catching and storing minnows etc

[fencekid]

i simply store them in zipplock bags in water and freeze. no salt, but no air bubbles either. when bagging them up, put the minnows in the bag under water, then seal underwater. this is the easiest way to keep the air out and water in. i keep 'em frozen till i need 'em. i have found them to get mushy once they have been thawed for an hour or so. i don't think they get mushy because they have been frozen, but because they get warm and thawed out. if you throw them on yer hook still frozen they work great so keeping them frozen till you use em is important. this also insures no extra minnows left over from a trip will go to waste. one 12 pack of minnows stored in a small cooler will melt fairley quickley. a small cooler packed with 12 dozen minnows will stay frozen all day. we usualy still have frozen minnows when we return home, after a days trip. back into the freezer they go. warm redsides = mushy and ruined redsides. and i have also found chub minnows are more durable and easy to work with, and can take more abuse. i have already blazed through 10 dozen of last years catch this spring out at the mudpuddle. and with 15 dozen left, looks like i'll be back up at scofield, cast net in hand, right on time this year. laters
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