Price advantage also goes to bags. Bags are generally cheaper than comparable capacity hard-side coolers. They’re also portable, important when transporting that 70-pound wahoo, 30-pound dolphin or 40-pound king to the weigh station or cleaning table. And, while you’re busy filleting, bags keep your fish cool, in peak condition. Retail prices do vary, so it pays to shop around for a bag that meets your needs. On average, bait and small fish bags start around $100 and models large enough to hold yellowfin and bigeye tuna run between $225 and $450. That 1,200-pound marlin or swordfish bag—two 5- by 9-foot bags that attach—will also set you back about $450.

Some folks seem amazed that anglers fishing aboard bigger boats employ bags when built-in fishboxes could easily accommodate the catch. One reason is that the bag protects fish by preventing them from receiving bruises and bangs caused by constant jostling in the hard-side box on the run home. Hence, soft bags keep your fish in better condition. Bags are also much easier to clean than your standard in-deck insulated box. Once you’ve removed the fish, just zip it completely open and give it a good scrubdown. Blood and scales rarely stick to slick fish bag material. After you finish, hang it up to dry. No clogged macerators to keep you occupied.

There are several ways to chill fish in a bag. The easiest and simplest is to use a couple bags of ice and replenish as necessary. You can also choose a bag that has sewn-in compartments that accommodate synthetic Techni Ice packets. This reusable dry ice substitute developed in Australia has many commercial food shipping applications and manufacturers advertise that bags equipped for the product can keep fish and bait cold for up to a week (for more info look up the product on the Web).

Bags do have one drawback—hooks. Never throw a thrashing hooked fish into a bag. That’s a recipe for disaster. Whenever a mad fish tosses a hook, it’s bound to snag the bag’s PVC or vinyl lining and ruin it. Don’t worry about king mackerel or wahoo dentures. To the best of my knowledge, there’s never been a report of fish chewing through a fish bag.

Some bag uses are not as plainly visible or advertised. They could be extremely valuable in emergency situations. That same R-factor that keeps cool in and heat out could be reversed to keep you warm if you use it as a blanket. Bags could also be used to flag passing vessels or for makeshift beds.

One more thing bound to please the fashion conscious: You can custom order most fish bags with your boat logo inscribed on the side. Besides looking good, no one will make the mistake of claiming your fish.

Bait bags are handy for travel.