Livewell - Aerator Heads, Fittings, Connectors

What Are Livewell Aerator Heads, Fittings & Connectors?

For any angler who wants to bring home a healthy catch — or keep live bait active all day — a well-functioning livewell system is essential. At the heart of that system are the aerator heads, fittings, and connectors that direct, control, and distribute water throughout the tank. These components may look small, but they do critical work: aerator spray heads oxygenate the water as it enters the livewell, thru-hull connectors route water cleanly through the transom or hull, and strainer fittings keep debris, fish scales, and grit from clogging your pump and plumbing.

Whether you're replacing a worn-out spray head, re-plumbing a baitwell, or building out a new livewell setup from scratch, choosing the right combination of parts makes the difference between a tank that keeps fish alive and one that stresses or kills them before you reach the dock.

Key Components to Know

• Aerator spray heads — Mount inside the livewell tank wall and direct water in a fine spray pattern to maximize surface agitation and oxygen transfer. Available in single-valve, double-valve, adjustable, and non-adjustable styles.
• Thru-hull connectors — Provide a watertight passage for hose runs through the transom, bulkhead, or livewell wall. Commonly available in straight and 90-degree configurations to accommodate tight installations.
• Strainers and filters — Mesh or dome-style screens that attach to pump inlets or thru-hull fittings to prevent trash, scales, and debris from entering the pump and causing premature wear.
• Overflow drain tubes and fittings — Maintain proper water level in the livewell by allowing excess water to exit the tank while retaining fish. Available in screw-in and push-in styles to match different tank designs.
• Hose barbs, adapters, and valve assemblies — Connect hose sections, change hose diameters, and provide on/off shutoff control within the plumbing circuit.

What to Consider When Shopping

Material durability is a top concern for marine plumbing. Look for components made from ABS plastic, acetal, or polypropylene — materials that resist corrosion and UV degradation in both fresh and saltwater environments. Fitting size is equally important: most livewell systems are built around 3/4-inch ID hose, but some larger systems use 1-inch or 1-1/8-inch lines. Always match the threading or barb diameter of the fitting to your existing hose and pump connections. If you're sourcing individual components to rebuild a system, baitwell plumbing kits from major brands bundle the most commonly replaced parts — overflow fittings, directional inlets, and drain plugs — into a single convenient package.

Top Brands in Livewell Aerator Heads, Fittings & Connectors

Johnson Pumps is one of the most recognized names in marine livewell systems. Their livewell aerating heads and accessories are engineered to pair seamlessly with their popular aerator pump lineup, and their components are well regarded among experienced anglers and marine professionals alike for long-lasting performance.

Seachoice offers a practical selection of livewell fittings and plumbing hardware, including stainless steel wire mesh strainers, thru-hull strainer mounts, and complete baitwell plumbing kits. Their all-in-one bait tank kit bundles an overflow fitting with filter, a directional inlet, and a drain plug — a convenient solution for a full baitwell plumbing refresh.

Attwood Marine brings a broad catalog of livewell fittings to the table, covering adjustable and non-adjustable aerator spray heads, thru-hull connectors in straight and 90-degree configurations, and durable strainers in acetal and polypropylene construction. Their components are designed with precise thread compatibility to work with a wide range of aerator pump systems.