
Joe Koehly, senior director of community marketing for Yeti, notes that hard-sided coolers can double as a seat, table or casting platform. Look for coolers made from high-quality materials such as rotomolded plastic, which provides excellent impact resistance, insulation and durability. DurabilityĪ fishing cooler should be sturdy and durable enough to withstand the rigors of outdoor use.

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. Consider the amount of food, beverages or catch you typically carry, as well as the available space on your boat or vehicle. The size and capacity that’s right for you will depend on your needs. Look for coolers with thick insulation, preferably with high-density foam or pressure-injected insulation, as these provide better temperature retention. Insulation quality is perhaps the most important variable you should consider. When the time comes to invest in a fishing cooler, consider the following variables that will influence your options. What To Consider When Investing In A Fishing Cooler And finally, I also talked to cooler product designers and engineers to better understand what they look for in a good fishing cooler. 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. I researched various cooler options and cross-referenced my personal experience with that of various angler professionals.

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 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. 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.

Contributor How We Chose The Best Fishing Coolers
