Keeping Bait Alive (Mousies/Waxies)

[Preacher_man]

  I'd like to know the best way to keep mousies and waxies alive? I've heard different ways, so I just want to make sure! I just received a new batch today!

[dogfish]

Keep the mousies in the fridge.
Waxworms I think  you just keep them cool, not cold.  Don't quote me on the waxies.

[Pop]

Hi PM, I don't know much about the mousies, but have fished with wax worms for several years.  I keep mine in the basement about 56 to 58 degrees.  I make sure the saw dust is dry and the biggest thing is to pick out the dead ones or the worms that have started to pupate.  This will extend the life of the others.  You will notice an ammonia oder if there is a number of dead worms in the container.  Try to pick them out before this happens.  Another trick is to have two containers and when you get home don't put the ones that have been out all day in with main batch.  This will keep from starting a major die off if they got too much chill while on the ice.  I go through mine every 3 - 4 days to make sure I keep the dead ones cleaned out.

Pop

[JIMMY FISHTRAP]

I agree with dogfish, mousys stay for a long time in the fridge.

[Fish Monger]

Keep them in dry oatmeal. That's how they breed them for use in feeding reptiles. Some places pack them in sawdust, but that is only for substrate, it doesn't help the worms.

[LoneWolf]

I found if you keep them in the fridge in a metal can (coffee can) they last longer than in a plastic container.

[Fat Boy]

Dang it!

Keep them warm while fishing.  I made a huge mistake and brought all of my maggots with me on my last trip.  Even though they were in my pocket, they still froze solid and died.  Usually, I only bring what I need.  Dumb...what the heck was I thinkin'?

Waxies in a cool place, pick out dead ones, as said correctly above.  Maggots and mousies must be refridgerated because if you don't they will pupate and hatch into flies, invade your entire house when you open them to check on them, and nearly cost you a divorce or worse (you're out of bait)!!!

[Preacher_man]

 Thats what happened to my son 2 weeks ago while I was out of town. He went got the container out of the basement and came upstairs and then opened the lid. Lucky for him he got it closed real quick or there would've been moths throughout the house!