bluenote... I agree that the vacuum packed eggs you get at the sporting goods store really suck. On the hook and in the water they don't look like eggs ---just egg gunk that milks out all at once when it hits the water then falls off the hook.

I highly suggest that you buy some Amerman cured eggs to get started. You can access his site from ifish.net and look down on the left at the bait section. His eggs are very good plus his new cure is a must have so that you have more than one type of cured egg. Eggs are expensive bought but I think this is your best option at bought cured eggs. He ships quick!! I think the eggs are great and I know they can catch you fish.
Good luck!