[Handyman Tom]

Are there still sand fleas to be had in Delaware in Oct/Nov ? Never tried them and thought it might be good to expand my bait options

 

[FishPharm]

Don't think I've seen them that late in the season in AI MD

 

[SteveZ]

Ten days ago they were all over the surf at AI...

 

[jlentz]

Like SteveZ said they are around now, and they will most likely be in the surf of MD through November depending on water temps.

John

 

[ez2cdave]

Don't think I've seen them that late in the season in AI MD

Pardon a "dumb question" . . . Do Sand Fleas "migrate" or "hibernate" ?

Tight Lines !

 

[Handyman Tom]

Way I understand they. Dig deep in the sand and I guess hibernate. I want to try some for bait, then take some home to freeze for late fishing

 

[ez2cdave]

Way I understand they. Dig deep in the sand and I guess hibernate. I want to try some for bait, then take some home to freeze for late fishing

Tom,

Hmm . . . If they're not too deep, a shovel could yield Sand Flea's, even if they are dormant. Any idea how deep they go ?

Tight Lines !

 

[greg12345]

they go deep between high and low tide line. you can shovel them out, but they live in pods and you would be digging blind. in a beach thick with fleas this could work if you are willing to dig randomly in many places. i have seen old salts digging up the beach in december in topsail back in the day trying to find the fleas. most people think it is more trouble than it is worth...until they see the 2lb whiting that u pull out of the surf in december on live fleas....

 

[RocknReds]

they go deep between high and low tide line. you can shovel them out, but they live in pods and you would be digging blind. in a beach thick with fleas this could work if you are willing to dig randomly in many places. i have seen old salts digging up the beach in december in topsail back in the day trying to find the fleas. most people think it is more trouble than it is worth...until they see the 2lb whiting that u pull out of the surf in december on live fleas....

You can purchase them at Old Inlet Tackle Shop

 

[Handyman Tom]

You can purchase them at Old Inlet Tackle Shop

Idea is not to buy them

 

[andypat]

We used cooked frozen fleas for pompano in FL. They worked when no one could find live ones. If you are going to freeze them, you should drop the in boiling water for a second or two, they will turn red, then put in cold water to stop cooking, then freeze. That is how my friend Dave Hack who was called Mr.Sheepshead did it, and sold them all over FL. Google cooked fleas.

 

[andypat]

Way I understand they. Dig deep in the sand and I guess hibernate. I want to try some for bait, then take some home to freeze for late fishing

The secret to freezing SAND FLEA'S is indeed in the preparation. The procedure is thus! You must first BLANCH the flea's in water, preferably with a little salt, prior to freezing. Not a necessity but I prefer SEA SALT. For presentation, a little food coloring Doesn't hurt. Blanch them for only a second or two then put in clod water right away to stop the cooking.

 

[ez2cdave]

The secret to freezing SAND FLEA'S is indeed in the preparation. The procedure is thus! You must first BLANCH the flea's in water, preferably with a little salt, prior to freezing. Not a necessity but I prefer SEA SALT. For presentation, a little food coloring Doesn't hurt. Blanch them for only a second or two then put in cold water right away to stop the cooking.

Which color of food coloring are you using and how much ?

Tight Lines !

 

[greg12345]

lot of people use yellow. i used to blanch fleas but these days i like a natural look so i brine them, look as good as new and stay on the hook well. blanched fleas turn pink/orange which is good i guess for attracting attention but i like the natural look of brined.

 

[spydermn]

I hope this isn't a stupid question but why blanch them at all? Why not just chill in the fridge and then throw them in the freezer?

 

[Handyman Tom]

Heard they turn black and go bad. Besides a hot bath kills them more humanely.