westy661, what about submerging them in a glass jar of olive oil? Like preserving food and shouldn't dissolve the bait. I wonder if it would keep the bait supple over months and protect it from dissolving in the water over the first several casts. Could even scent the oil.
I also have the goal of fishing plastic free. I saw your recipe on the bass mousse thread and am interested if you have any updates.
(First post on TU.)