Keep Fish Fresh and Cool with These 5 Best Fishing Coolers

Preserving your catch in a long haul fishing expedition is necessary, or your whole effort goes wasted. For preservation, anglers used to apply salt or use UV light to keep the fishes fresh. However, the new trend is using the fishing coolers instead of using salt and UV light for preservation, and they are getting obsolete these days. The best fishing coolers are here to help you our preserving your precious catches.

QUICK GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS

Below is a list of our favourite fishing gear that you check quickly if in hurry. Scroll down to read the rest of the article.

Best Fishing Reel: Penn Squell Level
Baits For Rainbow Trout: Berkley Power Bait
Best Indore Fishing Rod: Royale Legend
Best Ultralight Fishing Rod: KastKing Perigee II
Best Spinning Reel Under 100: Daiwa BG Spinning Reel
Best Walleye Trolling Lure: Original Floater Fishing Lure
Best Pike Lure: Jerk Bait Fishing Lure from Rapala
Best Fishing Kayak under 1000: Intex Explorer K2 Kayak
Best Fishing Kayak under 300: Sun Dolphin Journey 10
Best Fishing Wader: HODGMAN H3 STOCKING FOOT CHEST WADER
Best Fishing Gloves: BERKLEY FISHING GLOVES
Best Fishing Cooler: AO Coolers Sportsman Vinyl Soft Cooler
Best Portable Fish Finder: Reel Sonar Wireless Bluetooth Smart Sonar
Best Inflatable Fishing Boat: Sea Eagle Green
Best Fluorocarbon Line: KastKing FluoroKote Fishing Line

Fishing Coolers protect your catch from germs and bacteria, but they also do it even without changing their taste. In the market, different types of coolers are available. If you are taking kids along, then it may be even a better idea to save your catches in a safe fishing cooler.

Considering your fishing session period, amount, and area of your fishing trip. You can get your hands on the best suitable coolers for storing your catch.

If you want to read more of our reviews of some of the great fishing accessories, check out here.

Title	Image	View
CANYON Insulated Fish Bag - Trout/Bait Bag,...		View Price
Reliable Fishing Products - 20" X 48"...		View Price
Engel 19 quart leak-proof air-tight...		View Price
Coleman Coastal Xtreme Series Marine Portable...		View Price
AO Coolers Sportsman Vinyl Soft Cooler with...		View Price
Coleman Performance Portable Cooler, 48 Quart		View Price
Engel ENG65 High Performance Cooler - White		View Price
Coleman Coastal Xtreme Series Marine Portable...		View Price

Here we are taking a look at the best fishing coolers.

Let’s start with getting to know what is important when considering buying a fishing cooler.

Table of Contents

Buyers Guide for the Best Fishing Coolers

While you are buying a fishing cooler, don’t make a rash decision. Carefully review these important considerations so that the cooler you buy serves your needs.

Type of cooler

Typically coolers fall into two types, namely insulated chest coolers and insulated fish cooler bags.

Insulated Chest Coolers

These are rectangular shape traditional coolers that are generally used to store all kinds of stuff, i.e., food and beverages. These are not specially designed for fishing purposes. Storing both food and fish in these is not a great idea as it can lead your food smelly. Some coolers occupy a lot of space, but the shape is such that it can be used as a sitting spot.

Insulated Fish Cooler Bag

These bags are better known for their shape and its adaptability. They are convenient and easy to carry. However, due to its shape, they cannot stand on their own. It is difficult to use it for food and beverages, though it serves the purpose of storing fish better.

Storage Capacity

It’s one of the two primary features anglers and layman look for while purchasing fishing coolers. Usually, people neither analyze their fishing expedition duration nor consider cooler size and portability. It creates a significant amount of mess as it often ends up compromising limited space on their boats.

Insulation

It can be said it is the fundamental purpose of using fishing coolers rather than other preservation methods like salt spray and UV light. Usually, a good fishing cooler can keep fish cooler of more than almost a day, and some cooler insulation may last for a few days. But again, decide it per your fishing session duration.

Drain plug

It is an optional additive feature which is not present in every cooler. Often in a relatively small cooler does not possess this feature. Drainage in cooler can be provided by elevating one end and providing drainage hole on others. Providing drainage without this method is better against wear and tear.

Portability

As already discussed above, this feature is related to the storage capacity of cooler. It’s a combination of both types of cooler and storage capacity. Choosing the right combination can avoid these problems. If you don’t need much storage, it is better to carry a regular sized cooler that is easy to carry.

