Once you have done the hard part and actually caught something you want to take back to your aquarium, you are going to need something sturdy, reliable, safe and that isn’t going to spill water all over your car on the journey home. A bucket isn’t going to cut it, not least because they don’t come with lids so any time you go around a corner or brake hard you are going to lose water and possibly some of the creatures you have gathered.
There are much better solutions out there and I use a container I found on Temu. It’s perfect for what I need and there are two sizes available. I’m using the smaller one as given the type of livestock I have in the tank I have no real need for the larger one, but I may invest in one anyway as it won’t do any harm to have more space for whatever I’m taking back.
The “Portable Waterproof EVA Fishing Bucket” from Temu offers several benefits. It’s a budget-friendly, collapsible fishing accessory designed for anglers who want a lightweight and convenient way to store bait or small catches. This also makes it ideal for rockpoolers wanting to transport small fish and crustaceans. Made from thick EVA material, the bucket is waterproof and easy to clean, and its foldable structure makes it ideal for travel or tight storage spaces.
It features mesh ventilation panels on top, and, crucially, a port for attaching a portable aerator. This is essential for transporting the fish over longer distances. You also have the option of carrying via a shoulder strap or handles, so it’s built for portability and quick deployment.
I’ve seen some reviews complain about the zip quality and that the seams aren’t fully waterproof. This might be the case for some (the zips work great on mine) but it’s only going to be a problem if you are filling the container almost to the top. I tend to have it no more than half full so this has never been an issue for me. The zip can stick occasionally, but not to the point where it has been too much of an inconvenience.
There are tie backs attached to the zips too so you can fold the lid back and hold it securely in place (see above image), which allows you easy access and a clearer view of what is inside.
There are undoubtedly higher quality options out there if budget is not a concern, but in terms of what I need this is just the job and it’s fantastic value. The higher quality options are more suitable to hard core fishermen who are using the container to keep their livebait in peak condition throughout a long day’s fishing. For bringing small gobies and prawns back from a rockpooling trip, you can’t go wrong with this.
It comes in a choice of three colours and is usually available at under a tenner, which is incredible value for what you are getting.
I’ve used this to transport everything I’ve put in the tank and the only casualties have been the sprats which just don’t seem to travel well at all. Everything else has been fine, including one goby that I initially missed and spent the night in the container before I found it the next day, completely fine.
