How To Choose High-Quality Fish Kill Bags: 20 Best Options:
Every time I go on a fishing expedition, I make sure to bring along proper storage for my fish kills. Insulated fish bags make fishing more convenient and keep fish fresh as I enjoy the adventure.
There are various fish kill bag brands on the market like Silver Horde, Reliable Fishing Products, and more. To ensure you buy useful fishing products, you must know what key factors to consider when choosing insulated fish bags.
Below, I’ll discuss everything you need to know before you purchase and give you 20 best options to choose from.
6 Key Factors in Choosing a Fish Kill Bag:
Unlike the usual cooler that people use to keep fish fresh, fish kill bags are more convenient to use. However, to maximize their effectiveness during fishing trips, it's crucial to consider the materials when buying one.
For your upcoming fishing trips, consider these key factors to ensure you get a premium fish kill bag:
1. Waterproof vs. Airtight
You need a fish kill bag that is moisture and UV-resistant. These qualities protect fish from damage, keeping your fish fresh before selling or cooking them.
For something affordable, waterproof fish bags work just fine if you don’t mind the blood leaking. However, if you want to keep things clean, I recommend investing in a premium product with an airtight feature.
Why Get an Airtight Bag?
An airtight fishing bag has the same benefits as a waterproof one. But it can do a better job since it also prevents fish blood from leaking. It has a stainless steel zipper head, making the fish kill bag durable and saltwater-resistant.
Buying an airtight material for your fish storage might be costlier than a waterproof fish bag. However, the price dissimilarity also means a difference in quality.
2. Stitched vs. Sealed
99.9% of available fish kill bag products on the market are stitched. While most stitched models have great features, they also have disadvantages. Stitched fish kill bags can get moldy after some time, causing the bags to stink.
Fortunately, there are innovative products like sealed fish bags. This type of bag is produced by manufacturers using radio frequency welding, also known as dielectric sealing. In this process, flexible materials are fused by pressure and electromagnetic energy to create a leak-proof bond.
Why Get a Sealed Bag?
A sealed fish kill bag can hold the ice much longer than a stitched one, keeping your fish fresh for a longer time. Unlike a stitched bag, it can prevent mold growth and doesn’t leak.
Most fish bag brands are stitched. But if you have enough budget to buy a better fish storage product, at least find something with an advanced design like an RF bag.
3. PVC vs. TPU
Thickness is another key factor I consider when buying a quality fish kill bag. It must be durable to carry the fish and prevent punctures. Aside from that, the insulation power must be strong enough to maintain cold temperatures. Thus, the thicker the bag material, the better.
Most of the available fish kill bag products are either made with PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethane). A PVC material can work well if the layer is thick enough. However, if you want a thick bag with greater durability, opt for TPU.
Why Get a TPU Bag?
Compared to PVC material, a TPU is more flexible and puncture-resistant. TPU bags are also odorless, eco-friendly, and have greater insulation power. But take note that the longevity of the bag still depends on maintenance and usage.
4. Free-Standing vs. Flat Bag
Flat fish bags are budget-friendly. However, it’s hard to balance without support. I recommend choosing a free-standing over a flat one for more convenience. Its gusseted base allows the bag to stand independently without needing much effort.
5. Drain Plug: Caps vs. Threaded
The drain plug or drain hole is another essential factor I consider when buying a fish kill bag. Not all available fish bags have a drain plug, and if they do have it, they’re usually small.
Pay attention to the bag’s features and components. Check if it has a drainage component to remove seawater. The bigger the hole, the faster the drainage will be. In addition, I suggest you pick a threaded drain hole over one with a cap.
Why is a Threaded Drain Plug Better?
A threaded drain plug is less prone to leaking fish blood. It gives better drainage and prevents clogging.
6. Soft Bag vs. Hard Cooler Fish Storage
Hard coolers are ideal if you’re doing bulk fishing, as they have a larger capacity than soft bags. However, they can be too heavy, especially if you don’t have somebody to help you carry them. Between the two types, I prefer the soft bag, as it comes with more benefits.
Why is a Soft Bag Better?
A soft fish kill bag is space-saving and suitable for smaller boats. Some soft fish bags have the same features as hard coolers, like being airtight and puncture-resistant. But unlike hard coolers, they are lightweight and convenient to carry.
20 High-Quality Fish Kill Bags:
To save you time looking for the best insulated fish kill bags, check out these 20 options.
1. FISH KILL BAGS
The Fish Kill Bags insulated fish cooler bag is designed with RF welded zipper & 304 stain-less steel zipper heads. It is 30% denser with 30% superior insulation quality. Plus, zero stitching which includes zero leaking.
2. Boone Monster Insulated Fish Bag
Boone Monster is a flat, waterproof, and leak-free fish kill bag. Depending on the quantity of fish you are planning to catch, you can choose from different sizes. Besides that, it has a drain screw cap which makes water draining and bag cleaning faster.
3. Buffalo Gear Insulated Fish Cooler Bag
The Buffalo Gear insulated fish cooler bag is airtight and leak-proof. It can help keep your car clean from blood and seawater. With its great insulation, your catch will be kept fresh and protected from the outside heat. Aside from that, this bag is already gusseted and made with a drain hole.
