Fish eyes for bait...

[Waxthumb]

 I have used eyes out of a caught perch before for bait and it seemed to work well.
 Is there a way to preserve them if you remove them while filleting fish at home for next trip.
 Just a random thought I had ...

[badbrad2186]

I use to freeze them in a pill bottle but learned the other day that a little vegetable oil and in the fridge like spikes again in a pill bottle. 2-3 drops of oil is enough guess they dont dry out or lose colors

[Waxthumb]

Thanks that was one of my guesses I figured someone on here has tried it

[badbrad2186]

No problem when they told me in the bait shop I was like never thought of that but yea when you freeze them they get a weird consistency when you thaw them out

[Bucket Rump]

I use to freeze them in a pill bottle but learned the other day that a little vegetable oil and in the fridge like spikes again in a pill bottle. 2-3 drops of oil is enough guess they dont dry out or lose colors

Interesting - I'll have to give this a try.  Have always just used them fresh myself.

[toadstool]

Good idea, something to add to my strange and sometimes disturbing array of items in my fridge/freezer!

Anybody use eyes other than perch eyes, I have a mess of crappies and bluegills I'm filleting tonight and was thinking about saving some of them to try too...

[G fish]

I tried a experiment last week with Pautzke fire brine, chartreuse color in a old power bait jar.  So far I’m liking it. See how long they last.

[walleye wil]

the perch eyes have worked very well for us in the past, used to catch lots
of perch using them in the past. usually could use one eye for a while cuz they stay on so well, just cant pop them when putting on the hook
cuz then you have to use more.
used to put them on pimples and catch lots!!!

[claymore6]

I made a tool for removing perch eyes without busting them. I took a 5 inch wood dowel and inserted and small loop of fence wire in one end, just big enough to encircle the eye. I sharpened the wire edge so it cuts the eyes loose. Just loop over the eye and twist and out pops the eye. No mess. Much easier then trying to pop them out with your finger or using the jig hook.

[Doubles Shooter]

I made a tool for removing perch eyes without busting them. I took a 5 inch wood dowel and inserted and small loop of fence wire in one end, just big enough to encircle the eye. I sharpened the wire edge so it cuts the eyes loose. Just loop over the eye and twist and out pops the eye. No mess. Much easier then trying to pop them out with your finger or using the jig hook.

I did the same thing with some tough Stainless wire. They work great. All I need to do is remember where they are.

[Unclegillhunter]

Pretty kool how when y’all ask a simple question on this forum you get some really innovative and lots of old timey information! If y’all have a question ask it! The answer will come!
Keep it safe! JDL

[badbrad2186]

I took a piece of wooden dowel and a paper clip drilled a hole in the dowel so when you put paper clip I  it its right. Made a loop on paper clip works great for removing eyes on perch

[Waxthumb]

Thanks for the replies now I gotta make a tool I knew you guys would have some ideas...

[Stickhick86]

Just finished my tool. I used a piece of deer antler I had laying around

[Waxthumb]

I just used a wood chisel with a sharp u shaped point on some small gills I had worked good.
But I am going to try the wire tool too in future.

[Unclegillhunter]

Just finished my tool. I used a piece of deer antler I had laying around

Sweet! Great American ingenuity!
Keep it safe! JDL

[not thick but short]

I use a vegetable peeler from the dollar store and just hit the end with a file. Quick and easy.

[grababrewski]

Just finished my tool. I used a piece of deer antler I had laying around

Nice, I've been using a chunk of Chokecherry with stainless steel welding wire. I'll have to get some pics when I get home.

[grababrewski]

Here's my refined "Ronco Perch Eye Popper" 1 end is .035" SS welding wire for a clean cut. The other end is .0625" SS welding rod, this end tears the eyes out more leaving a few hanging tentacles.


 I've been playing around with this for a while. lol

[G fish]

This is super simple and it floats, wine or champagne cork and a large paper clip.

[ronco]

Here's my refined "Ronco Perch Eye Popper" 1 end is .035" SS welding wire for a clean cut. The other end is .0625" SS welding rod, this end tears the eyes out more leaving a few hanging tentacles.


 I've been playing around with this for a while. lol

Looking good, we have to get together soon

[grababrewski]

Looking good, we have to get together soon

Hell yeah! Heading to Jumbo with Z on Saturday, you should head up.

[Bucket Rump]

This is super simple and it floats, wine or champagne cork and a large paper clip.

Exactly what I use - works good!

[eyehi]

I keep a large paper clip in my pocket for when I need perch eyes .... Works great and is small and lightweight ....

[SLAYERFISH]

I use perch eyes 90% of the time for perch. I would use them for many other fish but they are hard to store. Freezing them turns them into black mush. A cold refridge will keep them for 3 weeks or so.

I still use a large paper clip. Works divine.

[perch chacer]

I use the metal stocking loops from an old girgle that women use to wear years ago.   Sounds strange but they have the perfect loop for pulling the perch eyes out.

[grababrewski]

I use perch eyes 90% of the time for perch.

And the other 10% you don't catch a starter perch for the first eye!

[SLAYERFISH]

And the other 10% you don't catch a starter perch for the first eye!

I WILL them to bite!

[Waxthumb]

Again thanks for the replies -good info!

[mikeylapew]

Interesting - I'll have to give this a try.  Have always just used them fresh myself.

I take the eyes from perch as I fillet them. I have success freezing them in saran wrap rolled tight and placed into a sandwich bag, 6 to a pack. I'm will try the oil so to see if they hold up longer. Thanks for the tip!