QUESTION ABOUT ICE?

[CHRIS]

HEY GUYS ITS BEEN A WHILE BUT I HAVE BEEN RUNING TO THE BAHAMAS LATELY NO SWORDING! ANYWAY MY QUESTION IS ABOUT ICE. I AM WONDERING IF YOU GUYS FEEL THAT WHEN PACKING ICE YOU SHOULD LEAVE THE PLUG IN OR LET THE WATER DRAIN. ON MY LONGER TRIPS I USUALLY FREEZE BOTTLES OF WATER AND LAYER THE BOTTOM OF THE ICE BOXES BUT HAVE HAD MIXED RESULTS WITH PLUGGING THEM UP! I HAVE FOUND THAT THE SLUSH IS GREAT TO COOL THEM DOWN QUICK BUT THE FISH WILL START TO GET A LIITLE MUSHY WITH THE FRESH WATER. I USUALLY PACK MORE THAN ONE FISH BOX WITH ICE ONE I OPEN (HOPEFULLY ALOT :lol: ) TO PUT THE FISH IN AND THE OTHER ONE FOR ICE HOLDING. I HOPE YOU GUYS CAN GIVE ME SOME INPUT AS YOU ALL HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY HELPFULL IN THE PAST!

CHRIS

[gsniffen]

i freeze my ice in 2 gallon blocks and let them drain, the blocks last a lot longer than cubes. you can do even better by placing a mat of styrofoam on the bottom of the box (not plugging the drain)

[reel life]

for long term storage, i leave the plug out and take a towel wet ( just moist not dripping) it in salt water and lay it on top of the ice . it forms a crust that seems to make it last longer....

[CAPTINMITCH]

Originally Posted by CHRIS

I HOPE YOU GUYS CAN GIVE ME SOME INPUT AS YOU ALL HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY HELPFULL IN THE PAST!

CHRIS

First tip is the CAPS LOCK key is the third one up from the bottom on the left. :lol:
Second, basic thermodynamics will answer your question. Leave the water in the box. It holds a chill better than air.
Third, for your fish box, make a brine solution. It is often referred to as a slurry. Take ice, water and add two boxes of kosher salt. Bury the fish on the bottom and they'll be ice cold which makes them far easier to clean. With dolphin and wahoo, gut them if you have the time and inclination but it's not necessary.

With tuna however, make sure you throat latch them ASAP - preferably while they're still kicking. It makes the meat much pinker.

Lastly, remember Capt. Mitch's Rule Number Two - I will drink a warm beer, I will not let fish spoil.

[CHRIS]

THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH!

[CAPTINMITCH]

Originally Posted by CHRIS

THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH!