The best way to store bait is in a freezer located on the aft deck. If the trip is likely to last for several weeks, a freezer is essential.

When you want to use bait, take it out of the freezer and spread the boxes on shelves until you can separate the bait without damaging the skin. It is hard to predict the correct thawing time. Only trial and error will tell. Whatever you do, never leave it for too long and allow it to go flabby and soft.

Bait consumption depends on the number of hooks to be baited, the size of the baitfish and the pre-set size of the knife when cutting the baitfish. To begin with, just as a suggestion you may start with about 55 lbs/25kg of herring, 65 lbs/30 kg of mackerel, or 48 lbs/22 kg of squid per 1.000 hooks.

Make sure that most of the frost is out of the bait before you start breaking it apart, otherwise you will use too much time and damage the fish. On the other hand, if you leave bait thawing for too long, the outer layers will be too soft while the core will still be frozen. It is therefore important to break apart the bait as soon as possible.

When using a baiting machine, the best way to thaw herring or mackerel is to use water. After separating the bait, drop it into a tank and add water until the bait is just covered. This results in a  defrosting, consistency and good baiting characteristics.

Mackerel is somewhat fatter than herring and needs more time to thaw out. It often needs an hour more than herring before you can use it. You should be able to straighten it out and feel when it is still frozen inside.

Big mackerel must be filleted immediately before baiting. The fillets cannot be left in the water since they will thaw out quickly, even when submerged. If possible, put up a table next to the baiting machine and cut the mackerel there.

There are several ways to do filleting of fish. Above we show you one way. Hold the mackerel with its tail down and cut downwards from the gills. Stop cutting half way between the anal opening and the tail, then open the fish. This gives you a baitfish which is half a length longer than an ordinary mackerel. This method also makes it easier for the operator to feed the bait into the baiting machine. The belly part of the bait must be large and firm enough for the hook to penetrate.

Squid is not recommended to be thawed out in water. It should be thawed in air and leave it on shelves after separation. Do not thaw out the squid completely. When you can bend it and feel it crackling inside it is ready to be fed into the baiting machine.