We usually just make our bait patties right before we hit the ramp. Is it a good idea to make like a months supply of balls ahead of time and freeze them? Would they still work just as well? And yes, I have heard about bait binder…
Hunter P. Hames
11’ Tarpon 100
19’ Sea Fox 125 merc
Yak - I hope the freezing thing works. I had a trip planned last season that got rained out after I had mixed up all the bait. I pattied up the mix and froze it last year. I plan to take it on the first trip this year.
Kevin
1720 Sea Hunt w/ 90hp Yam
M’Ocean Sickness
I wonder if they have to thaw out before you drop them overboard so they don’t float?
They will not float and frozen bait balls works fine. A buddy of mine makes his entire season worth and freezes them in 20 count bags. When he goes shrimping he grabs a bag or two.
I usually freeze mine as well. The only downfall is…the ones you keep to throw out later after a couple hours of slow shrimping will be thawed and start falling apart. I will put mine in layers in a 5 gal bucket with plastic grocery bags in between the layers. At least the left overs are seperated and easier to mash back together. You won’t have such a big clumpy mess.
Key West 196;150 Yammie
Life Is Good…Gotta Love It!!!
PS…If you use that 5 gal bucket, don’t forget to cover it before trailering or riding in the boat. You will have a fish meal coating over the boat!! Talking from experience…
Key West 196;150 Yammie
Life Is Good…Gotta Love It!!!
You guys are making this too difficult…
Are you saying you will be coming out with pre-made baitballs? Ha Ha
When meal and clay were less than $25 and gas was $2+ a gallon, I never thought about keeping bait from one trip to the next; however, the economics have changed pretty dramatically in the last few years. I started freezing leftover balls in my bait freezer last year and never noticed any difference between fresh and frozen. I still don’t make 'em in advance, just don’t waste ones I already have.
If you’re lucky enough to live at the beach, you’re lucky enough.
The ones I froze last season cracked on the surface and when they thawed began to fall apart. I still used them, just kinda pattied them back up in my hand before dropping them in.
2013 Ranger Z21 Intracoastal 250 hp Yamaha VMAX SHO