Prawns- raw or cooked?

[Silfield]

Prawns, as a hook bait, have been used more this season than ever before but I hadnt given any thought to if I should be offering raw or cooked?
Last week, while my wife was scribbling a shopping list, she asked what type I wanted? I was stumped and had to reply that I didn't know, having previously defaulted to buying cooked prawns, knowing that a tasty snack is at hand if the need should arise.
Does one type have the edge, is it personal preference or are other factors to be considered?
Perch have been the primary target on my last couple of outings but thoughts on any other species appreciated.

[Mole-Patrol]

I don't have any option living as we do so far from the source. All prawns and shrimps are cooked and French laws don't allow crayfish to be used as bait so I can't use freshly caught crayfish tails which would be an ideal solution.

The small grey shrimps are great baits for roach and carassin and larger prawns make good barbel and carp baits.

[Pallenpool]

I will always buy the precooked variety - in the main because they are really nice to nibble on when the fish are not. In the Summer months I always put them in a cooler however - in heat it does not take long for them to turn.

[Mark]

I always use them raw, the king prawns.

[Olly]

Peeled or not peeled?

Salmon like them salted whole unpeeled with eggs! Usually dyed red/purple/orange/etc. Trotted down - irresistible!

Small coldwater prawns/shrimps deadly if fished like wet bread for all sorts esp roach.

King prawns - cooked & shelled - cut into small firm pieces for perch & chub (so far).

[Ally]

Too good for fish

[Gary Bills]

I use them cooked.

[Bob Brookes]

Cooked and peeled, whole or pieces.

[Olly]

I get those going cheap/out of date nearly from the supermarket - and freeze them - once! Then thaw & use or feed them as groundbait!

[NiceRoach]

Artificial, maybe that's why I've never had a bite