Herring in Bucket Question

[Bruce Litton]

Do they keep while using an aerator? I've never tried this. Also, has anyone caught one or more of the stocked salmon on shiners instead?

[OMC]

If you use a large bucket and a good aerator they will keep for a long time you just need to make sure it is a good aerator. The other night I purchased 2 dozen for the next morning and finished the next day at 11:30 with no dead ones.

[DanH]

It helps a LOT if your bucket is insulated .

I've heard it helps if the water is kept very cold by putting some ice cubes in it to slow the metabolism of the herring. Would guess same concept as making sure the bubbler system you're using is insulated. I know it works keeping other bait fish alive, have heard it helps with herring as well. Coool water, well oxygenated and a circular bucket or tank for them to swim. All contriubutes.

[AndyS]

Small frozen water bottles.

[Bruce Litton]

Thanks for the good suggestions. Will try, if Stanhope Bait & Boat is open.

[Castaway]

I purchased 18 herring Thursday evening. I had them in my cool garage in a 6 gallon bucket with a a good aerator running all night. When I woke up at 5am they were all dead except a few. Hopefully you will have better luck then me.

[go_fish]

If I get my herring the day before I fish - I keep them in our garage. I use two Home Depot buckets (six gallons?). I use an aerator that has two aerator hoses. I put six herring in each bucket. I also add the "blue powder" you get from the bait store (the come in a little plastic bucket) (I use shad keeper). The next day before I go fishing I put all the herring into one styrofoam bucket with an aerator. Never have a problem.

[go_fish]

Bruce - where are you salmon fishing? Any tips on catching
salmon would be appreciated. You can PM me if you want. TY

[Skunk City]

Originally Posted by Bruce Litton

Do they keep while using an aerator? I've never tried this. Also, has anyone caught one or more of the stocked salmon on shiners instead?

I've had Salmon on shiners through the ice, never tried using them open water for them.