A fishing cooler ensures that you catch remains fresh and chilled, it is an important piece of equipment to bring with you on fishing trips. It offers a better preservation alternative to other methods like UV light and spraying salt, which can affect the taste of fish. A good cooler prevents the growth of bacteria without compromising the natural taste. Fishing coolers come in different designs and sizes. The majority of this post will review the best fishing coolers on the market. We will also discuss the criteria for finding a model that satisfies your needs.
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Best Fishing Coolers: Our Top Picks
Below you can read our reviews for the best fishing coolers out there to help you make your pick:
YETI Tundra 65 Cooler
The Yeti Tundra 65 is extremely durable and an excellent cooler for long fishing trips. It is made from rotomolded polyethylene and filled with 3” of PermaFrost insulation. The result is a cooler that feels more like fiberglass than plastic. It has a one-piece lid with molded-in full hinges and a rubber gasket to ensure a tight seal. The plastic handles do a good job of easing portability but cannot sustain heavy loads.
When it comes to performance, the PermaFrost insulation helps keep the contents cool regardless of the external temperature. The thick rubber seal locks in the cooler temperature and further improves the efficiency of this unit. Unlike other traditional coolers that sweat when exposed to the elements, the Tundra 65 keeps fish dry. It is equipped with Bearfoot Non-Slip Feet that ensure the cooler stays in place regardless of how slippery the surface is.
Pros:
- Keeps the ice intact longer than most
- Fitted with non-slip feet
- Full-length hinges and rubber seal for security and better cooling
- High 65 quart capacity
Cons:
- Rope handles have a tendency to slip
Engel Coolers 30 Quart Cooler/Dry Box
Most coolers are simple plastic boxes with a small amount of foam on the sides for insulation and an air gap. Then there are super fishing coolers made from rotomolded plastics and the ability to keep ice intact for several days. The Engel USA Cooler/Dry Box offers a good balance between cheap and super-coolers. Available in three sizes, it serves both as a watertight dry box and an insulated 24-hour cooler.
It comes with stainless steel latches that lock down the lid tight. A thick and airtight EVA gasket keeps air and cold out, ensuring optimal preservation of the catch. The unit uses ¾ inches of foam insulation on all of the six sides, which is more insulation than that offered by typical coolers. It is watertight and includes a small plastic tray for food. The carrying strap is connected to the Drybox in four points and fully supports the bottom.
Pros:
- Exterior is sturdily made with injection molded plastic
- Self-stopping hinges held in place by stainless steel screws
- Plastic handle allows easier portability
- Ample insulation to keep fish fresh for 24 hours
Cons:
- Slight insulation gap where the handle is causing sweating
Coleman Coastal Xtreme Series Marine Portable Cooler
The Coleman Coastal Extreme Series Marine Portable Cooler certainly doesn’t disappoint when it comes to design, durability or performance. It is offered by a brand that many have come to trust when it comes to the outdoors. The cooler is available in multiple sizes and you can go as small as 28 quarts or as high as 150 quarts depending on your needs. The 120 quarts model is large and ideal for long fishing trips.
One of its major selling points is the use of Xtreme 5 Technology, which ensures that ice stays intact for up to five days. The use of low CO2 insulation helps reduce carbon emissions from foam production while additives prevent the growth of battery. This unit incorporates UVGuard protection and stainless steel hardware to provide years of reliability. It has a leak resistant drain that empties excess water without tilting.
Pros:
- Ice retention for five days
- Includes leak-resistant drain for emptying excess water
- Can withstand years of rough use
- Comes in multiple sizes
Cons:
- Denting on lid reported
Surf To Summit Insulated Fish Bag
The Surf to Summit Insulated Fish Bag is particularly useful for those who love kayak fishing. It is made to last and comes packed with nifty features. Available in two sizes, this insulated bag attaches to all kayaks with heavy-duty buckles and strong Velcro straps. Cleaning it after you are done for the day is quite easy, thanks to a large opening at the front and a smaller one at the rear that allows you to flush out water.
It offers ample storage for your catch with 2900 cubic inches volume. The semi-circular front unzips to a full 180-degree opening to give you unhindered access to the main compartment. Getting small and large fish into the bag has never been easier. There is a separate internal pocket that you can use for storing reusable ice as well as a generous opening at the tapered end for easier cleaning. You get ample external storage in the form of a bungee lattice overlay and a large contour pocket.