Best fishing coolers

We have shortlisted five of the best fishing coolers in the market to invest wisely in buying the most efficient one:

1. Kill Bag Sizes from 18 x 36 to 30 x 90 Insulated Fishing Bags

Reliable Fishing Products - 20" X 48" Insulate Fish Cooler Bag, Large Kill Bag, Takes Up Less Space,Easy to Clean, Perfect Leakproof Sea and Produced in USA

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It’s a gigantic size durable bag. It is constructed from marine graded vinyl that provides UV protection, mildew resistant, and water-resistant material. This bag is quite handy as its free-standing ability provides the problem usually fish cooler bag possesses. Due to this ability, it can be used for food and beverages too. The bag has excellent storage capacity and a big opening that provides convenience while stacking fish on extended trips.

Pros

It can stand on its own, which makes it handy.
Huge storage capacity can be used for long fishing sessions.
Multi-purpose.
Easy to clean.

Cons

The insulation is not good and may not be suitable to use for longer than day trips.

2. Coleman Coastal Xtreme Series Marine Portable Cooler

Coleman Coastal Xtreme Series Marine Portable Cooler, 100 Quart , White

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Coleman Coolers are well known for its durability and high resistance against wear and tear. It has two cup holders on its lid. This cooler is of Xtreme series, which possess Xtreme 3 technology to keep ice intact for three days. This product uses Thermo zone insulation, which reduces carbon footprints and also has UV protection.

Pros

Keeps ice retains up to 3 days.
It can be used as a seat as it can bear 250 lbs.
Compact and durable.
The drainage system is leak-resistant.

Cons

It is not rainproof.

3. AO Coolers Sportsman Vinyl Soft Cooler with High-Density Insulation

AO Coolers Sportsman Vinyl Soft Cooler with High-Density Insulation, Royal Blue, 36-Can

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The Ao coolers are a soft-sided cooler with sturdy outer material of denial 1000 vinyl, the same material used in making of water beds and ground pools. It is an ideal choice for boating, fishing, parties, and sporting events. The product comes in three different colors and is UV protective, so its color never fades away. The brand provides a guaranty of ice retention for 24 hours in 120 degrees. The unit is constructed with leakproof liners. It has a detachable shoulder strap and a side pocket to dry things.

Pros

It is made from leakproof material.
Tough against impacts, wear, and tears.
The cooler provides guaranteed retention of ice for 24 hours.

Cons

Not waterproof and weather resistant.

4. Coleman Performance Portable Cooler, 48 Quart

Coleman Performance Portable Cooler, 48 Quart

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This product is Coleman’s simple, designed yet heavy-duty cooler. It has a considerable storage capacity of 48 quarts, and its height can accommodate 2 liters bottles upright. Insulation provides ice retention periods of up to three days and comes with two side handles, easy to carry portable cooler. The product is a brilliantly designed drainage system that does not require you to tilt the cooler and leak-resistant. It comes in amazing greenish tan color best suited for activities like fishing and hunting.

Pros

Rough and tough.
The drainage system is excellent.
Two handles provide you with lifting options.
The product is Rustproof.
It has 72 can capacity.

Cons

The product does not have wheels
The product does not have any added features such as Cupholder.

5. Coleman Marine Cooler,100 Quart

Coleman Coastal Xtreme Series Marine Portable Cooler, 100 Quart , White

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The brand usually comes up with gems, and this huge capacity marine cooler is one of those. It is a marine cooler of a humongous capacity of 100 quarts; it can accommodate 130 cans. It is a product from their reputed Xtreme series and comes with Xtreme 5 technology. It can retain for ice five days at 90-degree temperature. The drainage system to remove the excess water will not disappoint you either as it does not require the tipping over cooler. Stainless steel and UV protection make it resistant to wear and tear from sunlight. The product also provides a tray and cutting board of food preparation.

Pros

• Durable and leak-resistant material.

• Four cup holders,

• Tray and cutting board for food preparation.

• All-terrain wheels provide mobility.

• It has two sides and one top handle, easy to carry.

Cons

• The lid is not durable and has issues in closing and opening function.

Coleman Steel-Belted Cooler

Coleman Steel-Belted Portable Cooler, 54 Quart

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Coleman Steel-Belted Cooler is one of the best fishing coolers on the market. It has a high-capacity that is the fifty-four-quart capacity, and it can accommodate almost 85 cans. Also, it a high-quality and heavy-duty fishing cooler with a retro design and unique appearance. The dimensions of this cooler are 25.1 x 17.5 x 17.2 inches.

