Leech bedding

[Oarin]

For years we've been using Frabil leech bedding for our leeches. I've run out and was wondering what others do to keep them fresh. I know you can use lake water and keep them in the fridge, but when you change the water does the going from pretty cold fridge water to the relatively warm water of the lake shock them? Has anyone tried worm bedding? Any tips will be appreciated. Thanks, Oarin.

[JigginFool]

We use 2 pitchers, one with the leaches in it and the other with fresh lake water.  Each day I drain the water out of the leaches and add the fresh cold lake water and then just fill up the pitcher to do it again the next day.

[Jay Thomas]

Hi Gary,

If we buy 2 pounds of leeches, we usually get 2 plastics bags with a pound of leeches in each. At camp, we keep the leeches in these bags in one of our coolers with ice. Each day we move sufficient leeches for a days worth of fishing from one of the plastic bags into a leech tamer bag (each boat uses a leech tamer bag). While I usually keep my leech tamer bag in my boat cooler, the other boat has always drug their leech tamer bag around the lake all day. Regardless how we store them, our leeches do fine - they're pretty hardy creatures. Leech tamer bags ($15) are also a great way to wash the leeches - we do that every other day.

Jay

[Oarin]

Thanks guys. Jiggin Fool, the 2 jugs of water makes perfect sense, I should have thought of that. Jay, I'll look into the leech tamer bags. Still hope to see you and the crew at the Auberge on August 21st. Gary.

[rambler]

Oarin, Just use worm bedding. Just add a little more water. I keep a pound of leeches in the fridge in a large pot. Change the water using the cold tap water in cabin. Its lake water anyway. Leeches stay fresh for 2 weeks.

[Oarin]

Thanks Rich, I'll give it a try. Tell Ellen hi, I hope to see you guys in about a month!!! Rich, did you get that boat you were thinking about??

[rambler]

Alas, no. $$ was an issue, especially when our septic system collapsed in mid winter. I'm still working on getting the yard repaired. kind of tough when it rains every day. Anyway, see you guys soon. We're starting to get some of our stuff together. Won't be long now!
Rich

[NortonJoe]

We've never used leeches but would love to try.  I've thought a few times about trying to collect some in the lake...