since I haven't had the fortune of harvesting my own eggs yet, the question is:

does store bought work? If so, any preferences? Is there anything to do to store bought to make them work any better?

If anyone wants to field this one I'd sure appreciate it!

ya they work.dont buy the vacume packed ones.I have used store eggs in a pinch a bunch of times.most of the time they dont look like eggs onthe egg loop . I think they work best on salmon because they milk out fast and not so well on steelhead because they look like a poo sandwitch, also to expensive in the long run.

Bluenote, try this one get a nice jar of eggs pautzke or a jar of feeder eggs now pick-up some maline cloth and some Altlas wonder thread and a jar of Powerbait now cut some maline cloth squares about 2 3/4" roll some powerbait into some little balls about the size of your eggs throw in two three powerbait balls with the rest your eggs. put the mixer in the center of the cloth and bring corners and edges together. If youv'e work with wonder thread or youv'e tied spawn bags before forgive me if not read. Atlas thread is kind elastic you don't have to tie any knot just wrap it around about three or four turns and pull tight wrap another two turns and pull and your done. If this sounds like a lot of work, it is but it makes a good bait that stays on your hook many a casts. The proof is in the pudding, let me know how you do p.s you can also use scents, crayfish,fish oils,etc.

shoot... I already got the vacuum packed ones. Oh well - I guess I'll fish those until theyre gone.

thank you both for the ideas...Capt, I may just have to use yours if this doesnt work.

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!

that sounds like a good idea also. I used to ship stuff for a guy who's dad owns Ballard Bait up here in Seattle. I'm going to give him a call and see what they have...if its of any value to the others here, I'll post what I find out.

Bluenote - check your private messages

SWJ - thanks for the offer. I may have to take you up on it later.