Vacuum Sealing bait

[OldTimer]

Hi,

I was given a Foodsaver vacuum sealer this Xmas.

Other than the obvious uses with our “food”, I look forward to trying out this preservation method on cut-bait and minnows – to see if it provides a higher quality fishing bait after months in the freezer.

Has anyone out there tried this and have any helpful advice on methods and best procedures?

Cheers,

OldTimer

[MuskieBait]

Have not try it...but friends of mine use it to package and freeze mackerel for bait and they like it.

Advice...

Keep fish whole rather than pre-cut. They will last even longer and thaw in better shape.

Don't over pack the bags. You need a good margin for a proper vacuum and a proper sealing.

Portion out what you think is a reasonable amount of bait for a day of fishing and package them in separate bags. Freeze-thaw cycles degrade bait quality and freshness.

Other than that...it's fairly basic.

[OldTimer]

(01-05-2015 05:05 PM)MuskieBait Wrote:  Have not try it...but friends of mine use it to package and freeze mackerel for bait and they like it.

Advice...

Keep fish whole rather than pre-cut. They will last even longer and thaw in better shape.

Don't over pack the bags. You need a good margin for a proper vacuum and a proper sealing.

Portion out what you think is a reasonable amount of bait for a day of fishing and package them in separate bags. Freeze-thaw cycles degrade bait quality and freshness.

Other than that...it's fairly basic.

Thanks for the tips.

I'll post some reports on how I make out on this thread later this year.

OT

[ANONEEMUSKY]

Vacuum sealers work great for whole minnows or cut sucker/redhorse baits to be used for cats.

Used it last year and it worked out perfectly. No freezer burn at all.

Wished I had caught and frozen more as I ran out too early.

Tip - Make the packs up in outing size so not to waste.

P

[Geezer198040]

I have to get myself a vacuum sealer, where's a great spot to catch minnows in SW ontario

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...when is the prime time to get minnows