We've all seen the reports about the low supply of high-quality live bait this winter of 2012-13. Most of us likely have experienced this fact of fishing firsthand in recent weeks. You can find good wax worms and Eurolarvae, but with prices higher and supply lower, we want to properly store any extras for our next trip.
If they look brownish, or just plain flat-out brown, look for a different container. Keep them in a refrigerator at about 40- to 42 degrees. Waxies should be in a cool, dark place because it keeps them fresh. An area in a basement where it's cooler (not cold) works well.
Then, at least every other day, check for dead ones and remove them. When we find high-quality live bait, we¿ve got to take care of it!
Finally, when fishing, replace your grubs frequently, especially after catching a fish. Put a fresh one on! You need those natural juices and scents in the water to attract fish. That rule, by the way, applies to minnows and all live bait.
For a fine assortment of Ice Fishing gear, click here.
One of the most popular ice-angling seminar speakers in the country, Minnesota-based "Tackle" Terry Tuma was catching big fish through hard water before it was "cool." From border country walleyes to farm pond panfish, Tuma explains his ice formula for catching winter fish.