The best fishing coolers are at the heart of any successful fishing trip. Sure, you need rods and reels, lures and nets, but a cooler serves as a home base for every angler. It’s where you go for eggs and bacon in the morning and cold drinks throughout the day, and it’s the best place to store your catch. For that reason, a fishing cooler isn’t necessarily the same as a traditional cooler or even a beach cooler for that matter. It has to be portable, durable and stout enough to hold ice for multiple days, but it should also double as a seat on the boat, a table at camp and a footrest after a long day in boots and waders. Put simply, your fishing cooler should be more than a nondescript cooler.
Keep your catch cold for hours with one of the best fishing coolers.
Illustration: Forbes/Photo: Retailer
There are more coolers on the market these days than there are trout in the local stocked pond. You can’t cast a line without hitting some new cooler that promises to keep your food and drinks cold for eternity. That’s why we’ve taken the time to suss out the best fishing coolers that blend durability, portability, insulation and value, putting top models through the wringer to see how well they maintain their keep.
Whether you’re heading out for an afternoon at the local lake or a week-long float trip down the Green River, this collection of coolers will hold ice and stand up to the abuse that comes with a fishing trip. And if you’re in need of advice and insights, keep reading to learn more about fishing coolers and hear from Joe Koehly, Yeti’s senior director of community marketing.
Dimensions: 25.6 x 15.9 x 15.5 inches | Capacity: 35 quarts | Weight: 24.6 pounds
It comes as no surprise that Yeti finds its way to the top of our fishing coolers lineup. The Texas brand has dominated the cooler market for years, and while the Tundra 45 isn’t perfect, it is the best option for most anglers. With enough space for 54 cans or 37 pounds of ice, it’s plenty big enough for weekend outings, and Yeti’s premium insulation keeps contents cold for days on end. While Yeti doesn’t ship the cooler with add-ons and it stands out for being the priciest option on this list, you know what you’re getting when you pick up a Yeti, and that peace of mind speaks volumes.
Best Budget Fishing Cooler
Save Money For Other Equipment
Amazon
Igloo BMX Ice Chest
Dimensions: 19.6 x 13.3 x 15.7 inches | Capacity: 25 quarts | Weight: 10.3 pounds
If you’re an angler on a budget, then the heavy-duty Igloo BMX Ice Chest is a solid way to save money without sacrificing on ice retention. The durable, blown-molded, reinforced base holds ice for up to four days thanks to 20% thicker insulation and an insulated lid. The molded base is elevated to keep your ice and contents away from the heat while UV-resistant materials help the cooler withstand hours of exposure. The rubberized T-grip latches secure any and all contents while rust-resistant, stainless-steel hinges and hardware extend the performance. Often on sale for less than $100, this is the best cooler you can buy for less.
Best Soft-Sided Fishing Cooler
Keep Contents Cold Without Taking Up Space
Amazon
Yeti Hopper Flip 18
Dimensions: 17.7 x 11.5 x 12.8 inches | Capacity: 18 quarts | Weight: 4.5 pounds
The Hopper Flip 18 is a versatile cooler that will perform equally well whether you’re casting from the shore or a boat. The 18 (which speaks to the internal capacity in quarts) is the largest of the Hopper Flip cooler series that will fit up to 30 cans without ice or 28 pounds of ice, which means it will work great for a couple of days on the water. It features Yeti’s signature ColdCell Insulation to preserve food and drink, and it also has a heavy-duty hydro-lock zipper that ensures the cold stays in and the heat stays out. Even though it is a soft cooler, the DryHide shell and HitchPoint Grid combine to create a heavy-duty, versatile exterior that stands up to rocks, sand and dirt. Clip on the shoulder strap to haul your catch home after a long day on the water.
Best Lightweight Hard-Sided Fishing Cooler
Save Your Strength For Fishing
Amazon
RTIC Ultra-Light Cooler
Dimensions: 27.3 x 17.3 x 17 inches | Capacity: 52 quarts | Weight: 21 pounds
All the plastic, insulation and hard-wearing materials that define hard-sided coolers can make them a tad bit heavy, but if you picked up RTIC Ultra-Light Cooler, the first thing that might surprise you is its sheer lack of weight. With enough space for 70 cans of your favorite beverage or 60 pound of ice, it’s bigger in size than the aforementioned Yeti Tundra 45 but RTIC somehow manages to make it nearly 4 pounds lighter than the Tundra (21 pounds versus 24.6 pounds). And yet, in spite of its featherweight design, the Ultra-Light Cooler can still keep goods cold for days on end thanks to premium insulation, and clever features, like comfy hauling handles, grippy rubber feet and tie-down slots, add to its appeal. For less than $200, RTIC’s take on the roto-molded cooler presents a really great value if you’re in the market for a durable ice chest that won’t weigh you down or break the bank.
