{"product_id":"wasting-bait-on-the-beach-the-bait-bandit","title":"Wasting Bait On The Beach - The Bait Bandit","description":"\u003cp\u003eWASTING BAIT - ON THE BEACH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSo you're off to the beach, eh, looking forward to a good session. The wind is in the right direction, it's a high tide and there's excitement.\u003cbr\u003e\nMight have a good catch?.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGot your bait sorted out - what are you taking? Sand eels, mackerel fillets, maybe some muscles and, of course, who wouldn't take some squid. All of these will be frozen so you root out your freeze bag. In goes all your bait.\u003cbr\u003e\nNow you think, hang on a minute, have I got enough bait for my session?!? Hmmm, I'll just put a few more packets in my freeze bag. \u003cbr\u003e\nHappy now? Good. Off you go then.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eHow was it? Did you catch? You did. Great! Did you use all your bait? No - You did what with your bait? You threw your leftover bait on the beach, for the sea gulls!! Why? Because you think it isn't any good now.\u003cbr\u003e\nHad this conversation many times over the last twenty-five years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTo all those beach anglers who, at the end of their fishing session, leave their so-called \"left-over bait\" on the beach or shingle for the sea gulls or a strolling dog, believing it is no longer any good - think again! I never have \"left-over bait\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOccasionally, I will buy frozen bait, however, once it has thawed, I would never re-freeze it, because it goes mushy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSo what's the answer?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMy answer is - by salting, yes, that's right, salting.\u003cbr\u003e\nAn ancient method of preservation, still used around the world today for fish for human consumption, e.g. salted cod. Dry salting preserves the integrity and texture of whatever it is treating, by drawing water out of the cells.\u003cbr\u003e\nSome of the salt is taken up in the cell structure. \u003cbr\u003e\nThe salt kills a lot of the microbes which make your bait break down and rot. It does not blow the cell structure, unlike freezing, nor does it taint the bait, unlike some other forms of preservative, e.g. formalin. It is, of course, a de-hydration system. When your bait is in the sea, re-hydration occurs. This system works very well with prawns, shrimps, sand eels, mackerel, squid, muscles, etc. - the list is endless, the choice is yours.\u003cbr\u003e\nFor example, a sprat, unless frozen, is nigh on impossible to cast. However, when treated by this method, will stay on the hook and can be cast a long way - a great bait for rays, not to mention bass!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTake a little time and try this method?.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDry salting - use cooking salt from your local supermarket (1 large bag)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\"\tUse a clear, plastic sandwich box with lid, approx. 20cm x 14cm x 8cm\u003cbr\u003e\n\"\tLeaving the lid on, turn it upside down and drill several 2mm holes in the bottom\u003cbr\u003e\n\"\tPlace 3 sheets of loo role in the bottom - this is to stop the salt filtering through the holes\u003cbr\u003e\n\"\tCover with a layer of salt\u003cbr\u003e\n\"\tCover the salt with a layer of bait\u003cbr\u003e\n\"\tRepeat - salt, bait, salt bait, etc., finishing with a layer of salt\u003cbr\u003e\n\"\tReplace lid, pressing firmly - this will stop the salt from drawing moisture out of the air\u003cbr\u003e\n\"\tPlace box in a dry area, on a few sheets of newspaper, to catch the liquid that the salt will extract from your bait\u003cbr\u003e\n\"\tLeave for 48 hours\u003cbr\u003e\n\"\tEmpty the wet and discoloured salt onto several sheets of newspaper\u003cbr\u003e\n\"\tRemove your bait which will be dryish and stiff\u003cbr\u003e\n\"\tWrap the salt up in the newspaper and dispose of in a waste bin\u003cbr\u003e\n\"\tUse a second sandwich box to store your salt-dried bait in, adding a light sprinkling of salt between each layer\u003cbr\u003e\n\"\tStore in a dry place - not in your fridge or freezer\u003cbr\u003e\n\"\tUse as required\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNow, for the million pound question - Does this bait catch fish? Absolutely! A hungry fish is a hungry fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA tip to remember:\u003cbr\u003e\n\"\tUse the right bait - For the right fish - At the right place- At the right time\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNow, if all of this isn't enough for you to try or think about, have you ever thought of colouring your bait?\u003cbr\u003e\nNo? Perhaps you don't think it would work?\u003cbr\u003e\nThink of all the spinners and artificial lures that are made in all combinations of colours - they catch fish. I use coloured bait and I'm happy with what I catch???..\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\"Tight Lines\" - The Bait Bandit - Dorset\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003cp\u003e8552540191-AIHC\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Bait Bandit","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56689042981208,"sku":"233","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/www.sharnbrooktackle.com\/products\/wasting-bait-on-the-beach-the-bait-bandit","provider":"Sharnbrook Tackle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}