keeping pinks fresh

So this will be my first year pink fishing out of the kayak, I am wanting know ways to keep the pinks fresh. Understanding the best way is to bleed them then straight on the ice, well hell I don't think I can get a ice chest big enough on the yak. So what are your guys contraptions? I was thinking a mesh fish bag in the water but with all the seals in the Snohomish river I don't need the extra company. Thanks

Insulated fish bags are an option.  Until they're loaded with fish, fish bags have a smaller footprint than a cooler does.  There are a number of options specifically designed for kayak fishing.  Or you could just get a more standard variety like the KatchKooler that you can find at a place like Outdoor Emporium. 

Yup, cjb hit it on the $$. Just get a catch bag of some sort or a catch cooler. Precision Pak and Seattle Sports both make nice ones. Bleed, and gut immediately, then pack on ice until you are ready to fillet.

Trader Joes sells (sold?) an insulated bag that is about 2' x 1.5' x .5' -- perfect for all but the biggest fish.  Prop it up behind me with a rod holder and two pieces of coroplast, works fine.

I use a coleman party stacker cooler with a couple reusable ice packs in the back of my revo.  It is low profile with room for a milk crate on top.  I pull a few of the bungees over it and it is secure but easy to get in to.  I'm not sure how many salmon I could fit in there but I hope to find out soon!

http://www.coleman.com/product/24-can-party-stacker-cooler-blue/3000000433?contextCategory=8516

I use a coleman party stacker cooler with a couple reusable ice packs in the back of my revo.  It is low profile with room for a milk crate on top.  I pull a few of the bungees over it and it is secure but easy to get in to. 
http://www.coleman.com/product/24-can-party-stacker-cooler-blue/3000000433?contextCategory=8516

Ya beat me too it Adam... been using one of these for awhile now and love it...milk crate slides right into the lip around the top of the lid like it was made for it...makes it a bit trickier to get access

Stole your idea and stole your post!  wooo!!! Good find on the low rise coolers!

Slip a knife under the gill plates and slit the gill arches. 

And the YakCatch3: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Precision-Pak-YakCatch3/14037762

And Techni Ice: http://www.amazon.com/Techni-Ice-Reusable-Packs-Special/dp/B000ZOWG62

That's a nice option.

The interior on the Coleman stacker is 16.375". That seems pretty small. Even on the diagonal, that's 19.8".

Can you curl up the longer fish to fit in there ok. Salmon can be pretty stiff...

What's the biggest fish (ie length and type) that you've fit in there?

These are the best:

http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/fish-storage/658-seattle-sports-catch-cooler-36-fish-bag.html

Unfortunately I don't think they are available anymore.  They make a 20L size still tho.

http://www.amazon.com/Seattle-Sports-Kayak-Catch-Cooler/dp/B001HYPGM0

I think that will work for pinks just fine, unless you get a mogan!  They have an inner fish bag that makes it nice and easy to clean, and it has alot of straps on it so you can strap or leash it to almost anything.  Also fits nicely in the hatch.

I use the blue ice and love them.  I put two of the larger ones in there and when I bleed and gut a fish I'll put a smaller one inside the fish itself.

Keep in mind that a wet gunny sack works quite well. So does a drybag with a reusable ice pack.

I have one of the 36" models that has never been used.  I'll part with it for $50 and deliver it to the Humpy Tournament.

That's a nice option.

The interior on the Coleman stacker is 16.375". That seems pretty small. Even on the diagonal, that's 19.8".

Can you curl up the longer fish to fit in there ok. Salmon can be pretty stiff...

What's the biggest fish (ie length and type) that you've fit in there?

Numbers sound off...I sliped a couple pinks in mine yesterday including a 22.5" -er... fit just fine with zero tail curl

These are the best:

http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/fish-storage/658-seattle-sports-catch-cooler-36-fish-bag.html

Unfortunately I don't think they are available anymore.  They make a 20L size still tho.

Still listed on the Seattle Sports site ... http://www.seattlesportsco.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=696&idcategory=20

-Allen

The interior on the Coleman stacker is 16.375". That seems pretty small. Even on the diagonal, that's 19.8".
Can you curl up the longer fish to fit in there ok? Salmon can be pretty stiff...
What's the biggest fish (ie length and type) that you've fit in there?

Numbers sound off...I slipped a couple pinks in mine yesterday including a 22.5" -er... fit just fine with zero tail curl

Hmm, I got the numbers from the Coleman site linked on here for the 24 can stacker:
Interior Dimensions: 16.375 in. (41.6 cm) x 11.125 in. (28.3 cm) x 6 in. (15.2 cm)