Dolphins fit easily into most offshore bags.

Just zip it up! Using a fish bag is that simple. Of course, you’ll have to add fish and ice. But, that’s all the technical know-how required to keep your catch fresh and cold. Tasty, too, no matter how big or small your boat.

Fish bags are handy tools. Once primarily utilized by tournament fishermen, these soft-side, portable coolers are becoming commonplace as more anglers add the bags to their must-have tackle list.

The history of fish bags is kinda vague, but general consensus has it that they first popped on the tournament king mackerel scene. Back then just like now, insulated fish bags filled the bill when storage space is at a premium and fish boxes aren’t large enough to accommodate your catch and you’re determined to keep your fish in top condition—fit for any dinner table or tournament weigh-in.

Construction-wise, bags seem fairly similar, although individual manufacturers are sure to disagree. Most have waterproof PVC or vinyl sides and interior compartments for repelling stains surrounded by some type of insulating material such as closed-cell foam to keep the chill in and the heat out. Generally, a heavy-duty zipper runs down three sides of the bag, which allows you to open it fully for cleaning. Some bags come equipped with drain plugs so you can vent excess water without unzipping and others “leak” melted ice water through the seams when tilted a hair. Webbed nylon hand and shoulder straps for easy carrying round out the package.

Bag lengths and widths vary, and this bodes well for anglers. Size selection allows you to pick a bag or bags tailored to the fish you catch. For instance, if you plan on packing one with spotted seatrout or rigged ballyhoo baits, a shorter, beamier bag is in order. On the other hand, if your prey is smoker king macks, bull dolphin or wahoo a longer, skinnier bag makes more sense. And, if you truly pursue big gamefish such as tuna, there are bags on the market made to accommodate your catch, up to 400 pounds if need be, that measure an expansive 40 by 84 inches when zipped. Billfish bags come even bigger and some are advertised to hold billfish weighing up to 1,200 pounds. Something to consider before heading out on the next swordfish expedition.

What advantages do bags offer over traditional coolers? First off, they’re convenient. You can stow bags below decks until needed or use one of the swifter tricks I’ve seen—hang ’em under the gunnel. All you need is a couple of J-hooks (rod racks will do if they match the bag’s handles) positioned to hang the bag vertically—zipper up—above deck. This keeps it handy and out of the way. If your gunnels aren’t high enough to hang the bag, don’t fret. A flats boat skipper said that storing a folded bag in a locker negates the need for carrying a second cooler to keep drinks and food separated from fish destined for the table. He just takes a bag of ice from the drink cooler, adds fish and leaves the bag stretched out on deck until he reaches the ramp. Then he totes the bag to the cleaning table. How’s that for utility?