Pros:
- Attaches securely to kayaks with Velcro straps and heavy-duty buckles
- Easy to clean thanks to the presence of two openings
- Top opening offers unhindered access to the main compartment
- Plenty of interiors and external storage for fish and other essentials
Cons:
- Zipper opens all the way to the bottom, causing some water to leak
The Original Boozie Bucket
The Original Boozie Bucket is your absolute best friend if you love fishing, camping, tailgating, hunting and other outdoor adventures. It is designed to withstand rough abuse for years to come with 1000 denier fabric. The fabric is waterproof and so are the zipper closures, ensuring that the wet things stay wet and the dry ones stay dry. You can use it for more than just storing fish because it comes with built-in rod holders, MOLLE straps, and pouches.
Another notable feature is that the Original Boozie Bucket offers all-around insulation with closed cell foam. The lid is filled with foam and the top has a padded cover to further boost insulation. The rugged and adjustable straps are padded to help with comfort and easier transportation. Boozie Bucket also added a clip to keep the lid open so that the wind doesn’t mess with you.
Pros:
- Offers all-around insulation to keep fish cold
- Comes with built-in rod holders, MOLLE straps, and pouches
- Made of water-resistant 1000D fabric
- Suitable for all kinds of outdoors activities
Cons:
- Quality issues cited by some customers
IceMule Pro Cooler
The Ice Mule Cooler Pro Cooler was developed by James Collie as a portable unit to carry food and drinks. It is a soft-sided 20-liter cooler with ample padding for comfortable transportation. It features a three-layer construction and a controllable air element via the IM AirValve. The TriFold DriTop™ System provides a foolproof seal to keep air out and the ice intact for up to 24 hours. The cylindrical cooler has a perforated foam back panel and padded shoulders straps that offer a serviceable suspension system. You can certainly push the limits of your accouterments thanks to RF welded seams, which have a 65-pound rating.
There are two insulation layers including a protective MuleSkin ET outer layer made from tough 1000 denier fabric. The inner layer is made up of heavy-duty fabric that is 2x thicker than most. The cooler uses a ComfortCarryIMP System for maximum comfort during long excursions. It includes reinforced back straps and a ventilated back.
Pros:
- Foolproof seal keeps air out and ice in
- Made with tough materials for exceptional strength and durability
- Can keep ice intact for 24 hours
- Allows air removal from the insulation layer
Cons:
- Can be awkward if not fully packed
Seattle Sports Kayak Catch Cooler
The Seattle Sports Kayak Catch Cooler 20 is a low profile fish bag specially designed for kayak and paddleboard fishing. It boasts a top deck design that fits perfectly onto the deck of a kayak. It can also be secured behind the seat. The exterior layer consists of a reflective material that keeps the inside cold by reducing heat absorption. A zippered insulation chamber is responsible for keeping your catch fresh and chilled. You can remove that chamber for easy cleaning after a fishing trip.
The Kayak Catch Cooler 20 uses zipper closures that are identical to what you would find on standard dry bags. It has adjustable carry straps for improved portability and is available in two sizes to accommodate anything from trout to bonefish.
Pros:
- Roomy interior for different sized fish
- Offers maximum thermal efficiency
- A deck-side cooler that offers convenient access
- Easy to clean pull out fish bag
Cons:
- Metal tabs on zipper break off easily
Personalized 12-Pack Custom Cooler Bag
If you want something that replicates your personal style, this Personalized 12-Pack Khaki Cooler Tote is an excellent purchase. It makes a great gift for groomsmen and personalization adds a special touch to your gifts. It is a good cooler that will stand out at sporting events, cultural offerings within the community or outdoor adventures. This cooler is personalized with up to 7 characters in any of 20 signature colors. It boasts a sturdy and durable leather top handle with an adjustable strap that makes portability easier. The strap has a convenient bottle opener and the 12 pack insert allows for neat organization. The antimicrobial liner is leak resistant and prevents absorption of heat.
Pros:
- A memorable and personalized gift for groomsmen
- Zippered closure to the insulated main compartment
- Durable leather top handle with adjustable strap
- Fitted with convenient bottle opener
Cons:
- A little small
Best Fishing Cooler with Wheel
Igloo Glide Pro
The Glide Pro fishing cooler by Igloo comes with a 110-qt capacity. So it is designed to make the most of your catch for the day. The walls of this cooler feature extra thick polyurethane foam for proper insulation so no cold is going to go out of it. If you are looking for the best performance in this category then the Igloo Glide Pro is the right option for you.
