11-12-2008, 01:03 PM
[quote high_n_dry]When using the vacuum packager, would it be best to partially freeze the minnows before pumping them down to prevent them from being smushed up?
I have a nice vacuum packager, that I've never used, and this seems like a good opportunity to give it a go.[/quote]
[cool][#0000ff]About the only minnows that seem to suffer much from being "smushed up" in the vacuum sealer are the redside shiners. Chubs and carp minnows come out fine. The one big potential problem is when the minnows are full of eggs...or "excess processed food". The squeeze of the vacuum sealing can force the internal contents out the only available outlet. Know what I mean? [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]There is one word of caution though. That is to avoid having a lot of moisture on the minnows when you put them in the bag. Most vacuum sealers do not like getting water in the works and they will suck any excess water out of the bag along with the air. Let your minnows air dry on some newspaper or paper towels for a few minutes before bagging and sucking.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]That's why I quit using the vacuum sealer after only a few bags of minnows. I found that I end up with fresher and more natural (un-smushed) minnows by simply freezing them in a little bit of water in a carefully squeezed and sealed plastic baggie.[/#0000ff]
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I have a nice vacuum packager, that I've never used, and this seems like a good opportunity to give it a go.[/quote]
[cool][#0000ff]About the only minnows that seem to suffer much from being "smushed up" in the vacuum sealer are the redside shiners. Chubs and carp minnows come out fine. The one big potential problem is when the minnows are full of eggs...or "excess processed food". The squeeze of the vacuum sealing can force the internal contents out the only available outlet. Know what I mean? [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]There is one word of caution though. That is to avoid having a lot of moisture on the minnows when you put them in the bag. Most vacuum sealers do not like getting water in the works and they will suck any excess water out of the bag along with the air. Let your minnows air dry on some newspaper or paper towels for a few minutes before bagging and sucking.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]That's why I quit using the vacuum sealer after only a few bags of minnows. I found that I end up with fresher and more natural (un-smushed) minnows by simply freezing them in a little bit of water in a carefully squeezed and sealed plastic baggie.[/#0000ff]
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