TOP 7 Best Fishing Coolers of 2022 – Reviews

TOP 7 Best Fishing Coolers of 2022 – Reviews

Looking for something to buy on the internet can be difficult sometimes, that’s why we are here with reviews of best coolers for fishing on the market, as well as buyer’s guide for your convenience and right choice.

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Best Ski Bags 2019

  • Holds 26 cans
  • High ice retention
  • FatWall design
  • Strong construction
  • Weighs 23 pounds
  • Large carry handles
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Columbia PFG Hardbody Thermal Cooler

  • Compartment options
  • Weighs 2 pounds
  • Highly portable
  • Various handles
  • Carrying options
  • Versatile design
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ENGEL USA Cooler/Dry Box

  • Four rod holders
  • EVA gasket
  • 19-quart size
  • Weighs 7 pounds
  • 5-year warranty
  • Long ice retention
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Coleman Quart Heavy-Duty Super Cooler

  • 6-day ice retention
  • Lockable design
  • Additional features
  • Two size options
  • Low-profile latches
  • Various color options
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EchoSmile 75 QT White Ice Chest

  • 75-quart capacity
  • Wheels attached
  • 5-day ice retention
  • Recessed cup holders
  • Durable construction
  • Weighs 34 pounds
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The Original Boozie Bucket – Bait Bucket/Cooler System

  • Backpack design
  • 3-parts
  • MOLLE system
  • Stylish design
  • Weighs 8 pounds
  • UV and water resistant
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REYLEO Cooler

  • Durable construction
  • 5-day ice retention
  • 21-quart size
  • Low profile latches
  • Weighs 17.2 pounds
  • Quick-release drain plug
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Product

Best Ski Bags 2019

  • Holds 26 cans
  • High ice retention
  • FatWall design
  • Strong construction
  • Weighs 23 pounds
  • Large carry handles
Check The Latest Price!

Columbia PFG Hardbody Thermal Cooler

  • Compartment options
  • Weighs 2 pounds
  • Highly portable
  • Various handles
  • Carrying options
  • Versatile design
Check The Latest Price!

ENGEL USA Cooler/Dry Box

  • Four rod holders
  • EVA gasket
  • 19-quart size
  • Weighs 7 pounds
  • 5-year warranty
  • Long ice retention
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Coleman Quart Heavy-Duty Super Cooler

  • 6-day ice retention
  • Lockable design
  • Additional features
  • Two size options
  • Low-profile latches
  • Various color options
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EchoSmile 75 QT White Ice Chest

  • 75-quart capacity
  • Wheels attached
  • 5-day ice retention
  • Recessed cup holders
  • Durable construction
  • Weighs 34 pounds
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The Original Boozie Bucket – Bait Bucket/Cooler System

  • Backpack design
  • 3-parts
  • MOLLE system
  • Stylish design
  • Weighs 8 pounds
  • UV and water resistant
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REYLEO Cooler

  • Durable construction
  • 5-day ice retention
  • 21-quart size
  • Low profile latches
  • Weighs 17.2 pounds
  • Quick-release drain plug
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Having the best fishing cooler is vital if you want to keep your catch fresh. Without one, your fish would quickly lose its taste, and it would be a waste of your time and effort. Here we will look into the best products on the market so you can pick the best fishing cooler for you.

YETI Tundra 45 Cooler

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YETI is one of the biggest names in the cooler market and for a perfect reason. They produced some of the best coolers available. Their Tundra 45 model is no different as it delivers all the features you need.

This is a cooler that has a high capacity as it can hold a recommended 26 cans with to 2:1 ice to contents ratio. It is going to be able to hold a large amount of fish, giving you the opportunity to have plenty of catches before you have to head back.

That is helped by the incredible ice retention that it has, and your ice can remain solid for 2-3 days, depending on how many times you open the lid. That is due to their ‘FatWall’ design that has 3 inches of insulation that prevents any heat transfer.