4. Canyon Insulated Fish Bag
The roll straps of a Canyon fish bag make it convenient to store. It’s made with heat-sealed, fiber-interlaced material and designed with 2 inches thick handles. Aside from that, this fish kill bag already comes with a drain plug and a hose. But since the hole is small, the water and blood won’t get drained quickly.
5. Calcutta Outdoors Pack Fish Bag
One of the great features of a Calcutta fish kill bag is its tape-sealed zipper. It can help prevent leaking and keep your vehicle neat. In addition, this durable fish kill bag also has a printed ruler for fish measurement.
6. C.E Smith Insulated Fish Bag
If you are planning to catch large-sized fish, the C.E Smith brand is designed with big capacity. It has a durable corrosion-proof zipper for easier zipping. Plus, this fish kill bag is weatherproof, prolonging your ice and the freshness of the fish.
7. Mustad Insulated Fish Storage Bag
Like the C.E Smith fish bag, Mustad insulated fish storage bag is flat and doesn’t come with a drain plug. It won’t be a stable as a gusseted one and not that easy to clean. However, this bag is thick, made with great insulation, and has easy-grip zippers. It can hold the ice for up to a few days, which is advisable if your trip takes longer.
8. Elkton Outdoors Insulated Fish Bag
The Elkton outdoors is a flat, leakproof bag with double layer insulation for longer-lasting ice. It doesn’t come with a drain plug, but its interior lining is made with non-stick material for easy cleaning. In addition, it comes with four handles for weight distribution and easier transport.
9. Fitzgerald Insulated Fish Bag
Fitzgerald is a large fish kill bag with welded seams. It’s puncture-resistant and can withstand great fish weight. While it’s not gusseted, this bag is popular because it’s more durable than other affordable brands.
10. Gator Grip Insulated Fish Bag
Gator Grip is one of the inexpensive fish kill bags in the market. It doesn’t have zippers, but it’s already weather and waterproof, which are great qualities for the price. Aside from that, this bag is made with sunlight-reflecting material to keep your fish calm.
11. Kuuma Heavy Duty 240 Quart Insulated Fish Bag
If you have a long fishing adventure, I recommend buying a durable and heavily insulated fishing bag. The Kuuma heavy-duty 240 Quart fish bag is one of the choices with those qualities. Its material is made with TPU-coated nylon and comes with a small drain plug for water drainage.
12. Precision Pak Fish Saver Cooler Bag
The Precision Pak fish bag is a free-standing insulated fish kill bag designed with a drain spout. So, cleaning and removing excess water will be more convenient. This model also has closed-cell foam insulation, preventing the ice from melting for up to a few days.
13. Opah Fathom Fish Kill Bag
Opah Fathom fish kill bag is made with a YKK zipper, making it leakproof and less prone to breaking. Compared to most fish kills bags, it has greater insulation that can keep fish fresh longer. In addition to that, this brand model already comes with a small drain plug and gusseted base.
14. Reliable Insulated Fish Bag
Reliable Fishing Products is a brand that produces different fishing essentials, including insulated fishing bags. Their fish kill bags have a large capacity for a bigger catch. However, it’s quite expensive compared to other brands. If you have the budget, just think about the quality you can get from it.
15. Sea Angler Gear Inshore Insulated Fish Bag
The Sea Angler insulated fish bag doesn’t have a drain hole, but it has a thicker insulating foam than other brands. If you’re going on a long fishing trip and want the ice to last longer, you can include this brand as your top choice. Aside from that, it’s UV-resistant and designed to be foldable for easy storage.
16. Seattle Sports Roll Catch Cooler
Seattle Sports Roll Catch cooler is one of those high-quality PVC insulated fish bags you can find in the market. It’s a flat type with dual-layer insulation. Plus, it has RF welded seams to prevent leaks and greater heat protection.
17. Silver Horde Katchkooler Insulated Fish Bag
The Silver Horde Katchkooler insulated bag is made with waterproof fabric and designed to clean or dry the bag easily. Although it’s a flat type, it’s still widely bought because of its capacity and durability.
18. STRIKE KING Monster Kill Bag
The Strike King Monster bag is made with a UV-resistant exterior for fish protection. It doesn’t come with a drain plug, that’s why cleaning can be a little inconvenient. But it has great insulation and a high-quality zipper.
19. Hutchwilco Kai Fish Bag
The Hutchwilco Kai fish bag has a large capacity and is one of the most space-saving storage in the market. It has a 3D welded construction and an insulation foam that can hold ice for a fishing adventure that lasts for days. Besides that, it’s free-standing and comes with a small drain hole for removing excess water.
20. Madfish Insulated Catch Bag
If you’re looking for thick material, the Madfish catch bag is made with TPU, making it more durable from puncture and scratch. Plus, its zipper is made of zinc alloy that can last long even after frequent usage.
All the 20 insulated fish kill bags I discussed are my top picks due to their quality. You just have to choose based on your needs and consider the key factors of a great fish kill bag. If you purchase a premium one, you’ll be more at ease and enjoy your upcoming fishing trip, knowing that the freshness of your catch is maintained.
