Jellyhead : I've found that if you can catch an inbound frieghter at ,let's say Astoria,before he has pumped out his bildge.You can usually talk one of the deckhands into letting you visit the shaft alley .It's up to you what to offer but the key is "Be Flexible"A couple of gallons of that bilge water will usually last me a season.That is ,for me the best base for the brine.
I also,sometimes will hang a condom on the trailing hook.You need to make as natural a presentation as possible. Don't tell anyone about that one.
Maybe you would like to go with me next time?