A fishy smell in a livewell usually comes from organic residue left behind after a trip. Fish slime, scales, waste, bait fragments, and stagnant water can collect in corners, drains, screens, and plumbing. If they are not removed promptly, bacteria can break them down and make the odor stronger.
The most effective approach is to drain the livewell completely, remove visible debris, clean every accessible surface, and rinse away all traces of the cleaner. Regular maintenance after each outing will also help prevent the smell from returning.
What you will need
- A bucket, siphon, or pump for removing water
- A hose with a spray nozzle
- A soft-bristle brush and sponge
- Baking soda, white vinegar, or a cleaner made for marine equipment
- Clean water for several thorough rinses
- Gloves, if preferred
Use a cleaner that is suitable for the livewell’s materials. If the well will be used for live fish, avoid leaving behind any chemical residue. Do not combine cleaning products, especially vinegar with disinfectants or products containing bleach. Follow the product label and the livewell or boat manufacturer’s instructions whenever they are available.
Step-by-step cleaning process
1. Turn off the system and drain the livewell
Switch off the aerator, pump, and any circulation equipment before starting. Drain the livewell fully using its normal drain, a pump, or a siphon. Removing all standing water is important because leftover water can keep odor-causing residue wet and allow the smell to linger.
Dispose of the water responsibly and in accordance with any local requirements. Once the well is empty, remove scales, bait, waste, weeds, and other loose material by hand or with a sponge.
2. Inspect corners, fittings, and screens
Fish residue often remains in places that are easy to overlook. Check the bottom, corners, lid, overflow openings, drain fitting, intake screen, and any removable filter or screen. If these parts can be removed safely, take them out and clean them separately.
Use a soft brush rather than an abrasive pad that could scratch the surface. Scratches can make it easier for residue to collect and may make future cleaning more difficult.
3. Apply a mild odor-removing cleaner
For a simple cleaning solution, use baking soda mixed with enough water to form a spreadable paste. Apply it to the affected surfaces, then gently scrub the interior with a soft brush or sponge. Baking soda can help absorb and neutralize fish odors while loosening residue.
White vinegar diluted with water is another option for cleaning an empty livewell. A marine-specific, biodegradable cleaner may be more appropriate when the smell is heavy or organic material has dried onto the surfaces. Use only one cleaning method at a time, and never mix products.
4. Clean the plumbing and accessories
Washing the visible tank may not be enough if the odor is coming from the drain hose, pump area, intake screen, or filter. Flush accessible lines with clean water and scrub removable screens and fittings. Avoid forcing tools into plumbing where they could damage seals or connections.
If the livewell has a filter or removable component, check whether the manufacturer provides separate cleaning instructions. A trapped piece of bait or fish waste can continue producing odor even after the main compartment looks clean.
5. Rinse several times and dry completely
Rinse the livewell thoroughly with a hose, directing water into corners, fittings, and drain openings. Drain it completely, then rinse again. Repeat until there is no visible residue and no noticeable smell from the cleaning solution.
Leave the lid open and allow the livewell to air-dry fully before closing it or storing the boat. Drying helps prevent the damp conditions that allow organic residue and odor to persist.
How to prevent the smell from returning
- Drain and rinse the livewell after every fishing trip.
- Remove fish waste, scales, slime, bait, and weeds as soon as possible.
- Clean screens, filters, drains, and accessible plumbing regularly.
- Keep the livewell ventilated while it is drying and during storage.
- While fishing, use the aeration and circulation system as intended and monitor the water for debris or stagnant conditions.
A quick rinse after each use can prevent a much more difficult cleanup later. A deeper cleaning is appropriate whenever residue remains visible or the odor continues after the first wash.
When cleaning does not solve the problem
If the fish smell remains after the tank, fittings, and accessible plumbing have been cleaned and dried, inspect for trapped residue, a blocked drain, contaminated hose, or another structural issue. Persistent odor may require a marine maintenance professional, particularly if you suspect a leak, damaged plumbing, or contamination in an inaccessible part of the system.
Keeping the livewell clean is not only a matter of comfort. Promptly removing waste and cleaning the system helps maintain a more suitable environment for fish and makes the equipment easier to use on the next trip.