Hearing Strips and Brine questions

[Scottyb]

Hello to all,

I've ordered some equipment to run Meat rigs but do not know the basics. I've read a bunch of forums, but have not yet pieced together;

1. Where is best to purchase Hearing strips

2. Which is better, brine or un-brined

3. Should I soak in Brine before freezing or refreezing and if so, what brine works best.

4. I would like to brine my own Alewives also but could use instruction.

As always, thank you so much for your time and wisdom.

Scott

[SeaCatMich]

1. Where is best to purchase Hearing strips

Many bait/tackle shops in west Michigan have it -- Gold Coast near Port Sheldon, Lakeshore Outfitters off I196 Saugatuck exit, Ray's Mini Mart in north Muskegon

2. Which is better, brine or un-brined

The bait strips come pre brined/salted; The whole herring or laewife need to be brined to toughen them up before use (overnight)

3. Should I soak in Brine before freezing or refreezing and if so, what brine works best.

Brine as part of the thawing process. Big Weenie sells a brine mix (avail mail order or at Ray's Mini Mart). Can also use Borax or Fire Brine

4. I would like to brine my own Alewives also but could use instruction.

Here are a couple of "how to" videos

Big Weenie brine instructions:

Capt John King borax instructions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACkCnytcEZ4

Fire Brine instructions:

[Scottyb]

Thank you SeaCatMich for your quick reply. Very helpful. Will look up those bait shops and see if they are online. I'm fishing out of the Holland area.

Scott