Additionally, there is an Ultratherm foam layer as well that can keep the ice cold for five days. It features a telescoping handle and it saves your effort up to 50%. This design will keep the cold inside for a long time. It is among the best fishing coolers and features hinges that are present on this cooler are oversized to ensure longevity. It comes with soft ride wheels, cushioned grip handles and industrial table hinges made of steel.
Pros:
- 110-quart large storage capacity.
- Telescoping handle.
- Hinges come with steel reinforcement and are large in size.
- Cushioned gripping handles.
- Soft riding wheels.
Cons:
- Not very durable when it comes to taking a toll.
Pelican Elite Cooler
This Elite cooler is available in three different colors and it comes with 80-qt capacity. This cooler is all about extreme ice retention due to its polyurethane insulation layer that is 2-inch in size. It is one of the best fishing coolers that is designed to keep the cold in and for a long time. The freezer-grade gasket of it manages excellent ice retention for up to 10 days.
The carrying handles of this cooler are overmolded and there are 3-inch long locking latches to secure your catch inside. The cooler also features a bottle opener made of stainless steel and a hinge system that will not shear. Apart from that, its design features four cup holders that can self drain and there are anti-skid rubber feet to keep the cooler in place and prevent any slippage.
Pros:
- 2-inch PU insulation to keep the cold in and maximize ice retention.
- Hinge system doesn’t shear.
- Rubber feet for anti-skid ground grip.
- Lifetime warranty.
- Bottle opener with stainless steel construction.
Cons:
- It’s pretty easy to scratch.
Coleman Extrme Cooler
This fishing cooler by Coleman comes with tough construction that is there to take some toll. If you are looking for a robust fishing cooler then you don’t need to look any further. The design of this cooler not only makes it durable but also allows the cooler to keep the cold inside.
It also comes with an easy-to-open latch system that pairs well with insulation to enhance ice retention. It is one of the best fishing coolers for hunting, fishing, and camping as well. The heavy-duty tow handles allow you to transport your cooler. There is a double-sized drain plug to easily drain and the cooler also has non-slip feet that will keep the cooler in its place.
Pros:
- High-quality nylon straps.
- Roto mold construction for durability and ice retention.
- Easy to open a cam-latch system.
- Allows you to take a seat on it and can hold up to 250 pounds.
Double sized plug for drainage.
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with an inbuilt bottle opener.
How to Choose a Fishing Cooler
There are multiple factors to consider when shopping for a fishing cooler.
Type Of Cooler
There are three main types of coolers i.e. basic, soft side and heavy-duty. Basic coolers are the ones you grew up seeing in at family outings or picnics. They use minimal insulation and come at a negligible price. Soft-sided coolers are designed for space-conscious customers and use more insulation than basic ones. Heavy-duty coolers use thick insulation, tight seals and locking leads. They are excellent options for longer fishing trips.
Storage Capacity
This is measured in quarts and determines how much can fit inside. Smaller models with 25 quarts capacity are ideal for individuals on an overnight excursion. The 40-quart range will suffice for couples on a weekend fishing trip or a single person for a few nights. Consider a model with at least 70 quarts capacity if going on a long family trip.
Draining Convenience
Coolers that offer complete drainage without having to elevate one end reduce aggravation while those with recessed channels and lower drain holes require minimal effort. Avoid a model that splashes a lot unless you are draining from outside.
Insulation Performance
The main purpose of a cooler is to keep things cold and as such, insulation performance is an important factor to consider. The models on our list can keep ice intact for 24 hours or longer. Depending on how long your fishing trip will last, a few extra days of insulation may prove beneficial.
FAQs
What is the difference between a marine cooler and a regular cooler?
Marine coolers are designed to tackle extreme conditions while you are on your boat. These coolers are rust and corrosion-free, UV protected, and come with anti-slippage features. These properties are usually not there in a regular cooler. Marine coolers feature a lot more insulation as compared to regular coolers. And some of them may even feature a commercial-grade gasket to keep the cold in.
What size of the roto-molded cooler is best for fishing?
A rotomolded cooler that is around 40 to 50 quarts in its storage capacity, is best for fishing. But you can either go for higher or lower capacity based upon your fishing requirements.
Are Pelican coolers better than Yeti?
Yeti is a top deal when it comes to the best fishing coolers with wheels or without them. But the recent models by Pelican are not only lightweight but also come with quite a room for storage in them. Pelican has worked on its latch system introducing latches with reinforced steel and rubberized grips for durability.