This best fishing cooler comes with extra height to hold two-liter bottles. So that it can hold the bottles in an upright position to prevent the liquid from spilling. The material used for the cooler liner is Polyethylene Vinyl Acetate (PEVA). Further, it holds ice, and the ice retention is almost four days in higher temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

With stainless steel hardware, this ice chest is durable and reliable. The build of the cooler lasts longer and gives a high cooling performance. Also, you get to have an anti-corrosive cooler with this one. The Have-A-Seat Lid of this fishing cooler can support up to 250 pounds. So, you get a place to sit and rest along with a place to hold ice.

The handles have used steel with a comfortable grip. Due to that, it becomes easy to carry and transport this cooler with a controlled lifting. It also comes with a Leak-Resistant Channel Drain plug that prevents any leakage. However, it is quite expensive than other fishing coolers.

Pros

Highly durable and heavy duty
It can ice retention in temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit
54-quart capacity and accommodates almost 85 cans
Stainless steel hardware is rust-resistant
Easy to carry and control due to comfortable handles
The Have-A-Seat Lid can support almost 250 pounds

Cons

It is an expensive fishing cooler

YETI Tundra 45 Cooler

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YETI Tundra 45 Cooler is a combination of durability and versatility. It is one of the best fishing coolers that come with weather-resistance and extended ic retention with reliability. This fishing cooler has a quart capacity of 45, and it can hold ice with 26 cans. The recommended ice to contents ratio of this fishing cooler is 2:1.

The pressure-injected commercial-grade polyurethane foam makes the permafrost insulation. This insulation is in the walls and lid of the ice chest and causes the ice to stay ice for a longer period. Moreover, a fatwall design with extra-thick walls hold up to two inches of insulation and has bear resistance certification.

The sturdy construction of this best fishing cooler by Yeti Tundra is due to the rotomolded construction. It makes the cooler indestructible and helps it endure the hardships of the journey. Also, it offers cooler protection to the core to withstand harsh weather conditions.

This fishing cooler also has T-Rex Lid Latches, which constructs with heavy-duty rubber. Due to this rubber, you will never have a damaged latch and have a patented keeper technology. Furthermore, this fishing cooler’s dimensions are 5 3/4 inches long x 16 1/8 inches wide x 15 3/8 inches high. The weight of the empty cooler is 23 pounds, while it comes with a dry goods basket.

Pros

Permafrost insulation and fat wall design make sure that ice stays ice
T-Rex lid latches with heavy-duty rubber design
It is weather-resistant and durable
This ice chest holds up to 26 cans at a time
Roto molded construction that makes it reliable and sturdy

Cons

More expensive than any other fishing cooler
It retains ice for almost 2-3 days

Igloo Quick and Cool

Igloo 28 Quart Iceless Thermoelectric 12 Volt Portable Ice Chest Beverage Cooler, Silver

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This Igloo Quick and Cool fishing cooler is one of the best coolers on the market. The quart capacity of this cooler is 150. With Ultratherm insulation and a foamed lid, it keeps the ice frozen for almost 7 days in a temperature up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The size of this fishing cooler is41.63 inches x 18.69 inches x 20.25 inches.

Moreover, its quick-access hatch offers an easy entry without opening the lid fully. This cooler does not let the cold air escape from inside the ice chest. Further, it has two snap-fit latches that make sure the lid is securely closed. Cleaning and removing water from inside the cooler becomes easy due to the threaded drain plug. The drain plug connects to a hose to remove water directly. You can clean some tough stains with the help of a diluted solution of baking soda and water.

Additionally, these Igloo marine coolers also come with reinforced side handles. These handles make it easy to carry and transport while you are camping. They have loops to attach the tie-downs when you have to put this fishing cooler in a vehicle or back of the truck. Also, the material used for its construction is polyethylene. Its line has odor and stain resistance. Due to this, the food and drinks stay fresh and do not spoil soon.

Pros

It has 150 quarts capacity
Retains ice for 7 days at 90 degrees Fahrenheit
Quick-access hatch for easy entry without letting the cold air escape
Two snap-fit latches
Threaded drain plug for easy cleaning
Reinforced side handles make sure it is easy to transport and carry
Odor and stain resistance

Cons

The plastic construction is not quite durable, especially the hinges

Pelican Products Progear Elite Cooler, 35 Quart

Pelican ProGear 35QT Elite Cooler (Burgundy)

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Pelican Products Progear Elite Cooler comes with a lifetime warranty and 35 quarts size capacity. It is one of the best coolers for fishing due to its long duration of ice retention. Pelican cooler can retain ice up to 10 days because of its insulation. The fully insulated lid with a rubber gasket at the bottom and sides, along with its military-grade polymers that make sure the food and beverages remain cold.

