Keeping leeches

[macminn]

What's the best way to keep leeches alive between trips? What I'm wondering is if I can leave them at my cabin in one of the leech lockers submerged under the dock. My wife isn't too keen on bringing them home during the week and keeping them in the fridge so I can change water often.
Thanks for the input.

[Tour. Pro 175]

I have a small dorm size refrigerator that I use to keep my live bait in. It's perfect for the garage. I keep a gallon jug of clean water in there as well so when I change the water on my leeches I don't temp. shock them. I change water once a week, or when ever the water starts to look cloudy, removing any dead or sick looking leeches. As far as keeping your leeches in a leech tamer under the dock, that works well in the spring but as the water temp. rises leeches become very active and will start to lose their size. Keeping them in 36 degree water in your refrigerator will keep them fresh and maintain their size.

Good Fishing!

[tweet0753]

got a brother who has great success collecting and using rainwater....still has some the openner

[Deemo]

I have lost a few dozen in tamers under the dock this summer. High water temps. One damaged one and the whole batch is mush by the time you get back.

[walleyeking#8]

Do happen to have a basement? I keep my leeches in my basement which is kept cool all summer long either by my central air or just cool enough temps. A cellar or small room in the basement where temps are fairly cool, with a change of water every other day works just great. I use water from my dehumidifier but rain water would work great also.

[Guest]

Keep them in a fridge and every time it rains collect the rain water and use it. It is the only water that doesn't kill my leeches (besides spring water you can buy at the store). My straight well water is even rough on leeches and softened well water kills them!

[cluelessfisherman]

I have found the best way to keep them is in a container of worm bedding. Keep the bedding rather moist and keep refrigerated. I used to keep them in a bucket of water in the basement, but you would have to change water all the time or they would go bad. If kept in the worm bedding, they are maintenance free. Just checked mine now for the first time since the 28th and they are fine.

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Clueless - -

[Wiskers]

The best way I have found is get one of them leach bags with the float on it.

It looks like a small mesh bag with a piece of foam on the top and velcro across the top to keep it shut.

these have kept leaches alive in water for days and days. under your dock would be just fine.
Just copy and paste this addy and it will take you right to it.

http://www.cabelas.com
look for the "leech tamer" $9.99.

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Wiskers Guiding Service
Red River & Minnesota RIver Channel Cats, Flatheads & Walleyes
Crookston, MN
218-280-0442

[email protected]

[This message has been edited by Wiskers Guiding Service (edited 08-07-2003).]