MyFishFinder.com Just like iceshanty but warmer
Was wondering what the best way to keep maggots alive for a period of time. I have them in the fridge at about 36 to 40 deg. was just wondering. I would like to know can you give them any thing to help keep them firm, not sure looking for advice on keeping them long term due to they are hard to come by in spring and summer unless you leave your garbage laying around in the heat and wife is not to keen on that. Thanks
Tip # 1. 35 to 39 degrees is optimum to keep spikes healthy and dormant.Tip # 2. Zip Lock bags are NOT the best way to keep your maggots alive and fresh. A plastic container with a locking lid, similar to Tupperware and well vented by poking holes in the lid will be your best bet.Tip # 3 Change the saw dust frequently but DO NOT use saw dust from pressure treated wood, yellow pine, willow or other sap or chemical emitting woods. Ash, Oak, Cherry, Walnut, Birch, Poplar or other hardwoods are best.Tip # 4 If you can't find good sawdust, you can reuse the old sawdust by sifting out the maggots and letting the sawdust air dry for a few hours.Tip # 5 Don't put your maggots in a refrigerator that is used on a regular basis every day. The temperature fluctuates too much and your maggots will become active, cocoon and die. A small dorm fridge works best.Tip # 6 If this all seems like a big hassle, it is. My suggestion is to use plastic baits ! Leave the maggots in the trash can !
I found a vial in the fridge last August that was there from the winter. Only a few brown ones.
what I don't get is why try to keep spikes a long period anyways? they are cheap just buy fresh once in awhileThis is why I leave mine out. I use mine up in a couple days and the more lively they are, the more attractive they appear.
kinda makes me wonder what else is lost in your fridge!you don't need sawdust you can use oat meal ....and opening a door isn't going to make them active ......what I don't get is why try to keep spikes a long period anyways? they are cheap just buy fresh once in awhile
Some people do buy them in bulk bags of 1000 or 5000 You can use toilet paper too but like oatmeal, it absorbs moisture too fast and will shorten the life of the maggots if not changed on a regular basis. Also, a refrigerator door that is opened and closed on a regular basis allows the temperature to fluctuate too much which creates poor conditions for keeping spike fresh. Maybe we should always check with the resident expert on everything know to man before asking a question or answering one !
Opening and closing the fridge will make the temp fluctuate in the fridge, but not in the container.The temperature fluctuations creates condensation inside of any container which in turn, will shorten the life of the maggots unless tended to on a regular basis to keep dry sawdust in the containers. It only takes about 30 minutes above the 40 degree mark for the maggots to start their cocooning process. When the temp drops, it stops the process. With the door being opened constantly, this repeated process shortens their life span or kills them The biggest concern aside from keeping them cold is to deprive them of oxygen. This helps keep them dormant. Double ziplock bags or a sealing container WITHOUT air holes, but only if the container is full - you don't want any extra air space inside.I used to do competitive euro-style match fishing which had me buying maggots 10k at a time.
Does red text make me right?If your container is sealed instead of poking holes, condensation is not an issue either.From Ja-da bait's website. Been buying from them for well over a decade. They sell nationwide.Spikes are the larvae of the Bluebottle Fly. They also are an excellent bait for panfish and trout. They are underrated as a summer bait and often can be the most effective bait in your arsenal, especially during light bites. They ship well in the summer months despite their reputation of being intolerant of warm temperatures. HOLD IN THE DOUBLE ZIPLOCK BAGS at 33 to 40 degrees for best results. Again, use a small container to take only what you will use for the day. Constant swings in temperature can contibute to early pupation, a reddish brown shell. Cold temperatures plus restricted air produce best results. Do not give Spikes the unlimited air supply that you would Waxworms.This is the reason for the ziplock bags, to control air supply.
question....why is it that the spikes that you buy are always from the blue bottle fly? why not from any other large fly? I have seen large green ones and the big grey house flies that always seem to appear between my interior door and storm door.
I buy a few hundred at a time, that way they are always freshest. When they are no longer available at your fav shop the time to still use them is over (: Its not about saving $$$ for me (as in buying bulk) its more about having a good time when being outTom
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Topic: maggots (Read 3201 times)
