Fishing is a really fun hobby and is much more enjoyable if you have the proper equipment. One piece of equipment you’ll need is a cooler, especially if you’re planning to take the fish you catch home with you. Whether you’re looking for a cooler to store your fish or beverages in, we’ve got you covered. See which fishing coolers we recommend. We evaluated over 100 coolers and have come up with the coolers that we consider to be the best coolers available.
Best Fishing Coolers
1. Engel Cooler and Dry Box – Best Fishing Cooler With Rod Holders
Engel is the hallmark of all fishing coolers. This hardshell ice chest will keep your catch, food, and bait fresh as it is airtight and waterproof. The warm air stays out and the cold air stays in the box.
The cooler is available in three colors, white grassland, and tan and you can choose the rod holder series cooler. Furthermore, it can be submerged in the water with absolutely no problems. The latches and waterproof sealing keep this fishing cooler insulated and dry.
The airtight gasket keeps your things insulated and safe. The outstanding features are the rod holders for a hands-free fishing experience.
2. YETI Roadie 24 Cooler
Undoubtedly, the Yeti Roadie is one of the best fishing coolers ever made. It can hold up to 24 pounds of ice and keep it cold for days. The carrying handle makes it easy to carry long distances and the drain hole at the bottom of the cooler makes it easy to empty out the melted ice when the day is over.
It is a great cooler for offshore anglers. The special PermaFrost insulation makes it hard like a tank and thanks to the roto-molded design you will have a smooth fishing experience.
There is plenty of space for food and fish.
3. Buffalo Gear Insulated Fish Cooler Bag
This is a great leakproof, insulated fishing bag to store your kill in and will keep ice-cold for up to 24 hours. It conveniently comes with a drain plug like most hard-shelled coolers making dumping water extremely easy. The interior is made from a heavy-duty 22oz polyester Tarpaulin interior lining so it’s easy to clean and rinse off. This cooler is the perfect size for a kayak.
4. Yeti Tundra 35 Cooler
Another great fishing cooler by YETI, this one can hold up to 20 cans with a recommended 2:1 ice-to-contents ratio. The 3 inches of PermaFrost Insulation keep your ice from melting all day and the cooler is bear-resistant so no worries about bears stealing your catch after a long day on the water. The cooler also has 6 days of ice retention and the rubber clasps keep a strong seal.
5. ORCA Cooler
ORCA Coolers are a popular choice for those who don’t want to spend the money to get a YETI. This 20-quart cooler features a cargo net for added storage space and has a swing arm handle for easy carrying. It comes with a lifetime warranty and is American-made and ready for action.
6. Savvy Glamping Mini Backpack Folding Chair
The best fishing coolers are versatile and this one is the hallmark of versatility! Is it a chair? Yes! Is it a backpack or a cooler? Yes!
The most practical cooler which turns into a convenient back and chair. It is highly recommended for fishing backpackers or fly fishing enthusiasts who wander around and fish with a pole.
Undoubtedly, ice fishing fans will also appreciate this gem thanks to the chair. This small cooler is a great option for occasional anglers.
7. Igloo Super Tough STX Cooler
Durability and high performance are incorporated into one fishing ice chest. This Igloo cooler comes in 3 sizes so there are ample options for every fisherman.
It can hold ice up to 7 days cool so we would like to underline the fact that it is a good option for long fishing trips and tours. The UV inhibitors protect your stuff from the sun.
The lid contains foam making it fully protected and insulated. The list with the best fishing coolers should definitely have this reinforced high performance ice chest.
8. AO Coolers Canvas Soft Cooler
Would you like a lightweight comfortable cooler with many compartments? The AO soft fishing cooler is a heavy duty fishing bag which will fulfill even the most demanding needs.
It is useful for spinning anglers who move from one place to another. It holds ice up to 24 hours.
The durable 1000 vinyl canvas is a durable material that is both waterproof and will not scratch your boat.
9. Igloo Marine Ultra Square Coolers
One of the best fishing coolers thanks to the versatile design and 25% more insulation foam. Suitable for backpackers and fly fishing fans!
