Keeping leeches alive for fishing requires creating an environment that closely mimics their natural habitat. This includes maintaining the right temperature, providing clean water, and ensuring adequate aeration. Here’s your step-by-step guide on how to keep your leeches healthy until your next fishing trip.
Maintaining the Right Temperature
Leeches thrive in cool conditions. To keep your leeches alive, it’s essential that you store them at a temperature range between 37-50°F (3-10°C). You can use your refrigerator for this purpose; just ensure that the leeches are kept in a secured container so they can’t escape. Never freeze leeches, as this will kill them.
Providing Clean, Fresh Water
The water quality is crucial for the leeches’ survival. Use non-chlorinated water, such as bottled or spring water. If you have to use tap water, let it sit out for 24 hours to allow the chlorine to evaporate or use a dechlorinator available at pet stores. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh and clean. When changing the water, be gentle to avoid harming the leeches.
Ensuring Proper Aeration
Leeches need oxygen to survive, so proper aeration in their container is important. If you’re keeping them in a small container, simply opening it daily might be enough. For larger containers or if you plan to keep the leeches for an extended period, consider using an aerator or frequent water changes to maintain oxygenation.
Feeding Your Leeches (If Necessary)
For short-term storage (a few days to a week), leeches usually do not need to be fed since they can survive quite a while between meals. However, if you plan to keep them longer, consider feeding them small amounts of raw meat every few weeks. After feeding, remove any uneaten food to prevent water contamination.
Regular Cleaning and Inspection
Regularly inspect your leech container for any signs of dead or unhealthy leeches. Remove them promptly to prevent the spread of bacteria and disease. Also, clean the container itself frequently to prevent waste buildup.
Choosing the Right Container
The container should be spacious enough for the number of leeches you have, with a secure lid to prevent escapees. Containers with large surface areas are preferable for greater oxygen exchange. If the lid is airtight, make sure to punch tiny holes for air circulation, but ensure that leeches can’t squeeze through them.
Tips for Transport
When transporting leeches to your fishing location, keep them in a cool, insulated container, such as a cooler with ice packs (ensure it isn’t too cold to freeze them). Their container should still be breathable during transport.
Final Tips
– Do regular headcounts of your leeches to monitor their condition and quantity.
– If your area has harsh tap water, consider buying distilled or spring water for your leeches.
– Avoid direct sunlight and always aim for indirect, cool lighting conditions.
– Invest in a small mesh net to handle your leeches gently when changing water or moving them.
By following these steps, you can successfully keep your leeches alive and healthy, ensuring a ready supply for your fishing trips. Remember, the key is to replicate their natural conditions as much as possible, and to check on them regularly to monitor their health.