Dead Bait

[vaughan]

Just started using dead bait....how do you store them from trip to trip, do you just freeze the left over minnows???  Can you buy large frozen smelt and use them??  Again, can you keep refreezing the smelt?  Do you add a scent to them??

Thanks!

[CJiceaddict]

Dead bait will fall into the same bait rules as live- once it goes on the ice, it can't come off. I believe this is true for dead bait- I'm sure some others will chime in. Have had good luck with it for pike just hanging it uinder the ice

CJ

[mrrutstrut]

We really have beat this subject to death. But here it is, live bait or frozen bait it doesnt matter they still fall under the same rules. The only exception would be commercially preserved and prepared bait and that is not the same as frozen bait or frozen fish purchased at the grocery store. This pertains to the specially packaged and preserved minnnows you see in sporting goods stores and baitshops. You will need to keep the package the preserved bait comes in while you are fishing for proof. Ok here it is for all that want the small version of the baitfish law.

http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/library/Factsheets/Fisheries/Fish_health/Viral%20Hemorrhagic%20Septicemia%20Virus/OM_Baitfish_Jan09%20for%20web.pdf

[whipplebuck]

well  you can take smelt off the ice with you, since you catch them ..  you can use them as bait on the same lake that you catch them..  as I read the rules you can't take them onto a body of water unless they came from a bait shop that is certified lake specific,  so if a bait shop gets their bait from champlain and sells only to champlain then I would guess it would be ok, not sure if any of those type of dealer do this   maybe VTBio can chime in if he knows of anyone that does this..   I do know if the bait shop is state wide certified like I am you can't have or sell smelt because we can't  get it from a certified hatchery..  you can use Commercially prepared Dead bait ( baitfish which are chemically treated) and then packaged for retail sale may be used and taken home and kept for later use, provided they are retained in the original packaging at all times.

[rawrightII]

cj- when youre gator fishing just under the ice. are you in shallow water with a high weed bed? so theres only around 2-3ft between the weeds and ice

[CJiceaddict]

most of the time thats the case, but have also had luck with this up to about 10ft of water. Usually thats about the depth we fish for pike (2-10 ft). When there is more water, I usually set some down and some just under and see what is working. Are the pike in more water usually caught at the bottom?

[rawrightII]

thats what ive seem to noticed. but ive read alot online and other articles that have had some caught underneath the ice 1-4 ft below in deeper water.

[mempfree]

rawrightII 

Are you Ron Wrights kid, or are you playing with people on this website?  Asking all of these questions about Pike fishing?  Wrights have a Sports shop, up between Newport and Derby.  They put on a big Ice Fishing Tournament the end of Feb.

[Bailbuster]

I think you got the wrong wright!! HeHe

[rawrightII]

bb- hes got the wrong wright. im in white river. and i know of this derby that you talk about. i fish alot for gators thats all.

[rawrightII]

and why am i playing with people on this website?

[mempfree]

So, you have no idea, on how to ice fish, is that correct?  So, you are asking all of these questions?

[rawrightII]

doesnt hurt to ask does it? the more infor the better

[taggin out]

There is nothing wronge with asking questions to learn more about fishing. It seems that people who can't fish are the ones that are rude and give up other peoples fishing spots. Its weird I thought this was a website for fisherman. Not to crap all over someone who is trying to learn more about fishing to enjoy the outdoors more.

[coreyl302]

I freeze them dont ever let them get to warm

[pike44]

  whats the purpose of an "ice shanty" web site if your not supposed to ask or answer questions about ice fishing???

[tench]

memfree- Its a site to get and give information and tipe, if you want to give out and share info with only your friends/fishing buddies, I'm sure they have a phone number.

[Bailbuster]

bb- hes got the wrong wright. im in white river. and i know of this derby that you talk about. i fish alot for gators thats all.

I knew he did I just couldn't help posting "wrong wright"!!

[VTtrophychaser]

no...this wright definitely needs help...haha, jk stinkbriches

[taggin out]

This is true. I have to re paint my shanty due to him. But its well worth thr drive to fish norton every weekend. Or silver lake.

[VTtrophychaser]

hell...even the sandbar aint bad

[taggin out]

But the coon club is the best if u ask me. I mean hunts pond gives up a 20lber every other spring. Just gotta put ur time in. Wright big man. Hahaha

[Bailbuster]

I think I am going to travel.BB

[rawrightII]

hahhahahh. thats the key to catching trophies k.....gotta go far and sit for a long time not catching anything

[GDominy12]

i individually wrap each minnow in saran wrap so they dont stick together and put them in the freezer. catch many pike on the stinky minnows

[Bailbuster]

I would like to save my dead bait, however I believe here once it's on the lake it can't leave.unless your going to eat it.maybe build a root cellar on the ice.HeHe

[vtpikehunter]

But the coon club is the best if u ask me. I mean hunts pond gives up a 20lber every other spring. Just gotta put ur time in. Wright big man. Hahaha

[Bailbuster]

" hunts pond"  Stop it!!

You keep bumping this page and everyone will be there.