Moreover, it comes with a dual handle system that includes molded-in handles and hinged handles. The latches are press and pull type. They are wide enough for gloved use. Further, it comes with raised feet, which are non-skid and non-marking. The drain on the side is air-tight and removes the water from the cooler within a minute. It becomes easy to clean this ice chest if you have to hold ice, meat, or fish for a longer duration.

However, you should know that it can hold ice for 10 days, only if you keep draining the water daily. Otherwise, the water can melt other chinks of ice quickly. This cooler will turn out to be one of the best marine coolers. Do not expect it to best for hiking or camping, because it is quite heavy. You will not be able to carry or transport it easily. Also, the interior size of the cooler is smaller than other fishing coolers.

Pros

The ice retention of this cooler is up to 10 days
It has a freezer-grade gasket with 2-Inch polyurethane insulation
The drain is air-tight and makes the cleaning easy
Dual handle system to carry it around
The pull and push latches
Non-skid and non-marking feet

Cons

It is not transportable or portable due to its heaviness
The interior space and size of the cooler is quite small

ENGEL ENG123 High-Performance Cooler – White

ENGEL ENG123 High Performance Cooler - White

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One of the best fishing cooler that comes with large size, durability, and high performance is Engel’s fishing cooler. This best cooler has a capacity of 108 quarts, and it can hold up to 130 cans. The exterior dimensions of this fishing cooler are 42 x 18 3/4 x 18 inches, while the interior size is 35 1/4 x 13 x 13 1/2 inches. It weighs around 42 pounds and can carry up to three large packs of ice.

Moreover, it is a high performing and robust cooler due to roto-molded construction. It makes the cooler sturdy, durable, and reliable. The sides and the bottom, and the lid of this fishing cooler has a full 2 inches of insulation cell foam. Due to this, it can retain ice and remain cold for almost 10 days. The tapered interior makes the draining of water quick.

Additionally, you can secure the lid in its place because of the use of the unique air-tight and food-grade silicone freezer gasket. The gaskets make sure that the cold air does not escape by keeping the lid close firmly. Also, you can use this sturdy and non-slip lid as a casting station in the best way. It is suitable for standing or sitting. Further, the lid has a proprietary weight disbursement system.

The latches of this best fishing cooler are flush-mounted marine grade draw latches. With stainless steel backing plate screws, it is air-tight and seals tightly. Moreover, the feet are non-skid and non-marking of this ice chest. They raise the cooler off the ground to make it easy to clean. Also, it helps in keeping the deck clean and keeps the cooler firmly in its place. It has bear resistance certification.

Pros

It is a high-performance, high-quality, and heavy-duty fishing cooler
Robust and durable roto-molded construction
The insulated cell foam is all over the interior of the cooler
The lid has used silicone gaskets to keep it tightly closed
A sturdy and non-skid lid used as a casting station
The draining system is easy and fast
It can retain ice for almost 10 days with the 108 quarts capacity

Cons

It is a bit expensive than other fishing coolers
It is a bit heavier

Verdict!!

Fishing coolers are vital for a fishing trip to preserve your catch. The right choice of the fishing cooler will allow you to enjoy the exact taste of fresh fish. It offers you a significant amount of convenience in time and space. Almost all of the above coolers are best in their aspect.

However, in my opinion, the most suitable and efficient fishing cooler is “AO Coolers Sportsman Vinyl Soft Cooler“. It is the best option for trips that do not last more than a day. The manufacturer provides you with a 24-hour ice retention guaranty, you don’t need to worry about the freshness of your catch.

The cooler is lightweight and can be easily carried through the shoulder strap. The material used for the construction of the cooler is eco-friendly and durable. It has moderate storage capacity and is ideal for activities like boating, fishing, and hunting.

Steve Hudson

I have been an outdoor activities enthusiast from teenage. I have been going out with my parents on different outdoor activities such as camping and hiking. After moving to a town surrounded by three well known fishing spots, I started fishing and started using all kinds of tricks and equipment to make the most out of each adventure I pursued. Over the years I have been camping outdoor, hiking and following my passion of enjoying life at full. Few years ago, I started writing about my thoughts, experiments and ideas about outdoor, fishing, hiking and more. This blog is a compilation of that plus tips, ideas and products that can make life more meaningful, enjoyable and a pleasant.