Yes to all of the above. 50 - 60 count prawns cut into bite size chunks, rock salt to toughen, scent to smell and dye to color. I usually don't bother with dye and just use some anise & crawfish or shrimp scent. I let them sit for 12 - 24 hours and drain off any pulled out water. Like Drifter, I buy the big frozen bags @ Costco and only pull out what I need. Once cured, any leftovers can be keep in the fridge for a long time (keep em' in the original salt). Since I never catch fish, I always have leftovers. Works for me. I guess...