I use an easier modification of Bobs cure. I do the 1:1:1 qt. o water/cup o suger/cup o borax, but I don't bother with the boiling or cooling. I use cold water and you have to stir until all salt and sugar are dissolved; the borax won't dissolve completely. I split my skeins down the middle, briefly rinse, and put in brine for half hr. During the soak, I frequently stir the water to keep the borax mixed in the solution, otherwise it sinks to the bottom. After soaking, I rinse and pat dry on paper towels for a few minutes, I then put in shallow tupperware pan, cover airtight (or close), and put in the fridge overnight. Make sure you cover or the fridge will dry the daylights out of them. In the morning there ready to use or borax. I don't cut into bait sized chunks. I borax whole, half, or quartered skeins, depending upon the size.

I don't use dye, except for white King eggs, which are very very pale. Steelhead eggs come out a translucent orange that milk good and look great. Personally I like the orange, but if you like red, go for the dye. Most importantly, they catch fish without a lot of hassle!

PS SeaDeep, the eggs get smaller and "puckered" looking because of the salty brine. After removed and rinsed, they reabsorb moisture in the surrounding air. Thats what gives them that translucent look. If you didn't like how yours came out, try brining whole skeins; don't cut them up.

[ 01-16-2002: Message edited by: obsessed ]