Over the years I have seen and tried many different ways to keep my joker fresh and alive from one week to the next. The following is the way I find best suits me!

The equipment needed is: 

My method needs no riddling or cleaning and the bait stays as fresh if not better than when first used. I also throw in what Bloodworm is left as well.

A) Fill a bucket 2/3rd full of pond water, empty left over contents of bloodworm and joker into the water. Any bait stuck to paper just immerse in water and this will remove the joker.

B) Place air stone in bucket (making sure it is close to the bottom) and switch on.

C) If only keeping for a week that's it. The night before use Just put strainer over the other bucket and pour joker contents through strainer leave a few minutes then empty strainer contents onto an open newspaper. Fold into a parcel, though not to tight and place on top of another newspaper, which will absorb the extra moisture over night.

If keeping bait for another week just refill the first bucket with the same quantity as before and instead of putting joker in newspaper just empty strainer into fresh pond water and continue as if fresh.

After a night in newspaper you will find the joker dancing as if fresh. If you don't want joker to darken put kitchen towel over newspaper and put joker onto that and fold newspaper as stated. The joker should also appear slightly larger and the bloodworm although now very soft and delicate can still be used on the hook.

So as you can see, a simple method that works and you should be able to get all necessary equipment for less then £20.

Click thumbnails below to view bait after two weeks bubbling.

Send mail to: mick@mbcanalspecials.co.uk with questions or comments about this web site.