Best Fishing Cooler For Easy Access
Dump Ice In And Drain Water Out
Amazon
OtterBox Trooper 20
Dimensions: 14.3 x 17.5 x 10.3 inches | Capacity: 20 quarts | Weight: 6.5 pounds
If you’d rather not fumble with rubber T-latches and plastic clasps when trying to get your cooler open, then you’ll appreciate the ease of access that defines the Otterbox Trooper. Simply click the latch and “boom”—there’s a large wide-mouth opening with streamlined access to ice, food and drinks. While OtterBox may be best known for its phone cases, don’t overlook this capable little chilly bin. In addition to its 20-quart capacity, the Trooper has exterior pockets for fishing gear and a built-in bottle opener, which will coem in handy more times than you can count. For a weekend fishing trip, the Trooper will do the job and let you return home with a cooler full of fresh fish.
Best Multi-Day Fishing Cooler
Keep Cool For Days
MOST POPULAR
Dometic
Dometic Patrol 55
Dimensions: 29.8 x 18.8 x 16.4 inches | Capacity: 57 quarts | Weight: 33 pounds
Dometic may be best known for its electric coolers that occupy countertops and corners in vans, but its line of Patrol coolers offers anglers a solid option from a brand known for its cooling prowess. The Patrol 55 is ideal for those looking to head out on a multi-day fishing trip—its 43-can capacity will hold not just drinks and food, but also ice while leaving room for fish. The cooler includes a dry tray for items that need to stay out of the ice melt and easy-to-carry rope handles make hauling the cooler a breeze. Rubber clasps make it easy to open and close the lid, and it has a large drain spout that empties the cooler of excess liquid when it’s time to head home. This cooler held ice for several days in the hot desert during testing, so it will work well for fishing.
Best Fishing Cooler Made In America
Fish Local Buy Local
Amazon
Orca 26
Dimensions: 16.5 x 12.3 x 10 inches inches | Capacity: 25 quarts | Weight: 25 pounds
If you’re in the market for an American-made cooler, Orca’s got you covered as evidenced by the USA flag found on every cooler they produce. Keeping manufacturing stateside is important to anglers as well as Orca, so if you’re looking to support localized efforts, this is cooler to buy. The 26-quart Orca is perfect for a float trip or a long week at the lake. With a durable roto-molded exterior, the interior insulation will retain ice and stay cold for up to 10 days. The extendable flex-grip handles make it easy to carry, and there’s even a cargo net attachment on the back for fly boxes or bait storage. Pro-tip: this cooler seals so well that if you go up in elevation, the lid will airlock in place. Just pop the drain to release the pressure for easy opening.
I regularly use and test coolers on fishing trips across the country, so when the time came to test coolers on behalf of Forbes Vetted, I was well prepared. I tested many of these coolers in the deserts of Utah, where ice retention matters most as coolers (and their contents) spend hours baking under the sun. And when I couldn’t directly test a specific cooler, I relied on research, expert advice and independent reviews to gain useful insights that helped me determine if a cooler was fit for inclusion.
I researched various cooler options and cross-referenced my personal experience with that of various angler professionals. I also performed in-depth research on product specs, dimensions, insulation technology and unique features that set these fishing coolers apart from the rest to ensure this list encompasses the best of the best. And finally, I also talked to cooler product designers and engineers to better understand what they look for in a good fishing cooler.
What To Consider When Investing In A Fishing Cooler
When the time comes to invest in a fishing cooler, consider the following variables that will influence your options.
Insulation
Insulation quality is perhaps the most important variable you should consider. Look for coolers with thick insulation, preferably with high-density foam or pressure-injected insulation, as these provide better temperature retention.
Size And Capacity
The size and capacity that’s right for you will depend on your needs. Consider the amount of food, beverages or catch you typically carry, as well as the available space on your boat or vehicle. I recommend trying to strike a balance between capacity and portability because, ultimately, every pound you add to the cooler is another pound you have to carry.
Durability
A fishing cooler should be sturdy and durable enough to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. Look for coolers made from high-quality materials such as rotomolded plastic, which provides excellent impact resistance, insulation and durability. Joe Koehly, senior director of community marketing for Yeti, notes that hard-sided coolers can double as a seat, table or casting platform. For anglers on the move, Koehly recommends soft cooler options that remain durable but take up less space.
Carrying Options
Consider the cooler's handle design and carrying options that will influence its convenience factor. Look for coolers with sturdy, ergonomic handles, as well as additional features like side handles, shoulder straps or wheels.
Drainage System
A reliable drainage system makes it easy to clean your cooler and get rid of melted ice or water. Look for coolers with integrated drain plugs or spigots that allow for quick and effortless drainage without tilting the cooler over.
Additional Features
From built-in cup holders to cutting boards to fish rulers and tie-down points, additional features will enhance your fishing experience. While these may not be requirements for most anglers, they certainly add to the value of a cooler, especially if it’s expensive.
