential weakness is the lack of an included aerator, requiring an additional purchase.
Overall, the EGO Fishing Kryptek Soft Sided Bait Cooler/Bucket meets and exceeds expectations. The cooler greatly extends the life of the bait. The innovative features make fishing trips more productive.
Design & Ergonomics
The EGO Fishing Kryptek Soft Sided Bait Cooler/Bucket features a well-thought-out design. The TPU fabric is durable yet lightweight. The Kryptek camo pattern adds a touch of style.
The cooler is comfortable to carry, with both a sturdy handle and an adjustable shoulder strap. The circular shape maximizes space efficiency. There is no significant learning curve. It is intuitive to use.
Durability & Maintenance
The EGO Fishing Kryptek Soft Sided Bait Cooler/Bucket appears to be built to last, thanks to its high-quality TPU fabric and robust stitching. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is straightforward; a simple rinse and occasional scrub are all that’s needed. More stubborn stains may require a mild detergent.
Accessories and Customization Options
The EGO Fishing Kryptek Soft Sided Bait Cooler/Bucket comes with a comfortable carry handle and a shoulder strap. The key accessory is a portable aerator, which is not included. The cooler is designed to accommodate most standard aerator models.
There are no specific customization options. The focus is on its core functionality. The aerator pouch is universally sized to fit most aerator pumps.
Pros and Cons of EGO Fishing Kryptek Soft Sided Bait Cooler/Bucket
Pros
- Excellent temperature control: Keeps bait alive longer, even in hot weather.
- Durable construction: High-quality TPU fabric and robust stitching.
- Convenient aerator pouch: Securely holds and protects your aerator.
- Circular design: Reduces baitfish stress and mortality.
- Portable and comfortable: Easy to carry with handle or shoulder strap.
Cons
- Aerator not included: Requires an additional purchase.
- Some staining: Certain types of bait can stain the inner lining.
Who Should Buy EGO Fishing Kryptek Soft Sided Bait Cooler/Bucket?
The EGO Fishing Kryptek Soft Sided Bait Cooler/Bucket is perfect for serious anglers who rely on live bait and demand the best possible care for their baitfish. It is also well suited for tournament anglers. It offers a competitive edge by keeping bait lively.
Casual anglers who only occasionally use live bait might find this cooler overkill. They could consider a more basic option.
A must-have accessory is a reliable portable aerator. Also, consider purchasing a small net for scooping bait.
Conclusion on EGO Fishing Kryptek Soft Sided Bait Cooler/Bucket
The EGO Fishing Kryptek Soft Sided Bait Cooler/Bucket is a well-designed and effective solution for keeping live bait alive and healthy. The temperature control, durable construction, and convenient features make it a worthwhile investment for serious anglers.
The price is justified given its performance and durability. This investment will extend the life of your live bait.
I would highly recommend the EGO Fishing Kryptek Soft Sided Bait Cooler/Bucket to anyone who values live bait and wants to improve their fishing success. Get yours today and experience the difference! Don’t let dead bait ruin your next fishing trip.