In a first embodiment, a top-emptying bailer has a cylindrical filter positioned within a hollow interior of the bailer. A bottom, leading end of the filter is capped by an imperforate bottom fitting having an insert that fits into the hollow interior of the filter. The top, trailing end of the filter receives a cylindrical insert that together with the imperforate bottom fitting insert helps hold the filter open as liquid fluid flows into it. The filter is preferably formed of polypropylene. The bailer is inverted so that liquid fluid in the hollow interior of the bailer is constrained to flow through the filter before it exits the trailing end of the bailer. In a second embodiment, the filter is positioned at the leading end of the bailer and the bailer is emptied from the bottom.