12-19-2014, 05:47 PM
[#0000FF]Thanks. I HAVE written a couple of books. One on float tubing and one on Utah Lake. But not looking to get rich on my writing. Most of what I put together is to help others and I am happy it helps. Here are a couple more writeups.
Can chubs be processed the same way as perch? Yes and no. You can certainly freeze them...or buy them frozen...and then pre-cut them into bait sized pieces...and salt and "flavor" them. Only problem is that most minnows get soft after being frozen. However, some minnow fans salt them heavily before freezing and that removes some moisture and firms them up a bit.
Redside shiners and fathead minnows are the worst for being softened by freezing. Chubs are better but are still not as firm after freezing as they are fresh-dead.
If you plan to use previously frozen chubs, it is better to take them along while still frozen. Then keep them at least semi frozen while fishing. Take out only one or two at a time and cut them into bait size pieces with a good sturdy pair of kitchen shears or a sharp knife while they are firm. That cuts them more evenly with less smashing. Once on the hook and sent down to the fish they thaw quickly but are still firm enough to stay on the hook for at least one strike. But if you miss the strike you will usually have to get a "rebait". Still, better to have been bit and lost than never to have been bit at all.
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Can chubs be processed the same way as perch? Yes and no. You can certainly freeze them...or buy them frozen...and then pre-cut them into bait sized pieces...and salt and "flavor" them. Only problem is that most minnows get soft after being frozen. However, some minnow fans salt them heavily before freezing and that removes some moisture and firms them up a bit.
Redside shiners and fathead minnows are the worst for being softened by freezing. Chubs are better but are still not as firm after freezing as they are fresh-dead.
If you plan to use previously frozen chubs, it is better to take them along while still frozen. Then keep them at least semi frozen while fishing. Take out only one or two at a time and cut them into bait size pieces with a good sturdy pair of kitchen shears or a sharp knife while they are firm. That cuts them more evenly with less smashing. Once on the hook and sent down to the fish they thaw quickly but are still firm enough to stay on the hook for at least one strike. But if you miss the strike you will usually have to get a "rebait". Still, better to have been bit and lost than never to have been bit at all.
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