Tuna Bags

[JohnnyD]

I'm looking to get a tuna bag for my father in law for Christmas. Trying to stay in the $125-150 range. I don't think he needs a bag bigger than 60" long, anything bigger than about 250# and they'd have to cleat it off the side and limp home.

I tried to search but couldn't find any details so I apologize in advance if this has already been covered.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[ecduzitgood]

I would think if the fish will remain in the water then a bag without ice may actually insulate the fish keeping it's temperature higher than just allowing the water to help cool it, Kind of like a westsuit, I may be wrong but sheilding it from the sun using a large light colored towel (water will keep changing) might be enough.
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[Piscator]

Originally Posted by ecduzitgood

I would think if the fish will remain in the water then a bag without ice may actually insulate the fish keeping it's temperature higher than just allowing the water to help cool it, Kind of like a westsuit, I may be wrong but sheilding it from the sun using a large light colored towel (water will keep changing) might be enough.
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The bags he is asking about are for fish on deck. Larger fish need to be cooled so that they don’t cook themselves from the inside out after a fight. Similar to going for a long run and coming home and sitting on the couch. You continue to sweat or heat up (same as Tuna). Best to bleed and ice right away. The bag keeps fish ice cold so you can stay out all day and fish more. Like a fish box.

[thefishingfreak]

There's a guy on CL that sells them in the summer. Ronnie has one, maybe he will know the guys name.
It's about 80" I believe.
Good size for the ones you can still pick up, but won't fit in a cooler even with their heads off.
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[O.D. Mike]

Johnny make sure you get a two way zipper, you know Makai is going to stuff you in there for fun.....

[ecduzitgood]

Originally Posted by Piscator

The bags he is asking about are for fish on deck. Larger fish need to be cooled so that they don’t cook themselves from the inside out after a fight. Similar to going for a long run and coming home and sitting on the couch. You continue to sweat or heat up (same as Tuna). Best to bleed and ice right away. The bag keeps fish ice cold so you can stay out all day and fish more. Like a fish box.

Your correct, I am familiar with the bags but he had stated the fish would not be in the boat but over the side in the water. If it was going to be put on the deck then I would also reommend the insulated fish bag used with ice. Over the side in the water I don't think it would help the internal temperature to drop once again acting like a wetsuit wherethe water between the fish and the insulated bag would indeed reduce the rate the heat would dissapate. I have many years of Tuna fishing and know about cooked fish, one of the reasons I feell the gear used should be capable of landing the fish ASAP.
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[ecduzitgood]

Opps my bad, I see he was saying if the fish was over 250# it would remain over the side in the water. I'm on oxy's right now and they warned me not to make important decisions for 24 hours now I see why.
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[JohnnyD]

Originally Posted by O.D. Mike

Johnny make sure you get a two way zipper, you know Makai is going to stuff you in there for fun.....

He knows better. Someone has to do all the dirty work while the old timers drink they celebratory beers.

[Piscator]

Originally Posted by ecduzitgood

Opps my bad, I see he was saying if the fish was over 250# it would remain over the side in the water. I'm on oxy's right now and they warned me not to make important decisions for 24 hours now I see why.
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Ha, Ha, Ha. Hope you feel better!

[ecduzitgood]

Pretty amazing stuff, I think I will refrain from posting for a while because I am out there even further than usual. Almost to the point of saying I am wrong
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[Mr. Sandman]

I have 4 fish bags.

One real big one about 40x 90...I only use this a few times a year, you can put like 8 yellowfins in this sucker with a load of ice. or one monster. I don't recall the maker but fishermansoutfitter has them I think. Giant tuna bag. (its big but folds up nicely) and it has a drainplug.

One smaller one that is about 24" x 72' I use this the most...it fits in my in deck hatch and holds ice for days. It will hold most school fish no problem. I have use this now for 3 seasons and they are just starting to show a little wear. This one is made by boone.this has a drainplug as well.

And I have two smaller sea-angler carry fish bags (one med one large)...these are great when you have to transport fish to a weigh station. But I don't keep them onboard. no drains and the construction is not as heavy as the others. But clean when you want to carry a few fish around.

Fish bags are great. I've have been on other peoples boats and have brought my "body bag" and everyone who has used them has gone out and bought their own afterwards.

They clean up nice, and store more easily then a cooler. also they are more flexible. You can open some of them up completely like a blanket. They are highly insulated and hold ice very well. Your catch will be well chilled. You can pack the cavity and put the intire fish in the zip it up and leave it in the sun. The fish will be really chilled.

