keeping leeches lively

[034]

we are going for a week long vacation and will probably have 1 or 2 pds of leeches..we keep them in the fridge and then take what we need for the day out in smaller bags in the boat..is there a better system?? Leech tamers maybe? thanks for any advice!

[bobbymalone]

i have kept them alive for almost 2 weeks in the fridge.

KEY: change the water daily.

[walleyemaniac]

Keep em kool and fresh water for sure. I use those mesh bags, leech tamers, I think. If I'm not taking the boat off the lake I just leave them hang off the side in the water, keeps the leeches conditioned to the water temp. They'll stay as long in those things as anywhere else. It keeps them really lively as well.

[ottertailguy]

I just put them in a ice cream bucket with a few small holes in the lid. Stick them in the fridge and change the water when needed. I do use the leech tamer when fishing but they last over a month this way.

[034]

I should have been more clear...I'm looking for the best way to keep them in the boat while fishing...and making it halfway convenient for 3 guys to get to them! Sorry..thanks again.

[reinhard1]

all of the above posts are accurate. while in a boat in my opinon nothing changes. keep them cool. i always have a cooler in my boat, with plenty of ice. for example if you have a pound of leaches put them in at least two plastic containers and keep them in the cooler. my leeches kept lively all week on our vacation plus a couple weeks there after. i had over a pound. i usualy took one small container out of the cooler and put it in a shady part of the boat if the bite was good or left them in the cooler during slow periods. change the water every other day. you should be fine. good luck.

[rattleL]

i take a small cooler and put a tamer in the cooler with a few ice cubes if the water is stifeling warm, simply change the cooler throughout the day if the water gets to warm.

[walleyemaniac]

If your just concerned about in the boat, go with the leech tamers. Keeps them acclimated to the actual water temp of the lake. Won't stun them when they hit the water and perform better right away. I bought two, one in front one in back.

[kdawg]

I got this tip years ago and it's never proven me wrong. Keep the leeches as cold as possible - they will never curl up when placed in lake water when using this method. They also seem to be livelier when placed in lake water as well. I always keep mine in smaller containers inside a cooler with lots of ice. Good luck fishing.

[034]

thanks for the "keeping leeches lively on the boat" answers..except for the fact there doesnt seem to be a definitive way..eg..keep cold or keep lake temp, etc(big difference)...the only conclusion is I guess that means that there is more than 1 good way!! thanks again, I think we'll split the gap.

[reinhard1]

i was one who said to keep them cool. this is important in the longrun. now i also said i keep a container in the shade in the boat outside the cooler. this prevent the shock factor. but the majority of the leeches should be left cold and only take out what you need according to the bite. they will last a lot longer this way. every two days change the water and put them back in the cooler. i hope you have an enjoyable trip, you are driving a long way. good luck.