Carl's onto it. Prevention is the best way really. Youve got to keep them as cold as possible and if you can out of the sun when your out. I keep mine in a chilly bin with one or two ice packs and take a few out at a time to partially thaw before going on the hook. If your lucky you can keep them cold enough they stay fairly hard can go back in the freezer until next time. Once there mushy I'd say theyve had it.