I am a subscriber of the magazine. I really like the articles, very informative. I do have a question, though. In the August 2008 issue, Charlie Harder’s feature “Ready for Raccoons” talks about making chunk bait in 5-gallon pails. My question is how much salt should I use and what kind? Also, how much glycerin is used? I want to keep it from spoiling. Charlie also stores the bait in smaller containers. Does it need to be refrigerated then?

Dan
Via e-mail

Charlie Harder responds: While I’ve heard of people using salt as a preservative, I use, and recommend using, sodium benzoate as a preservative for fish bait. The ratio of sodium benzoate I use for fish is 1 pint per gallon of fish, as well as 1 pint of glycerin per gallon of fish. Always keep in mind, that adding extra sodium benzoate is not a bad thing. After the chunked bait is preserved, refrigeration is not required. I keep my containers stored in the fur-shed, where it’s cool throughout the summer and fall. Most trapping supply dealers carry both sodium benzoate and glycerin, or it can be obtained at trapping conventions.

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