The antimicrobial liner will keep both your food supplies and fish protected from harmful microorganisms. This small solution utilizes convenient adjustable straps and a Maxcold insulation system. This cooler fits over your fly fishing vest so you carry gear and food.
10. Igloo Products Corporation Quantum Cooler
The Quantum cooler should definitely be on the list with the best fishing coolers as it will be a good companion for boat fishing. Surprisingly, the storage space is more than enough and there are some special built-in features to put your drinks.
Consequently, it can be also used as a small table. The lid features a smaller lid where you can put your bait.
It weighs only 3.8 pounds so you can take it everywhere without putting much effort. Finally, Igloo is the number one company that creates both ergonomic and reliable best coolers.
11. Coleman 70-Quart Extreme Marine Cooler
The best marine cooler for all fisherman with integrated UVGuard. It promises to keep the content cool for 5 days and it is made of high quality materials.
Swing handles will make it easier for you to transport your big trophy catch and the antimicrobial liner protects your food. A large cooler with comfortable bottle holders is a ice chest that every angler can count on.
The only drawback is the weight but the space is really ample.
Why Do You Need a Fishing Cooler?
A fishing cooler, also known as ice chest, is a portable fridge that will store your fish, food, and bait and keep them ice cool and fresh. It is as important in your fishing arsenal as a reel or rod. You want to make sure that your fishing cooler not only keeps your fish and food cool throughout the day, but also can withstand the outdoor elements that it’s exposed to during a day of fishing.
Fishermen need a fishing cooler that will increase the ice life of the following items:
- Bait: The first thing that every angler should consider is keeping the live or dead bait like minnows, fresh. Undoubtedly, bait should look lifelike and the fishing cooler will definitely manage to keep it fresh.
- Food: Well, you want to take a nice break and eat a sandwich! The cooler will store your food, drinks and even your fish for dinner. The right temperature plays an important role.
- Caught Fish:Â If you plan to keep the fish you catch, you’ll want to store them on ice until you get home.
What Makes a Great Fishing Cooler?
Obviously, we can assume that there are thousands of cooler options on the market, but the perfect cooler depends on your needs. You should consider the following specs before buying a fishing cooler.
Material of the Cooler
There is no doubt that an ice chest must be able to withstand some harsh conditions. Rain, salt water, sand, and UV rays are all part of a normal fishing day. Only the best fishing coolers will endure these elements.
Consequently, the cooler exterior material is an essential factor. Hardshell coolers are preferred by many people but there are also some disadvantages like weight. On the other hand, soft coolers are extremely lightweight and we can take them everywhere but they are less durable.
Roto-molded coolers can hold up to bumps and bruises from carrying and from the harsh marine environment.
Overall, it depends on different scenarios. A good cooler must be waterproof and have high-density insulation.
Size and Dimensions of the Cooler
To begin with, the right size is subjective and it depends on the fishing technique. For instance, if you are pursuing tunas by trolling in the ocean, you will need a lot of space. Consequently, you will need a large, hard case marine cooler.
If you plan to kayak, you should get a fishing bag since kayak fish bags are usually long and narrow to fit perfectly in the deck or storage compartment of a kayak.
Type of Cooler
Coolers typically come in one of two types: hard-shelled coolers or soft-shelled cooler bags. Hard-shelled bags typically have a higher number of days ice retention, but bags pack easier, especially when they are empty.
Also look for coolers that can hold dry ice since this kind of ice will keep your stuff colder, but not all coolers will work with it.
Accessories
You can get fishing coolers with a number of different accessories including fishing rod holders, cup holders, or storage compartments for your fishing gear. Drain holes make it easier to empty the water out of the cooler.
On the other hand, an inshore angler will need a small, practical ice chest. The fly fishing fan will prefer a backpack cooler.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this list of fishing coolers has helped you find your next cooler for fishing adventures. We gave you an overview of the types of fishing coolers available and listed our favorites.
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