Just to agree with Phil, and to point out that if the herring is red in the head when you buy it, you might as well fish with chicken bones, cos crabs are all you are going to get. (Before there is a flood of posts, I know SOMETIMES fish will eat red headed herring, but then I have also caught bass on chicken....)There is a guy sells these same Blackwater herrings fresh frozen, although if he is set up to send via mail order, I dont know. His name is Froggy, and he is one of a kind!! A nicer, more eccentric guy you are unlikely to meet. You can call him on 01621 741771 to find out. I also think that herring strips outfish mackerel strips on the float, as they are that bit more silvery and closer to the baitfish they are supposed to represent.Herring is a superb bait, but it has GOT to be fresh, and I mean FRESH!! The things you see in fishmongers labelled "fresh" are in reality several days old. A herring straight out of the sea will be running with oil, and will be irridescent with similar colours to a fresh mackerels belly. If you don't live by the coast, you may find getting the fresh ones difficult to get. The best ones are the January longshore herrings from the river Blackwater, Essex, frozen straight off the beach with the hooks ready in the baits. They were called "Herring Lollies" when I lived in clacton, and were the bait for thornbacks around this time of year.
philtherod
Thats right rob, you go and get froggy all sold out before I fill my freezer up why don't you! (edit) (edit)Just to agree with Phil, and to point out that if the herring is red in the head when you buy it, you might as well fish with chicken bones, cos crabs are all you are going to get. (Before there is a flood of posts, I know SOMETIMES fish will eat red headed herring, but then I have also caught bass on chicken....)There is a guy sells these same Blackwater herrings fresh frozen, although if he is set up to send via mail order, I dont know. His name is Froggy, and he is one of a kind!! A nicer, more eccentric guy you are unlikely to meet. You can call him on 01621 741771 to find out. I also think that herring strips outfish mackerel strips on the float, as they are that bit more silvery and closer to the baitfish they are supposed to represent.