Another significant aspect of this product is the level of durability that it has. YETI market their coolers as ‘bear-resistant’ and they really do have that level of durability with their rotomolded construction.

That will give you a high level of confidence when you are out there fishing, and that will be helped by the incredibly strong latches that it has. The quick draining system that it has and the easy to carry handles it has also added to the usability of the product.

It has an empty weight of 23 pounds which takes some effort to carry, but it’s not too heavy. Another significant aspect of YETI coolers is that they come in a variety of designs and colors, allowing you to pick the ones that best suits you.

PROS:
  • Large capacity
  • Great ice retention
  • Highly durable
  • Build quality

CONS:
  • Quite heavy

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Columbia PFG Hardbody Thermal Cooler

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Are you looking to carry both bait and drinks on your fishing trip? If so, then this might just be the perfect product. It has a unique design that all comes in a stylish bag that is going to be able to hold a range of different items.

The unique aspect of this product from Columbia is that it has two different compartments that have a good level of insulation. That will allow you to either separate your bait and fish or you could separate your fish and snacks/drinks, whichever you prefer.

That gives the cooler a high level of versatility which means that you are going to be able to take it on a wide variety of different adventures. That is helped by the ease of carrying it as the product just weighs 2 pounds, making it highly portable.

That portability comes at a price though as it means that the ice retention isn’t great, but it should still be able to last for a good few hours. Draining the bag isn’t very easy too when compared to the hard coolers that we have featured.

There are some different size options available depending on your requirements, and they all come in a bag that has two side handles for a two-person carry but also a shoulder strap that is going to allow anyone to take it from one place to another easily.

PROS:
  • Two compartments
  • Stylish design
  • Easy to carry
  • Multiple size options

CONS:
  • Hard to drain

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ENGEL USA Cooler/Dry Box

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Do you need somewhere to keep your rods? With its simple but effective design that is going to be able to give you the performance that you are looking for without the thrills that other products try to provide.

The aspect that makes this such a good boat fish box cooler is that it has models that come with four rod holders. That’s ideal for anyone looking to fish onshore where they don’t usually have anywhere to be able to place their gear.

There are also options available without the fishing rod holders for those going on the likes of a boat adventure where that isn’t going to be an issue. It gives you the ability to choose between the two, whichever is going to suit your needs.

The airtight EVA gasket around the lid is going to ensure that nothing comes out and also that it has a decent level of ice retention. This is a 19-quart box that just weighs 7 pounds, and therefore it’s going to be easy to carry to any place you need to be.

That is helped by the recessed handle that it has, but it also comes with an adjustable shoulder strap too for easy carrying. The cooler box also comes with a 5-year warranty which will give you reassurances that you are getting a quality product.

PROS:
  • Rod holders available
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to carry
  • Long warranty

CONS:
  • Ice retention

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Coleman Quart Heavy-Duty Super Cooler

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Coleman is another company who has a good reputation, and this is a highly rated Coleman boat cooler. It has a high level of usability but also a design that is attractive and will enable easy transportation of the cooler.

One of the most remarkable features of this cooler is the level of ice retention that it has. It is able to keep ice for up to 6 days at temperatures of 90 degrees Fahrenheit which makes it ideal for those long fishing trips where you might be away for a few days.

The handles on this product are quite innovative too as they also double up as security attachment points. Not only can you threat a padlock through the handles to keep your contents secure but you can also use the holes to tie the cooler down and prevent it from moving around a boat.

A fun feature of the handle section is that it contains a bottle opener too if you wanted to enjoy a beer while you were fishing. The handles themselves are made from durable rope and give you an easy carry.

There are alsosome other useful features with this cooler as it has catch-free latches that slot into the cooler to prevent them from sticking out and it can be easily drained too. It is available in two sizes of either 55 quarts or 85 quarts.

The smaller model weighs 35 pounds, and the larger version weighs 43 pounds, giving them considerable weight. Overall it’s an impressive model and one that is available in three color options of white, red and dusk.

