How to Turn Ice Fishing Bait Spikes Red

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One of the most effective ways of inciting a strike is through the use of colorful or bright bait. Because spikes (small larvae used for bait when ice fishing) have a neutral color, it is best to change them to red so large game fish can spot them more quickly under the ice. Spikes are a unique type of bait in that they must be kept cold to impede growth and maturation. You can change the neutral brown color of your spikes to a vibrant red using a paint specifically designed to do just that.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

1 plastic bait tub filled with bait spikes
1 plastic bait tub
1 bottle of red bait paint
Gloves

Step 1

Check that the bait spikes are alive. This will ensure longer retention of color.

Step 2

Wet the bait spikes with several drops of red bait paint. You can buy this from a local fly-fishing store, fisherman superstore or online retailer.

Step 3

Gaggle the plastic bait tub to distribute the red paint evenly among the bait spikes. A few shakes are all you need.

Step 4

Relocate the red bait spikes back to your main bait tube immediately. Overexposure to the red paint can cause the spikes stress--which could ultimately result in death.

Tips & Warnings

Store your spikes at temperatures below 44 degrees F--higher temperatures will cause them to mature into flies.

Wear gloves when handling paint to avoid staining your hands.

Article Written By Charlie Gaston

Charlie Gaston has written numerous instructional articles on topics ranging from business to communications and estate planning. Gaston holds a bachelor's degree in international business and a master's degree in communications. She is fluent in Spanish and has extensive travel experience.

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