Strip baits are a staple of inshore and offshore fishing-their tantalizing undulations tease fish into striking. However, there is nothing worse than trying to turn freezer-burned mackerel or refrozen squid into strips that fish will eat. So how do anglers ensure well preserved baits? Break out the vacuum sealer. – Darren Dorris 1) Fillet both sides of the fish or clean the squid. Make sure to leave only a 1quarter-inch of meat on the skin of the fillet. Once filleted, cut triangular strips of the desired size from the fillet or squid body.Darren Dorris
Strip Tease
2) Sprinkle liberal amounts of kosher salt on the meat side of the fillet strips or both sides of the squid strips. Pile the strips in two layers in a heavyweight vacuum-sealer bag. Layer so the meat sides are touching.Darren Dorris
Strip Tease
3) Add a little more salt to both sides of the strips, and place a medium-weight book on top of the bag to prevent the strips from curling as the air is removed. Right before sealing, you can put in a few squirts of shedder-crab oil, bunker oil or any other attractant.Darren Dorris
Strip Tease
4) Fold three squares of paper towel and place them between the bait strips and the machine to absorb any liquid that gets squeezed out during the sealing process. Then vacuum-seal the package according to the manufacturer’s instructions.Darren Dorris
