Johnson Pump Fishsaver Complete Cartridge Aerator Kit Review

Let’s Dive into Johnson Pump Fishsaver Complete Cartridge Aerator Kit

The Johnson Pump Fishsaver Complete Cartridge Aerator Kit promises to transform any ice chest into a portable live bait haven. Designed by Johnson Pump, this kit is an economic alternative to traditional livewells. It offers anglers the flexibility to keep bait alive and kicking, even under the scorching sun, all without the hassle of permanent modifications to their coolers.

I needed a reliable and portable solution for keeping bait alive during long fishing trips, especially in hot weather. I was tired of losing bait to the heat and limited oxygen in standard buckets. This kit seemed like the perfect answer to my woes, promising a simple and effective way to maintain a healthy environment for my live bait.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the simplicity and robustness of the components. The First Mate pump felt solid and well-built, and the included accessories seemed thoughtfully chosen. The absence of complex parts suggested an easy setup, a crucial factor when you’re eager to hit the water.

I considered other aerator kits, some with built-in timers or fancier spray nozzles. However, the Johnson Pump Fishsaver stood out due to its no-drill installation, crucial because I didn’t want to permanently alter my favorite ice chest. The straightforward design also appealed to my preference for reliable functionality over unnecessary bells and whistles.

My first impression was a blend of excitement and cautious optimism. I was eager to see if this relatively simple kit could truly live up to its promise of keeping bait alive and healthy, especially in challenging conditions. The prospect of extending my fishing trips without constantly worrying about bait mortality was certainly appealing.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Johnson Pump Fishsaver Complete Cartridge Aerator Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Johnson Pump Fishsaver on a full-day inshore fishing trip in the sweltering heat of a Florida summer. The ice chest, filled with saltwater and live shrimp, sat on the deck of my boat, exposed to direct sunlight. The kit was easy to install, attaching securely to the cooler with the provided clamps and battery clips.

Despite the intense heat and constant jostling of the boat, the Fishsaver performed admirably. The pump consistently circulated and aerated the water, keeping the shrimp lively and active throughout the day. I was particularly impressed that the spray bar stayed in place and provided consistent aeration even when the boat was bouncing through choppy water.

The setup was surprisingly intuitive, taking only a few minutes to assemble and get running. I didn’t need to consult the instructions beyond a quick glance to confirm the correct connections. The simplicity of the design was a definite advantage, especially when trying to get everything ready quickly before sunrise.

One minor issue arose after a couple of hours: the battery clips loosened slightly due to the boat’s vibrations. A quick adjustment resolved the problem, but it highlighted the need to ensure a secure connection, especially in rough conditions. Otherwise, the system ran flawlessly, exceeding my initial expectations.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Johnson Pump Fishsaver has proven to be a reliable and valuable addition to my fishing gear. The pump continues to operate smoothly and consistently, even after prolonged exposure to saltwater and sun. There has been no noticeable degradation in performance.

Aside from the occasional cleaning to remove salt buildup, the kit has required minimal maintenance. The First Mate pump seems robust and well-sealed, showing no signs of corrosion or wear. The hose and spray bar remain flexible and functional, with no cracks or leaks.

Cleaning is straightforward: a quick rinse with fresh water after each use is usually sufficient. I occasionally use a mild soap solution to remove stubborn salt deposits, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. The simple design makes disassembly and reassembly easy, facilitating thorough cleaning.

Compared to my previous experiences with less sophisticated aeration methods, the Johnson Pump Fishsaver is a game-changer. The consistent aeration and circulation significantly reduce bait mortality, allowing me to spend more time fishing and less time worrying about replacing dead bait. It has definitely outperformed my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Johnson Pump Fishsaver Complete Cartridge Aerator Kit

Specifications

The Johnson Pump Fishsaver Complete Cartridge Aerator Kit includes the following key specifications:

• Manufacturer: Johnson Pump
• Color: Black
• The kit converts any good sized ice chest (Esky) into a portable live bait tank.
• It keeps live bait alive even during the heat of the day.
• There are no holes to drill, so the chest can be returned to its original purpose.

These specifications are crucial for understanding the functionality and benefits of the kit. The ability to convert any ice chest provides unmatched flexibility, while the focus on maintaining bait vitality directly impacts fishing success. The no-drill design ensures that your cooler remains versatile for other uses.

Performance & Functionality

The Johnson Pump Fishsaver excels at its primary function: maintaining a healthy environment for live bait. The pump provides consistent aeration and circulation, keeping the water oxygenated and preventing the build-up of harmful bacteria. This results in significantly reduced bait mortality.

The strengths of the kit lie in its simplicity and reliability. The straightforward design minimizes potential points of failure, while the robust construction ensures consistent performance. The one area for possible improvement would be a more secure battery clip design to prevent accidental disconnections in rough conditions.

The Johnson Pump Fishsaver meets and even exceeds expectations. I went from constantly replacing dead bait to having lively, energetic bait throughout my entire fishing trip. This directly translates to more bites and better fishing success.

Design & Ergonomics

The Johnson Pump Fishsaver features a no-frills, functional design that prioritizes performance and ease of use. The black color blends seamlessly with most ice chests. The lightweight components do not add significant bulk or weight to the cooler.

The kit is remarkably user-friendly, requiring minimal setup and no specialized knowledge. The clear-cut instructions provide all the necessary guidance, although the system is so intuitive that most users will likely find them unnecessary. There is virtually no learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The Johnson Pump Fishsaver is built to last, with durable materials designed to withstand the rigors of saltwater environments. The First Mate pump is encased in a robust housing. The hose and spray bar are made from flexible, UV-resistant materials.

Maintaining the kit is simple and straightforward. Regular rinsing with fresh water after each use prevents the buildup of salt deposits. Occasional cleaning with a mild soap solution removes stubborn grime and ensures optimal performance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Johnson Pump Fishsaver Complete Cartridge Aerator Kit includes all the necessary accessories for immediate use. The First Mate pump, hose, spray bar, press-on clamp, and battery clamps provide a complete solution for converting any ice chest into a live bait tank. There are no included customization options.

While there are no officially supported customization options, users could potentially experiment with different spray bar designs or add a timer to control the pump’s operation. These modifications would require some DIY skills and may void any warranty. It is also worth noting that the universal battery clips are compatible with nearly any standard 12v marine battery.

Pros and Cons of Johnson Pump Fishsaver Complete Cartridge Aerator Kit