Thanks for the help.
What determines is a bait is "shelf life" or "frozen" ?
Is it the make up of the initial mix?
A 'frozen bait' is just a standard bait made using commercial base mixes or your own recipe, with (usually) eggs to bind it. They are mixed, rolled and boiled for a certain time, then left for a couple of hours to cool and dry. They are usually then bagged up in polythene bags and need freezing, otherwise they will go off, turn mouldy etc. if left for more than a few days.
Conversely, a 'Shelf life' bait is one that has had a preservative of some sort added at the mixing stage, then made in the same way as the 'frozen' type. However, they obviously do not need freezing, because the preservative delays the decaying process. Depending on the type and amount of preservative used, they will last last for anything from a few weeks up to a year
eek
without the need to freeze.
The preservatives are available from bait ingredient suppliers, such as C.C.Moores. There was a lot of controversy some years back in carp fishing circles over fish deaths attributed to over use of bait preservatives. One can only hope that these days the preservatives supplied by reputable dealers, when used as directed...are not harmful to fish.
The alternative is to air dry your bait. Once cooked, lay the baits in a single layer on mesh racks and allow to dry, preferably in a cool, dry room. Leave for a week or so, then store in cool, dry conditions in a NON airtight bag. NOT polythene or similar. These baits will then last for several weeks, even months, if kept cool and dry. They can be rehydrated before use, by soaking for a short time in water, either flavoured...or some that has been used to boil hemp...or plain lake water. Do this in small batches as required for immediate use...or just use as they are, as you prefer.
Hope that helps Andy.
Cheers, Dave.