PROS:
  • Incredible ice retention
  • Can be secured
  • Catch-free latches
  • Rope handles

CONS:
  • Drain valve can leak

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EchoSmile 75 QT White Ice Chest

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Are you looking for the best value for money? If so, this could be perfect for you. This is another highly rated product and one that comes in a wide range of sizes, which allows you to pick the perfect one for your fishing trip but their 75-quart model is a great size and shape for most fishing needs. It comes in a simple white design and delivers a high level of build quality.

One feature that helps to separate this product from the competition is that it has two wheels on it, allowing you to drag it along like a suitcase. This will be ideal for many people, especially though who can on traveling on their own.

It has a good level of ice retention and is going to be able to keep it solid for at least 5 days. This will help to keep your catch fresh for a long time while you are out there and is a match for the other great models out there on the market.

This is also good for those who like to enjoy a drink with their fishing trip too as it has a bottle holder as well as to recessed cup holders in the lid, allowing you to have a safe place to store your drink while you are trying to reel in that fish.

Cleaning can be a burden with any coolers but especially fishing coolers. This is a product that does light work of that as the plug easily releases and excess water and the walls of the cooler are very easy to wipe down without leaving an odor.

PROS:
  • Wheels for easy transport
  • Easy to clean
  • High level of durability
  • Great value for money

CONS:
  • The plug can be hard to open

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The Original Boozie Bucket – Bait Bucket/Cooler System

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This is a slightly different model as this is a model that you’re going to be able to carry on your back and take to wherever you need. For those looking to take live bait, this could be exactly what you’re looking for.

There are three parts to this product as it has a cooler bag, a bucket, and a lid to keep the cool in. This is not going to have the ice retention of the other models that we have looked at here, but it is going to be able to keep your catch cool on a day trip.

This product was designed though for those looking to take either live bait to their favorite fishing spot or for those who just want to take drinks and snacks out with them. For both uses, this is an excellent product.

Another advantageous aspect of this product is that it has pockets to allow you to store any fishing items that might be required. It also has a MOLLE system which will enable you to attach larger pieces of fishing gear to the bag.

It is a very attractive looking cooler that comes in a few different color options. It’s easy to carry with the shoulder strap that it has. It only weighs 8 pounds, and therefore it’s not going to give you the same level of strain as other coolers in this list.

Cleaning this product is also very easy too as it is machine washable. It has a high level of durability, and that is helped by the fact that it is both UV and water resistant. Overall this is an ideal cooler for those looking for a lighter and more portable option.

PROS:
  • Ideal for carrying the bait
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to carry
  • Machine washable

CONS:
  • Low ice retention

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REYLEO Cooler

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In terms of ratings, they don’t get much better than this Reyleo cooler that is challenging the most high-profile brands for the best fishing cooler on the market. Not only does it have great styling but also a great level of features too.

If you take one look at this product, the first word that would probably come into your head would be durability. It looks like it could survive the biggest of impacts. If that is your first thought, then the reality doesn’t disappoint.

It has a rotomolded construction that is going to be resistant to heavy impacts, and it is insulated with polyurethane foam that is going to be able to add to that strength. It is resistant to UV rays, therefore you don’t have to worry about sun damage either.

To go with that durability, it also has an impressive level of ice retention as it is going to be able to keep it solid for up to 5 days depending on conditions. It has a 21-quart size which is going to be able to store 30 cans without any ice included.

There are also some great additional features on this product too. For example it has a bottle opener included on it, a cup holder and latches that are low profile to prevent anything catching. The drain plug is very easy to use for when you need to drain the water from it.

It also has a ruler on the top to be able to measure your catch which a lot of anglers will find very useful. Overall this is a product that is going to be able to compete with the biggest brands in quality, ice retention, and durability. It’s also lighter than a lot of other models too at just 17.2 pounds.

