Sand shrimp...

Onitsuka · 01-10-2003, 02:49 PM

When you buy shrimp, I'm wondering if there's any other way that you can tell if the shrimp are good or close to being goners other than relying on what the seller tells you. There's the obvious lifeless look, and stronger than average odor. Does anyone have any other hints? Does the color of the body give you any indication as to how they are feeling? How long until you won't fish with the shrimp? I used to pump my own so I always had fresh bait. I don't live on the coast any more so I don't have that opportunity like I used to.

Thanks for any comments...and tight lines to all you weekend warriors!

[ 01-10-2003, 03:54 PM: Message edited by: Onitsuka ]

outdoor.spec.ops · 01-10-2003, 02:53 PM

It depends what im fishing for, I have cought some mighty big sturgeon on really RIPE [img]graemlins/berry.gif[/img] sandshrimp before! I think the smell factor is a good way to tell if they are on their way south.

Artwo · 01-10-2003, 02:54 PM

For Salmon and Steelhead, I always search through the individual boxes and if their not movin I don't use them.

JK

Bait O' Eggs · 01-10-2003, 02:59 PM

You could use Catch and Eats method, of tasting them to check for freshness.

If you get a bitter taste and they just lay on your tongue they are goners. If they pinch your tongue before you can get 2 good bites on them they are fresh.

Gus Orviston · 01-10-2003, 04:02 PM

I thought you were suppose to take the pinchers off before you taste them, mmm, going to have to change my ways :grin:

gussy

Bobby Ray · 01-10-2003, 04:19 PM

If your afraid of sticking your hands in the container for the fear of getting a real good pinch, then their OK.
And another way I can tell if they are bad is if they start to develop a real deep orange and black color.

BnB

[ 01-10-2003, 05:20 PM: Message edited by: big n bright ]

David Johnson · 01-10-2003, 06:32 PM

Buy them from Tillamook Bait or other outlet that keeps them in a tank.

Some sellers get them on a more regular basis and have a good turn around by only buying what they think they will sell. Ask the owners how often they get their shrimp in. I know Great American Tackle does this. Usualy it's the smaller places.

If that's not possible movement and smell is your key.

[ 01-10-2003, 07:34 PM: Message edited by: David Johnson ]

Smily · 01-10-2003, 08:51 PM

I have used dead shrimp and have still caught steelhead. I guess i ran into some pretty desparate fish in my time. :shocked:

:smile: Smily :smile:

David Johnson · 01-10-2003, 09:13 PM

I have caught fish on dead ones too. Not rotten ones but dead, even if they were a bit smelly.

Back in high school me and a buddy that lived in Carver would fish down there at the mouth of Clear Cr after school. Sometimes we would check the trash and find a carton of shrimp. Sometimes they would be dead but we would still hook fish on them.

I've also caught both chinook and silvers on the Clackamas with shrimp that were past their self life because that is all the store had.

At least it's nice to start out a trip with fresh, live ones.

Sliderite · 01-10-2003, 09:31 PM

David and Bignbright are both right from my experiences. If you open the container and lightly shake it most of the shrimp should be very lively. There will be no strong odor to these fresh ones. But if they hardly move, have a bad strong smell or have parts of the tail etc turned black then they are dying fast.
I look for activity mostly but also color.

fishin'O.C.and beyond · 01-11-2003, 12:34 AM

Once you buy the shrimp, change the paper, or clean the sponge in the bottom of the container!! You will be basically cleaning the diaper. You will add DAYS to the life of your shrimp!!! And my buddy at the bait store insists you do not shake the shrimp!!

Sliderite · 01-11-2003, 12:52 AM

Am I the only one who gently rocks the shrimp to get movement? I don't think I am. There is a difference between checking for quality and abusing the shrimp. I hate buying where they pretty much go here you are ..... please don't open container!!

Scott B · 01-11-2003, 12:53 AM

When ever I buy them in the chinese food containers, I bring them home and spread them out in a cardboard box on some paper towels and through them into the fridge. This helps get the other shrimp goo off of them and kinda lets them stretch their legs a bit. Them just throw them into a glad bowl and lid and go FISH.

will_e_fish · 01-11-2003, 12:35 PM

Sliderite- Do you pump your own? On the Alsea or Siletz tidewater? I am with you on the rocking them back and forth to check for action. Yes I hate those comments storekeepers say like "these aren't too bad", "Been selling lots of them" or 'these are all we have until...."

I agree changing the packing material and putting them in fresh water theroughout fishing keeps them longer.

Captain and Marie · 01-11-2003, 06:02 PM

my favorite saying when I get shrimp is:

You can pick your own from my live tank!

If they're still swimming around, then you know!

Fresh shrimp come from a live tank, like you can find at Marie's place.

Can't ever go wrong!

Thanks
Cap Dennis & Marie
ifish sponsers

Sliderite · 01-11-2003, 06:26 PM

Marie,
What do you use as the bottom material for your shrimp containers? Do you use saturated wood chips or foam or etc?
You should be the expert here and so I am all ears. My experience pulling shrimp from a live tank has not been good. For some reason they die quick... maybe it is where I bought them. :depressed:

Captain and Marie · 01-11-2003, 06:53 PM

I highly recommend paper towels at the bottom of your shrimp cup. Then replace it every day. Keep them cold and out of direct sunlight.

Shrimp in ANY cup are not expected to live forever.

Keeping them cold is the trick.

Knowing who actually pumps them and where they come from is very important.

You know we harvest shrimp at Tillamook Bait Company. You also know we live where the shrimp come from. So you also know they are the freshest bait on the coast!

Thanks for asking!

Marie [img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img]