Fishing is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable sports in the world. But to enjoy this sport, you need to have the right gear. And it’s not just the best kayak, lures, bait, fishing reel, and mounts.
Before you head out on the water, you need to figure out where you’re going to put your catch. After all, the main goal of fishing is to catch as many fish as you can.
This is where the best fish bags on the market come in. Compared to other storage options, fish bags are a more versatile choice. They are also:
- Small and highly flexible
- Insulated to keep your catch as fresh as possible
- Durable
- Relatively inexpensive
However, not all fish bags on the market are created equal. So, in this guide, we’ll be reviewing 10 different bags to help you decide which one is the right for you.
10 Top-Rated Fish Bags: Comparison Table
The fish bags can keep your catch as fresh as any cooler and alive during weigh-ins if it’s necessary. Therefore, choosing the right kind of fish bag will save you so much hassle on the water. That said, let’s take a look at the features and benefits of these fish bags in detail.
| Ranking | Name | Dimension | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AO Coolers Sportsman Vinyl Soft Cooler | 17 x 10 x 12 inches | 2.6 pounds |
| 2 | Reliable Fishing Products – 20″ X 72″ Insulated Kill Bag | 10 x 6 x 16 inches | 8.2 pounds |
| 3 | Berkley BAHDFB Classics Heavy Duty PVC Fish Bag | 27 x 24 inches | 1.2 pounds |
| 4 | Silver Horde Katchkooler | 40 x 16 x 1 inches | 1.8 pounds |
| 5 | Adventure Lion | 14 x 8 x 1.5 inches | 1.4 pounds |
| 6 | Boone Monster Bag, X-Large | 20.5 x 21 x 4.5 inches | 7.5 pounds |
| 7 | Gator Grip Fish Weigh Bag, | 8 x 8 x 2 inches | 0.6 pounds |
| 8 | CANYON Insulated Fish Bag | – | 1.6 pounds |
| 9 | Reliable Fishing Products | – | 12.8 pounds |
| 10 | Scuba Choice Spearfishing 5mm Stainless Steel | 24 x 17 x 1 inches | 0.7 pounds |
1. AO Coolers Sportsman
This bag is waterproof and anti-mildew certified, meaning whatever you store inside remains fresh and in good condition even if you’re out there for long hours.
What’s more? It can carry up to 375 pounds. So, you can use it for a long fishing trip.
The outer material is made of denier vinyl that is UV protective. So, you really won’t need to worry about it fading or getting torn prematurely.
In 120 degrees weather, the bag can hold ice for up to 24 hours without leaking and sweating on the inside. At its price, the AO Coolers fish bag is quite affordable considering the kind of features it provides in return.
Pros
- The bag carries 375 pounds
- It has removable shoulder straps
- Ideal for hot, cold & normal temperature storage
Cons
- The bag has no drain plug
2. Reliable Fishing Products Insulated Kill Bags
This is one of the best bag in the market as it holds more fish. Its capacity to hold ice for days ensures your catch is fresh and in good condition. It comes in varying sizes suitable for your needs.
The strong handles are reliable so you can carry it even when full of fish without fear of a fall and damage. The vinyl coat guarantees durability and a mildew free environment.
It does not leak so no bloodstains on deck. It is very easy to clean because of the drain sprout.
Pros
- The bag is easy to clean
- It is durable
- You can carry a lot of fish in it
Cons
- The retail price is too high
3. Berkley BAHDFB Classics
The bag can be used for carrying and weighing your fish. Its 18-inch ruler will help you know the length of the fish.
This bag is made to suit those who participate in tournament fishing. It is easy to carry and can hold 16 gallons; you can count on its strong nylon handles.
The heavy-duty PVC material used to make the bag ensures it is durable and can carry your fish. Cleaning this bag is easy and it dries fast.
Pros
- This bag can be used for weighing fish
- The bag is easy to clean
- It is durable
Cons
- It’s not infallible, some fish spikes may puncture it
4. Silver Horde Katchkooler
This bag is designed in such a way that will ease your storage and maintain the fish flavor. It uses a zipper with a large grip so you can use it even when your hands are wet and slippery.
It is made from a waterproof material, insulated with closed-cell foam and is of high density. Your catch will be free from contamination. There is no leakage even when the ice melts.
The handles are strong with tubing in them and comfortable to carry. You can also hoist the bag to create more space on deck.
Pros
- The bag is strong and durable
- It can be hoisted
- This bag is waterproof thus good for storage
Cons
- Quality consistency issues reported
5. Adventure Lion
The Adventure Lion bag is made from tough materials. Its unique design keeps it flexible and soft even during cold weather.
It can also float in water, so your things are safe in case they fall in to the water. Given the waterproof polymer used to make this sturdy bag, not even the least amount of moisture gets in.
It comes in various sizes for your convenience and adjustable straps. So you can carry it anywhere and use it for any purpose.
As a result of its excellent weather resistant qualities, this bag is less durable compared to those made of vinyl.
Pros
- It can float in water
- You can choose your desired size
- The bag remains usable even in cold weather
Cons
- Not as durable as it seems
6. Boone Monster Bag
The bag comes in four different sizes. You can choose the size most convenient for your use. The Boone Monster bag is waterproof and has a drain screw cap to make cleaning quick and easy.
