This is a how to for curing steelhead eggs. I have not seen anyone else talk about this cure, but basically it is just a borax cure. These eggs are a lot firmer then most and will stand up to multiple casts and stay on the hook well.
This is most effective for steelhead, but I have done fair for silvers, kings and cutthroat with it.
Any type of salmon steelhead or other large trout eggs will work for this. This time I had two large skeins of chum eggs after a recent trip to Hoodsport.
Materials:
Scissors
Salmon/steelhead eggs
Strainer
Newspaper
Scent/color
Bottle/jar
Borax
Paper Towels
Step one, Cutting the eggs into clusters
Cut the clusters over the strainer outside or in a sink that you don't mind getting dirty. When you cut the clusters make them about the size of a nickel, or whatever size you desire.
Step two, Rinsing the eggs.
Now that the eggs are cut into clusters of the desired size and placed into the strainer you will rinse them for about one minute while shaking the strainer lightly.
Step three, Drying the eggs
now that the eggs are rinsed you will lay out the paper towel in double layers. You will then place your clusters out spaced evenly apart on top of the paper towels. Let them dry for about 5-10 minutes.
Step four, Laying out your newspaper
Lay out your newspaper unfolded. I usually use at least 20 sheets but some people use more.
Step five, Laying out your borax
Pour about 2-3 cups of borax on top of the newspaper. If you are unsure about how much borax to add then add more. Then after the borax has bee poured out role your jar/bottle over it to flatten it out and spread it out evenly. Then pour your scents/coloring on top of the borax. For this cure I added some colored pink procure, sugar, and a secret blend of scents. If you are unsure about scents then I would recommend not using any.
Step six, Adding the eggs
Now that your eggs are dried and your borax is laid out pour all of the eggs on top of the borax. Then spread the borax on top of the eggs make sure your turn the eggs around with your hands so that they all get covered with borax.
Step seven, folding your eggs
Now fold the newspaper over the eggs and store in a cooler or refrigerator. Every day turn the eggs around with your hands and remove all the sheets of paper that got covered in popped eggs. on average you should cure your eggs for about 3-4 days but it depends on the eggs. when they are done put your eggs into mason jars and freeze for later use.
Proof that they work.
Look closely you can see the eggs/corky/yarn hanging out of their mouths
My Fishing Pic's http://s221.photobucket.com/albums/dd102/derrick_k/?albumview=grid