If you camp near water, you probably fish, and if you fish with live bait, keeping minnows, shrimp or shiners alive through the day is half the battle. Engel makes two families of live bait coolers in the same four sizes: the newer Live Bait Pro with a rechargeable aerator, and the original Live Bait Cooler with a battery air pump. This guide explains the difference and which aerator you need.
What both have in common
Both are insulated bait boxes that also work as a cooler or dry box when you are not carrying bait. Both have an EVA gasket to keep water in, carry handles with an integrated shoulder strap, and a removable pull-out net so you can grab bait and change the water without chasing it around the box. Both come in 7.5, 13, 19 and 30 quart sizes.
Live Bait Pro vs Live Bait Cooler
| Live Bait Pro | Live Bait Cooler (original) | |
|---|---|---|
| Aerator included | AP3 rechargeable (7.5, 13, 19 qt); AP4 XL rechargeable (30 qt) | Gen2 2-speed 2X2 battery air pump |
| Charging / power | USB-C rechargeable lithium-ion | Battery pump; can also run from a car or boat 12V socket with a 12V adapter |
| Aerator run time (Engel) | AP3 up to 36 hours; AP4 XL up to 48 hours | Not stated |
| Hardware | Stainless steel hinges and latches | Fittings secured with stainless steel screws |
| Rod holders | 4 included on the 30 qt | Not on the models we stock |
| Colors we stock | Silver, Tan | White, High-Viz Orange |
Live Bait Pro sizes
- 7.5 qt Live Bait Pro with AP3
- 13 qt Live Bait Pro with AP3
- 19 qt Live Bait Pro with AP3
- 30 qt Live Bait Pro with AP4 XL and 4 rod holders
Original Live Bait Cooler sizes
What changed in the original Live Bait Cooler
Engel redesigned its classic bait cooler in two ways. It replaced the standard hang tray with a pull-out net, which makes fetching bait and changing water easier. And it moved the air tube port from the sidewall up into the lid, which Engel says lets you use more of the box and cuts down on small overflow splashes. The included Gen2 pump has two speeds to balance aeration against battery life, a water-resistant housing and a weighted air stone on a silicone hose. Engel lists a 5-year warranty on the cooler and 30 days on the pump.
Which aerator do you need?
Engel recommends its AP4 XL rechargeable aerator for bait buckets or boxes larger than 19 quarts. That is why the 30 qt Live Bait Pro ships with the AP4 XL and the smaller Pros ship with the AP3. Engel's figures for the AP4 XL:
- 48 hours of battery life on low, 36 hours on high, 72 hours on intermittent
- Three 2000 mAh lithium-ion cells (6000 mAh total), charged by USB-C
- Magnetic pump mechanism with no cogs, 4 speeds plus intermittent
- Water-resistant and saltwater approved, with a 2-year warranty
- In the box: the pump, a 48 in silicone air hose, a 3 in hockey-puck air stone, and a 110V USB charger with a 32 in USB-C cable
If you already own an original Live Bait Cooler, the AP4 XL is the upgrade for the 30 qt box.
Set-up tip from Engel: stone inside the net
Engel's pages make a point of this: always put the aerator stone inside the net, never below it. A stone under the net kinks the hose and traps air pockets underneath, which disrupts circulation. Keep it inside the net for even aeration.
Which should you buy?
- You want to charge from USB and forget about batteries: Live Bait Pro.
- You fish from the bank with a rod or two and want rod storage: the 30 qt Live Bait Pro with its 4 rod holders.
- You want the simpler, classic box and can run the pump from a 12V socket overnight: the original Live Bait Cooler.
- No live bait, just a cold dry box: see our Engel UC dry box guide.
FAQ
Can I use a Live Bait Pro as a regular cooler?
Yes. Engel calls it a 3-in-1: live bait box, dry box and cooler for drinks.
Is the AP4 XL saltwater safe?
Engel lists it as water-resistant and saltwater approved.
Where do Engel bait coolers ship from?
We ship every order from our warehouse in Upland, California.
Shop the full range on our Engel coolers page, or see every brand we carry.