Keeping Mackeral for a few days.

[Everydog]

Mackerel for bait. Is it better to keep them on Ice for three days, or freeze them if they are going to be used later in the week?

[twin22s]

If you do freeze it, cut it into the pieces that you are going to use first and remove as much moisture as possible with a paper towel first. If its only a few days I'd stick with the fridge or ice-chest. Pat down with a paper towel every day or two. I used to save macks for shark bait when I was a kid fishing off the pier, now it just doesn't seem worth the hassle. best thing would be to find a reliable source to buy bait from.

[camobass]

Fresh over frozen if you can

[professionull]

Toss them in a ziplock bag and throw them in the freezer, catfish will find it eventually if you're not in the same area saturated with other "non-lake" stench

[YNW_FISHY]

leave it roasting in the sun for a few days on the back porch they like it stinky

[Kenroe]

Don't add any water, but cut up & let soak in it's own blood & juices & marinate for like 48-72 hours room temp.
Then freeze until you gonna fish & thaw out at least 48hrs
Chicken livers are good bait too.
Soak them in mackerel juice for 48 hrs & freeze.
Again, thaw 48 hrs prior to use.