This year I would like to try and make a couple baits for canines and maybe a paste bait with fish.
Is there any difference in the manner I should make these? Basically I was planing on grinding them then add SB.
My next question is about making a paste bait with fish. What is a good additive to make it sticky and a paste? Should I add like a vasliene / molasses base to it ? Any help would be great.

For fish bait, I use salt as a preservative, other meats I use sodium benzoate.

Molasses or honey with some glycerine would be a good place to start.

What’s the ratio of salt and or SB per gallon of ground meat or fish ?
When it comes to honey or molasses do I just mix until desired consistency ?

Tough to say for sure, I would start with a pint of salt or SB and then stir it every day. Yes, add the molasses or honey until you get it the way you want. You can also add a little bit of glycerine if you want.

1 cup SB per red meat and it could help to check this out.. https://trapperman.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/forums/11/1/Lures,_Baits_and_Urine_Archive

If I remember right it’s one cup of salt ( non iodine) or SB per gallon of meat ! Ad a cup of 100 proof vodka as a mold inhibitor .

So that’s why guys use the vodka!, to prevent mold. I figured I would grind, mix slat or Sb plus extra goodies then grind again and call it good. How do I know when the salt or Sb has done its job in preserving it ?

You must have a one way vent while it gasses off for a few weeks.T
Typically, when you stop seeing bubbles when you open the bucket, it is done....if in doubt, leave it an xtra week.
I like an aquarium airstone epoxied in place...down in the recess of the screw on Gamma lids...then I can stack them.

Here's what vent set up looks like

As far as paste bait, I wouldn't use Vaseline. I would use moisture retaining preservatives and agents that will fight against the elements. Medium,coarse chunk, or finely ground will make a difference depending on what, and how many bases you add to your bait, bases vary. Good bait that retains moisture and odors will see a higher volume of revisits to dirt holes or a particular area. If you're planning on adding a bunch of other crap to your base. I would make sure the base is functioning in the manner you want it to, and then add all the "magic" ingredients. Personally I would work and test your bases during spring, summer, fall, and the winter months before adding anything. Gives you a chance to see what kind of responses you get. A nice coarse pasty edible bait is hard to beat. jmo imho jm2c

What exactly is a moisture retaining preservative ? How do I use it? A paste bait that is edible is exactly what I’m going for.

I make a fish paste bait that stays moist for a few days in warm weather and longer in cool or cold weather. Seems to be a good taste bait too. I grind the fish and add salt and sodium benzoate. Then I add corn oil until it's the consistency I look for.

I find the less salt and SB the more attractive it seems to be so I don't make this with eternal shelf life in mind. In the heat of the summer I use enough to last about a month. That amount will make it last all winter, and it doesn't really freeze either.

I've used de-filleted trout, perch, blue gills, carp, and minnows.