colored spike longevity

[Carl.j.o]

Seems like the first to die are colored spike doesn't take long a week or so if not less. Weather in fridge or left out or alternated. I keep them in what they come in. Clear plastic condiment containers with a snap on lid .
How does everyone get their spikes to last or all bait for a point of conversation

[frogmaster]

500 red and 500 whites maggots, no noticeable difference in death rates seen here.  I keep them in my homebrew frig at 38 degrees and double bagged in ziplocks with most air removed.  about every 2 weeks i cull the dead (maybe 20-ish) and add freshly cut Aspen sawdust from my table saw.  Will last 5 or 6 months.

Keep them cool on the ice too not 90 degrees in shanty...  I keep them in small cooler

Bless

[Carl.j.o]

Are the spikes more sensitive to freezing temps as in in the truck bed on the way home or too fishing spot.

[Gills-only]

Colored first to die, don't know if its the dye or not, also like frog said keep little air access

[IDbasser]

I bought colored ones a couple of years ago.  They did not last very long.  I buy the  plain ones now and they seem to last a long time, several months.

[captain54]

If the freeze they die,I keep mine in double ziplock bags,in and old fridge on top where cold air from the freezer comes in,it's cold 33 -34 degrees.

[frogmaster]

Are the spikes more sensitive to freezing temps as in in the truck bed on the way home or too fishing spot.

Windchill factor considered too I would say YES for sure!  Also some bait shops do not adhere to 38 degrees either or sitting next to checkout registar in a 72 degree shop.  I see guys take better care of the beer then the maggots!!!  As a home brewer Ales are best around 38 to 42 degrees and so are maggots (spikes).

[Kevin23]

Ordered 1000 mixed colors a couple weeks ago. All alive and kicking so far. Haven't noticed any difference between them and plain white spikes, bite wise, so my next purchase will be for plain ones.

[TType86]

Ive noticed the red ones seems to die faster than all other colors. I have no idea why but its very noticable. Also, good advice to put them in a ziplock bag with air removed in fridge. They will last much longer that way.

[Gills-only]

Better double zip-loc them in case first one don't get quite sealed, speak from experience whole pull out door full of 1,000 spikes!!!

[perchbrad]

I think the mixed results of guys having colored spikes last longer than others relies on how the seller dyes them.  Two main ways are done: first is using dye sprinkled on tainted meat that the spikes ingest which in turn colors them.  The other way is coating the spikes skin with a dye like paint.  I would think the coating of dye would reduce life span due to the fact that maggots breath from their rear end through two spiracles.  The paint like dye would seal off these breathing holes and eventually suffocate them.  Ingesting dye and having it color all tissue seems like it would maintain a longer life span.

[bigstorm]

I ordered 500 white & 500 red over a month ago. I put them in a 2nd ziplock bag once I got them. So far, I have only seen 1 dead once in there

[burck17]

Not meaning to hijack this post butnive never used them and will be soon... when tipping a jig for perch doesn't.really matter if they are alive?

[Carl.j.o]

For how could the water is they won't move much most of your action will be from jigging IMO haven't tested it I just put on right on the tip of the hook right at one end of the spike.
I fish wax worms the same just barely hooked through the tail for crappies