What is the benefit of using Sawdust to preserve live fishing bait? eg. Shrimp Yabbies Prawns.?

Question

I have heard that the use of Sawdust is great for storing live bait like shrimp, yabbies, prawns etc. I am wondering WHY,.. what are the benefits in this method?. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

possibly it keeps them dry and doesn't add any extra scent to them, and some saw dust or wood chippings actually repel bugs.

That would be my best educated guess after thinking on it for a while - also sawdust doesn't mold easily...

Answer 2

saw dust alone grabs moisture from the air. Saw dust mixed with water distributes moisture. If you were to add shrimp to saw dust alone, it will dry out the shrimp. Add water to the saw dust and the shrimp will live longer and stay fresher.

Saw dust is also light weight compared to using sand or water. Therefore you can travel longer by foot without added weight, even when the saw dust is damp, not soaked. Add a few ice cubes to the mix and you can fish just about all day with fresh bait. Layer the bait in damp saw dust, add some ice on top and go fish. ~Good luck catchin'.