Chunks vs paste bait

So I've been saving all my fish from bow fishing this summer to make some bait for coon mink and otter. What do you guys think will work best? Cutting it into chunks 1-3" square or grinding into a paste? Most of the fish are carp, drum, and buffalo. If you suggest paste what is the best way to get it to the sticky paste rather than ground fish burger look? Also I've never made bait before so is there anything else I should add since I dont have any glands or caster? Thanks in advance.

I would look in the archives, there are a lot of things that work for other people which may work for you or not. Chances are good that you will be back. Any syrup agent will do IE: honey karo etc what you are looking to do.I prefer a ground bait for coon although I don't trail them into a cage I smear it in a bait holder that is suspended in the rear of the cage which helps keep the coon interested, "moving" and determined to lick it clean. If you don't have "elite" ingredients improvise and run through your cabinets. Many have everything they need in them to make a "home" style killah attractant for raccoon. Heck some of that stuff out performs the "commercial/professional" stuff by a landslide.

Don't forget to use sodium benzoate, a preservative.

You can get it at any trapping supply place.

Thanks. Is there a certain ratio I should use?

Go to MTP and look up bait making supplies. It has the ratio and other info you might need.

I would recommend looking at the lure making forum we have here.

How do you plan on using It?

If your thinking of chunk bait all you need to do Is salt It. A layer of chunks In the bottom of a 5 gallon bucket. Then a layer of salt then a layer of fish and so on as you fill the bucket. It won't spoil and you will end up with a fairly freeze proof bait with a good strong odor to It.
If you want to grind some just add some bacon fat or you could add some peppermint oil to the mix. That will give you a sticky bait with a strong odor.

What fish you using?

I would make some of both. With a paste bait you can smear It on things and In things. But you can peg down chunks with forked sticks or pole barn nails. So It's pretty much a toss up on what form your bait comes In. But If you chunk It and salt It you can always grind some to make a paste bait. It will be a lot easer to grind and the salt will freeze proof your past bait.