The downside...
When you have a big fish, or a several fish in a big bag with ice, it is next to impossible to pick up the entire bag and put it in your truck like a big yeti. Also I don't think they are as rugged as a yeti, you can rip one with a knife or something sharp.

But they work very well. My favorite is the large boone bag, it is not the best in terms of quality or the largest size but it is a great size for my boat. Great to have on the boat. If you are only after giants, get the real big bag

[MakoMike]

Canyon gear makes them, they can probably tell you where to buy them. I have the biggest one with the removable liner, works great!

[JohnnyD]

I really appreciate the recommendations gents. Doing some more digging around, I was looking at possibly the 65"x20" Offshore Fish Bags.

There's also the Boone Monster Fish Bags that come in 30"x65" that I was considering.

[Mr. Sandman]

Those sea angler bags are not the same as the much heavier canyon/offshore/boone bags. I use those to carry fish to a weigh station or to transport fish home. Would work for taking a bass home, etc. A big tuna will not fit in there and the material is much thinner and the insulation is not nearly as good. If you plan to use the offshore for tuna get the heavier duty models. (see offshore tackle store brands)

[JohnnyD]

Sandman, what do you think about the 20"x65" Boone Monster Fish Bags?

My concern was that 20" wasn't going to be big enough.

Thanks again everyone for the suggestions.

[Mr. Sandman]

I was mistanken...That boone bag is my carry bag ...I just went to the fish attic and looked what I use the most is the C&H bag:

C&H LTB Fish Bag Large With Drain 30" x 65"


Again, they all have their place but the above bag I use the most.

[JohnnyD]

awesome, thanks!

[sokinwet]

If you're on a budget try a water heater insulating blanket and a little duct tape.

[saltyric]

I have the C&H large bag, work great!

[Raider Ronnie]

Johnny
Call Frank like I suggested in the pm.
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[JohnnyD]

Originally Posted by Raider Ronnie

Johnny
Call Frank like I suggested in the pm.
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He's on my list. Been a whirlwind few days.

Thanks again RR!

[chathamblue30]

Here is a good price for one C&H Large Fish Bag
Have the same one it's nice as u can let the tuna tail hang out of the end and zipper around it as well.

[fishonnelsons]

This is the bag I was talking about in my PM - it's a bigger one, just in case you need it, or you can pack in a couple of small ones - considering girth and all. You can get it elsewhere for lower than Tackle Directs price, closer to the price range you were looking at.

Boone Double Tuna Bag | TackleDirect

[JohnnyD]

Thanks again Rich! I appreciate you checking.

Ronnie, I gave Frank a call but he only makes the 40"x80" bags for $200. Being Recs with a smaller boat, I think that's just going to be too big.

chathamblue30, thanks for the link. We were looking at that bag and it seems to be the best fit for a rec boat. Much longer than 60" and I doubt they'd be able to get the fish over the side.

Thanks again to everyone that took the time to make recommendations and help me out.

Merry Christmas to you all!

[Typhoon]

$40 North Atlantic traders. Not fancy, gets the job done. A lot of the guys use water heater insulation too.

[Sweetwater]

Originally Posted by JohnnyD

I'm looking to get a tuna bag for my father in law for Christmas. Trying to stay in the $125-150 range. I don't think he needs a bag bigger than 60" long, anything bigger than about 250# and they'd have to cleat it off the side and limp home.

I tried to search but couldn't find any details so I apologize in advance if this has already been covered.

Thanks in advance for any help.

JohnnyD wants this bag for selfish reasons. He doesn't want to have to stop fishing because his father-in-law heads back to the dock after 1 keeper fish is put on board. I know how you think JD!

[JohnnyD]

Originally Posted by Sweetwater

JohnnyD wants this bag for selfish reasons. He doesn't want to have to stop fishing because his father-in-law heads back to the dock after 1 keeper fish is put on board. I know how you think JD!

The old man has no regard for preserving the meat. Nose down in the bait well with block so of ice shoved down there is not ok.

But to your point...

[keeperreaper]

Originally Posted by chathamblue30

Here is a good price for one C&H Large Fish Bag
Have the same one it's nice as u can let the tuna tail hang out of the end and zipper around it as well.

I have the same one and has handled a ton of small, medium and a few giants just fine.