Bait

[GrumpyBloke]

Just wondering.Every year I fly off somewhere for 2 weeks in the sun , fishing gear at the ready , permission to fish granted and full of expectation.
The first day or two is usually spent sourcing bait and fishey looking spots.
Is there any bait that I can take with me that does not need a freezer that works so I can start fishing the day I get there.
Not every place I visit has supermarkets.
Time I sort out a local supply I could have fished an extra evening.
I was thinking something like a small pot with squid in a very strong brine solution.
Has anyone used something successfully?:g: :g: :g:

[PanamaJack]

Hi Grumpy
Whereabouts do you normally holiday? That will have a bearing on suggestions.

And what gear do you take with you? Often either casting gear and artificials or livebaits will work well in warmer climes.
Dave

[crazy fisher]

duno mate soz marn

[GrumpyBloke]

Normally take plugging gear, with some circle hooks on pulley rigs, to try the bottom but when going to Gambia I also take a 4oz beach caster and 6500 with 20lb line.
Most places have supermarkets that stock prawn and squid but I was hoping there was a bait I could prepare at home and take with me wherever I go.
I have fished Gambia,Senegal,Malta,Menorca,Lanzarote,Tenerife,Po rtugal,Spain and Ireland.
I will try squid stored in salt water when I go back to Gambia in Jan.
I think squid will be taken by most fish but in smaller pieces in the Med.
I was hoping that the salt would stop the squid from going off?:g: :g:

[PanamaJack]

Hi Grumpy
Salt's an excellent preservative and should certainly work with baits like Squid.

I recall 'many, many moons' ago using some Sardines that had been preserved in salt off Gibraltar. They'd been in the tin for, the skipper told us, six months and smelt somewhat pungent. Still at least the Spur Dogs like them in 600' plus of water!

An alternative, and something used extensively in the 'States, is the impregnated Pork Rind marketed under the Uncle Josh label. They appear to be effective either 'sweetening' jigs or as basic baits. Here's the url - http://www.unclejosh.com/unclejosh/modules/cart/navigate.php/nav_id/42 - to their on line store. I guess though there's a remote possibility that one or two UK stores - ones like Harris Angling or Veals - just might stock them.
Dave

[GrumpyBloke]

I will try salted squid when I go back to Gambia in Jan and will post on the success,or lack of.

[Ravelling Tangler]

You might want to check on whether Gambian customs ban the import of "foreign" animal meat (fish meat) or plants.
Probably not, but it would be a shame to spend a long time explaining yourself to some official in the airport.

And don't bring any back - U.K. Customs can be very hot and just might take a lot of persuading that you took it out of the U.K. in the first place !

[martinw]

I know that some have taken out frozen squid this was OK .
Just a thought where are you staying? in Bakau there are usually prawn sellers until around dusk. you can get one of the many local lads to fetch them for you.
you will probably Know the score regards agreeing a price so the lads don't
try it on.
Have a great time I cant wait to get out there again!

[GrumpyBloke]

Staying at Palm Grove and one of the hotel lads normally picks up some bait on his way into work.When you know the price , give them a few dalasi extra and tell them to take a taxi to work and see their smile!!
A couple of quid makes no difference to me but one hell of a difference to them.
The squid is an idea I have been toying with for some time but hadn,t thought about export restrictions.Just trying to have something to take wherever I go abroad for a couple of evenings fishing.
I have a sample pot from work , soft plastic with screw top will hold about 5 headless squid.Do all airlines pressurise their hold , or will the pot explode at 5 miles high?

[PanamaJack]

Hi Grumpy
Yes, all modern jets will have pressurised holds so there's no danger. As to the squid as an alternative to keeping them in a strong saline solution the option would be just to pack them in salt. That would have the effect of removing water but not the 'scents'. It also has the effect of toughening it - not a deterrent to the fish - but, once in the water, it would of course gradually re-hydrate.
Dave

[GrumpyBloke]

Good idea and less chance of an embarrassing spill!!

[GrumpyBloke]

Took a plastic fishfood pot with screw lid , filled 1/3 with salt , put in 4 whole squid , skinned and gutted and 3 cut into strips.Filled with water and sealed with electrical tape.
After 8 days in temps around 30 degrees it came out of the pot in perfect condition , caught catfish and jack crevelle so works ok.
Wont be bothering with prawns next time in Gambia.

[PanamaJack]

Thanks for the update and Well Done! I saw the image of your Crevalle Jack on the other thread. They certainly can 'pull your string'! Looking at the IGFA line class records, further south in Angola, they've caught them up to over 58lbs in weight - seriously BIG fish.
Dave

[GrumpyBloke]

58lb , christ ,need to tie myself to an anchor.I go on hols for a rest!!