Once you preserve a bait (fish in this case) with Sodium benzoate can you just jar it up or should you mix it occasionally for some time before putting it up in jars?

Fish will take at least a couple of weeks to settle down once sodium benzoate is added especially if it has been tainting. Fish also requires additional preservative over what is needed for meat, about 12 ozs per gallon of fish instead of 8 ozs. If you bottle fish right away chances are you will explode the bottles with gas buildup inside of the bottle. Ace

What about fresh crayfish? How long before it can be put in jars after sodium benzoate is added? How long before season can this be made?

OK, Thank you. I only used 2 table spoons of sodium benz and 3 oz of glycerine per the 1.25 qt of ground minnows (fresh). I did put them in jars but left the caps loose. Appears I will have to add more sodium benzoate, however.

Also, does it matter if the Sodium benzoate is added in dry form our should it be disolved in water first?

I believe that sodium benzoate better penetrates more thoroughly and acts quicker if one dissolves it in warm water first. Ace

Any coments on the questions I asked about crayfish? How long before sesaon should i mix up and jar. Plan on using ground crayfish -sodium Benzoate- and a shot of fish oil.

31 King:
I have never worked with crawfish but I would assume that it would likely be the same process as fish. If one is going to bottle the end product it is best to let it age as long as possible before season to be absolutely sure it has quit working and building up gas. Ace

Thank you Asa, I appreciate your help.

Thanks for the answer Asa. When I grind em up and add my stuff - sodium benzoate and fish oil let it sit out at room temp? cover it? I dont want anything more than a fresh smell to it. These may be dumb questions but I am new to this end of the trapping game. I have all my ingredients ready but just not sure when to start mixing. I plan to use this Nov. 11th.

31 King: If you add the appropriate amount of sodium benzoate the ground crawfish or fish will stay fresh smelling for years. Ace