I've never tried ties from Harbor Freight, but the ones I use from THD to brush in my duck blind had to be cut off after a couple seasons. They didnt have any description regarding outdoor use.

I use a plastic orange juice bottle with a bunch of holes punched in it and fill it with either dry dog food or a handful of Aquamax. Both seem to work well and when I'm done I can just dump it out and let it dry for the next time I need it.

.10 surface acre pond, 10.5 foot deep. SW LA. The epitome of a mutt pond. BG, LMB, GSF, RES, BH, Warmouth, Longear Sunfish, Gambusia,Mud Minnows, Crappie, and now shiners!!...I subscribe!!