External Hopper(s)

 

 

Let me first explain what I mean by 'External Hoppers".  These are probably the most basic type (rarely used on commercially available bait boats) and used on many DIY type projects. I used external hoppers on my previous projects and they take the form of an external container (either on the top, back or sides of the boat) which either tips up/over or has a release hatch underneath to drop it's cointents.

 

Although these methods undoubtedly work (they worked for me) I think they always look a bit botched.  Some examples below (thanks to Google Image search).  No disrespect implied or intented to these.  One of the drawbacks with using external hoppers, aside from the overall look, is that it becomes very difficult to prevent water from getting into the mechanism.  Pushrods and catches are exposed to rain and in some cases, the lake itself which means there is a danger of getting your electronics wet.