WOW WOW, they are some beautiful SMALLIES. Makes me think about moving to near Huron does it get below 60 in the winter?
I have used a vacuum sealer for all fish, whole or fillets as well as crabs. The frozen water method makes them bland and watery. Just be sure they are sealed very tightly. Cleaned crabs I cover in a paper towel to keep them from puncturing the vacuum bag when sealed. Cut off all fins on whole fish to avoid puncturing the bag.
Sometimes the impeller will look fine but be mushy or too rubbery I'd try another but in the water after letting it sit a minute, they said should be replaced often.
Need to use a cast net for ales an 8 footer would be big enough best time is night after putting a light out on the water. 3/8 mesh size is good to not get too many gilled.
fyi, the fry of hybrid are about 80% male so will be very few left in there after awhile. I would check with the state people for their opinion. I am thinking of doing the same thing.
Looks like a lot of great bait ! Good Luck
Looks much better, was it a CPR ?
You been there done that, cheers
FYI, Spanish Mackerel are a prime surf and inlet catch in Florida in warm weather would be a good smoked candidate just keep fish on ice immediately.
HOW bad is the red tide and release water at Piney Point affecting the fishing in Tampa Bay??