Make sure to clean it after use and leave it to dry.
Its seams are heat-sealed to stop the brine solution it carries from leaking out. So you do not have to worry about spillage. The brine solution makes this bag an excellent refrigerator.
Pros
- This bag keeps your catch fresh
- It is waterproof
- You have a variety of sizes to choose from
- Cleaning it is easy
Cons
- No seam on the bottom
- Cannot stand on its own
7. Gator Grip Fish Weigh Bag
This affordable fish bag has seven layers of polyester that have been reinforced with special sewing. This makes the bag strong. It can carry your catch and have it weighed right in the bag.
It has a white exterior to reflect away the sun’s rays to keep the catch from heating up. This ensures it remains fresh.
The black interior calms your catch. In addition, this makes the weighing process easy as you do not struggle with a wriggling load.
Pros
- The bag is strong and durable
- It does not leak
- Calms your catch
- There is no heating up as you wait for weighing
Cons
- Some people don’t like how it looks
8. Canyon Insulated Fish Cooler Bags
This bag is leak-proof as a result of the heat-sealed seams. This ensures you have no spillage on the deck. The catch in the bag remains cooled as no ice will melt and leak out.
The webbed 2-inch handles allow for hoisting to leave your deck area free. The handles also ensure it is easy to carry. You do not have the risk of the handles breaking and causing damage to the fish, a fall may crash them.
It has a hose fitting for drainage thus easy to clean.
Your fish stay fresh for longer due to the insulation that is hi-tech. The inside of this bag is one-inch thick.
Pros
- It is easy to clean
- You will have no spillage on deck
- The bag can be hoisted to create space on deck
Cons
- Not as stable when lying flat on the ground
9. Reliable Fishing Products Kill Bag
It comes in nine different sizes to fit all boat types so you can choose the one most suitable for your boat.
Made from marine vinyl, you can count on its durability. It is also mildew-free and UV resistant. So your catch remains in good condition all the time.
The gusseted bottom is what enables it to stand on its own and to hold more fish. This ensures you can pack it to with ease and without asking for assistance.
Pros
- You have a variety of bags to choose from
- It holds more fish
- Good looking design
Cons
- Leaks after several months of use
10. Scuba Choice
The handle is made from stainless steel wire so no rusting due to frequent contact with water. You can use it in any kind of weather. It has a net closing clip to ensure it stays closed and your catch is secure.
This blue bag is light and highly portable. You do not have to worry about its storage space. It can be carried by experts and those new to fishing as it is very simple and easy to use.
Pros
- No worries about it rusting
- It is an all-weather bag
- Using it is very easy
Cons
- Fish fins and spikes can puncture it
Buyer’s Guide- How to Choose the Fish Bag
While there are different types of fish storage options including coolers, fish bags are the most ideal. This is because coolers are quite heavy and can be hard to transport from the car to the water. What’s more, they can limit the size of fish you carry depending on what size you choose.
For this reason, finding the best fish bag is crucial. And the best way to find the right bag is to know what aspects you need to look out for. In this guide, we take a look at the things to consider before making your purchase.
Waterproofing properties
When you are out fishing, your fish bag is sure to be exposed to the elements. Therefore, it is important you find a bag that is made of waterproof materials. This will also ensure your delicate devices like phones are well protected from water. It also helps keep the water away from your catch. For waterproof fish bags, look for bags made of a vinyl-coated exterior.
Size
Another factor to consider is the size of the fish bag you need. Fish bags come in various sizes to choose from so you need to find the right size for your needs. Ideally, to determine the right fish bag size, you need to think about the kind of fish you will be after. For instance, you would not take a tuna fish bag for salmon.
Insulation
Generally, different fish bags use different types of foam to keep the interior insulated. Therefore, what you need to look out for is how thick the foam layer is. The thicker the foam, the more likely it will stay insulated for long.
Also, the bag should be insulated enough to keep the ice solid for at least 24 hours. This will ensure your catch remain fresh until you get home.
Durability
The fish bags on the market should be in a position to stand up to elements like water, sun, and wind. Not to mention, there are many fish with sharp protrusions or sharp fins and can tear a hole in the bag. So, you will need a bag made of durable materials to make sure it stands the test of time.
Generally, for maximum durability, look out for fish bags made of heavy-duty polyester with a vinyl coating. Also, the bag should have welded seams for added durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now let’s have a look at some of the questions that you might have concerning the fish bags.
What is a fish bag?
It’s a bag made of a special type of foam to keep fish fresh for longer. What’s more, it is highly portable compared to other fish storage options.
How to select the best?
Ideally, the fish bag should be waterproof, extremely durable, easy to carry and clean, and well insulated. Also, the bag should be of the right size and capacity.
Which is the Best?
Overall, the AO Coolers Sportsman Soft Cooler Bag is our best fish bags on the market in this review. It features high-density insulation to keep your ice in the solid-state for 24 hours in 120-degree heat. On top of that, the bag boasts a leak-proof liner and a side pocket for your dry valuables. Best of all, it’s easy to carry, does not sweat and it’s easy to clean.
Final Words
A fish bag is a great investment whether you’re just going on a short kayaking trip or a multi-day fishing expedition. And each of the fish bags we have recommended is an excellent choice for anglers looking for efficient ways to store their catch.