bobh53 Posted September 21, 2015 Report Share Posted September 21, 2015 Hi I am thinking about buying a vacuum packaging appliance for freezing bait and the occasional fillet of fish, Because at the moment when we freeze mackerel for bait it goes all mushy. Does anyone have any info on what piece of kit would be the best to go for ? Cheers Bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maverick Martin Posted September 21, 2015 Report Share Posted September 21, 2015 Hi bob Have a look at this thread http://www.pbsbac.co.uk/ipb/topic/13523-vacuum-packing-machine/?hl=packing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Posted September 21, 2015 Report Share Posted September 21, 2015 I find the best thing to do when using the vac packer is buy really big bags and space the mackerel out in the bag so they aren't touching. Say 5 in a bag. Put them in the bottom of the fridge to chill right down before freezing and only put 10 macs in the freezer at once. Anymore and they take too long to freeze. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
great white Posted September 22, 2015 Report Share Posted September 22, 2015 I have not gone to the extent of vacuum packing but as Rob I put 4 or 5 fish in a zip top bag and exclude as much air as possible. I have found that bringing the fish ashore on ice helps to keep them in very good condition for eating or bait. I put them into the freezer spread out amongst the draws and packed either side with already frozen fish or ice packs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobh53 Posted September 22, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 22, 2015 Thanks every one for the info, this gives me plenty to think about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuie Posted September 22, 2015 Report Share Posted September 22, 2015 It's right to keep fish chilled as previously mentioned. I prefer to fillet mackerel on the boat and then freeze the fillets open on a tray for a few days before bagging up. This then allows me to take out as many as I need for a session. Freezing them open imo toughens the flesh making better hook bait. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kingfisher 126 Posted September 22, 2015 Report Share Posted September 22, 2015 A tip I had off a charter skipper was wrap your fish in foil before you freeze and when you need them they are like fresh bait! On my list to try while the macky's are still about ready for the winter. Scad are really good done like it for winter bait for Whiting! Steve S 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Posted September 22, 2015 Report Share Posted September 22, 2015 Jacqui uses the Zip Top bags. But she uses a drinking straw to suck the air out and as she pulls the straw out she seals the bag. Seems to work very well and reduce the freezer burn. Jim Kingfisher 126 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kingfisher 126 Posted September 22, 2015 Report Share Posted September 22, 2015 Careful Jim, sounds like you might be giving all of Jacqui's secrets away!! Jim, Stuie and Rob 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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