PROS:
  • Incredible tough
  • Useful features
  • Great ice retention
  • Large handle

CONS:
  • Lid closure requires effort

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Buyers Guide

Weight

When considering the weight of the cooler, it’s not just the weight of the product that you have to take into consideration but also the loaded weight too. The combined figure is something that you have to be able to cope with.

It can all add up to a highly significant weight that can be difficult to carry, especially for one person. There is often a direct correlation to a higher weight meaning a higher level of ice retention Therefore you have to decide which is going to be the most important to you.

If you’re worried about weight, then it’s a good idea to test a household item that is of similar weight and see whether or not it is comfortable for you. If it’s not, then it’d probably be the best idea to get a small boat cooler instead of the bigger one.

Capacity

The last thing that you want is to be packing your fishing cooler only to find that you don’t have the space that you need. As we have seen already here, there is usually a compromise that has to be made between different cooler features.

The higher capacity, generally the higher the weight of the cooler if you want both a high capacity with a lower weight then you will need to look for a cooler with a lower level of insulation. There aren’t any coolers out there that are lightweight, with a high capacity and exceptional ice retention.

When it comes to capacity, this is often given in quarts which is a quarter of a gallon and just over a liter. If you struggle to imagine these units of measurements, then most coolers will mention how many cans they will be able to hold.

Material

Due to the environment they will be in, all coolers need to have a high level of durability. In terms of the box coolers, they will be made with highly durable plastic and often the best way to do that is via rotational molding that gives it a great deal of strength.

Coolers are insulated in a different way to a Thermos flask as vacuum insulation isn’t really feasible on a large scale as plastic wouldn’t be able to cope with the pressure. Instead, these products generally use polyurethane or polystyrene.

That is able to give it a high level of insulation with some models using more than others. Smaller soft fish coolers will often have a small layer or insulation or will have a foil to make them more usable and easier to carry.

Ice retention time

When it comes to any cooler product, ice retention is going to be a vital issue. With a marine ice chests though, it’s even more important if you are going to be on a long weekend trip where you want to keep everything as fresh as possible.

Is ice retention that important to you? If you are going for a day trip, then you wouldn’t need the highest level of retention. Instead, you could go for a cooler that has less insulation and has either a larger capacity or is easy to carry.

This really is going to be a personal preference depending on your needs. If you want to keep the ice in your cooler solid for up to 5 days or more, then you are going to need a high-end product that has thick walls and significant weight.

Extra Features

Extra features are always great to have on any product, and that is the same for a fishing cooler. Are you planning on taking some beers? Well if you care, then there are a lot of heavy duty marine coolers that have a bottle opener and also places on the lid where you’ll be able to put your drinks.

Added to that, another useful feature that we have seen are fishing coolers on wheels. While this can be great for some, if you need to get your cooler cover rough or slow ground, then this isn’t really going to be much of a benefit.

There are other features that you should look out for too. Recessed handles can be useful for storage but can make the cooler more difficult to carry. Low profile latches are a great idea as these will prevent your skin or your clothes catching on them. Coolers with rod holders can also make your fishing experience much easier.

Final thoughts

As with any product, it’s important that you take your own needs into consideration. Are you planning on storing your catch to keep it fresh? Do you just want to take some beers and snacks? Are you taking live bait?

These are all questions that will lead you to the answer of which cooler is best for you and we’ve covered all options here. All the products that we have looked at today are of the highest quality, and all that you have to do is to choose your favorite one and head out on your fishing adventure.

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TOP 7 Best Fishing Coolers of 2022 – Reviews
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  1. Reply
    Alex March 26, 2020 at 1:06 pm

    Hi, I’m looking for a cooler for fishing, but not a boat cooler, I’ll have to carry it around without transport. Could you advise me one?

    • Reply
      Alex Sidei March 26, 2020 at 2:09 pm

      Hi Alex, then you’d better take the boozie bucket, it’s convenient to carry around, it’s not that heavy and has a shoulder strap. But you should notice that it has a bit lower ice retention.

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