Leech trapping for the bait Store.

[gibb]

https://youtu.be/LmTZJ7bPzrU

[Freedom55]

I spent 20 minutes watching that video and I did not see a single leech that I would have kept except the one the expert claimed was a bloodsucker and tossed away. The traps resemble mine (except the colorful paint jobs) but they are about a quarter of the length. I soak 10 traps from 6PM to 6AM which would equal to about 40 of his. I have tried 12 hour, 24 hour and 36 hour soaks. Traps left all day are usually empty. I routinely keep 1-2 lbs (approx. 10 or 12 dozen per pound) per visit and return 2 or 3 lbs. medium and regular size. Sustainable; I can wait 'til next year. I work exclusively from shore.

Clearly this guy has a market for those sad little buggers but the anglers that I deal with want large or better; the larger the better. There are no bait shops in western Canada that I know about that have cooled, circulating tanks in the store and sell in bulk (e.g. Kenora). Typically you see those little guys in tubs of 1 dozen for 7$ plus tax. That works out to be roughly $135.00 per pound by this guys arithmetic. The guys I know pay less than half that for better quality. Way better.

Free (imho)

[gibb]

Originally Posted by Freedom55

I spent 20 minutes watching that video and I did not see a single leech that I would have kept except the one the expert claimed was a bloodsucker and tossed away. The traps resemble mine (except the colorful paint jobs) but they are about a quarter of the length. I soak 10 traps from 6PM to 6AM which would equal to about 40 of his. I have tried 12 hour, 24 hour and 36 hour soaks. Traps left all day are usually empty. I routinely keep 1-2 lbs (approx. 10 or 12 dozen per pound) per visit and return 2 or 3 lbs. medium and regular size. Sustainable; I can wait 'til next year. I work exclusively from shore.

Clearly this guy has a market for those sad little buggers but the anglers that I deal with want large or better; the larger the better. There are no bait shops in western Canada that I know about that have cooled, circulating tanks in the store and sell in bulk (e.g. Kenora). Typically you see those little guys in tubs of 1 dozen for 7$ plus tax. That works out to be roughly $135.00 per pound by this guys arithmetic. The guys I know pay less than half that for better quality. Way better.

Free (imho)

You should make a video and or share some pictures.

[Freedom55]

...but you might try reading the conversation near the top of page 4 of this 'fishing' section. Besides, it is the collection that is the star and not the collector in my little "side hustle." No one wants to look at my ugly head. I'm luckier than most because my pond(s) produce a quality product for a select market.

I will offer you a tip; for the cost of liver you would be better off by using fresh bait every time. Also; it has been my experience that emptying the traps near dawn produces greater quantities. That said, I offer a hearty "good luck" in your efforts and keep searching for the El Dorado pond.

Free