05-18-2008, 12:01 PM
[cool][#0000ff]When I freeze my chubs I freeze them with just a bit of water in a small plastic bag. I squeeze out all the excess water, but also ALL the air bubbles. It prevents freezer burn and I have been using minnows over a year old lately that are still almost like fresh dead when I thaw them.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I suspect that you might be using shiner minnows, rather than chubs. I quit even trying to freeze shiners. They are great when fresh dead but as soon as they get frozen their flesh turns to mush. I have tried salting them, vacuum freezing and just about everything. They are still too soft when thawed.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]However, you can sometimes get a mushy shiner to remain on the hook long enough for ONE bite, by hooking them near the tail and wrapping the hook point around the spine as you impale them.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Another trick is to keep the minnows frozen until you use them. Put them on the hook slightly stiff and you can cast them without losing them. They will thaw enough to attract fish within a short time in warmer water.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I suspect that you might be using shiner minnows, rather than chubs. I quit even trying to freeze shiners. They are great when fresh dead but as soon as they get frozen their flesh turns to mush. I have tried salting them, vacuum freezing and just about everything. They are still too soft when thawed.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]However, you can sometimes get a mushy shiner to remain on the hook long enough for ONE bite, by hooking them near the tail and wrapping the hook point around the spine as you impale them.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Another trick is to keep the minnows frozen until you use them. Put them on the hook slightly stiff and you can cast them without losing them. They will thaw enough to attract fish within a short time in warmer water.[/#0000ff]
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