$64000 dollar question matey.... and it all comes down to FREEZER BURN and CONFIDENCE!
a lot of bait companies recomend 6months.. some recomend less.. some recomend 12months... i have had baits in the freezer for between 6 and 24months and still caught on them.. i got baits in the freezer now that i have had for 9months and i have confidence in them 110%
i have got some Active8 in the freezer that i have had for nigh on 5years now and yes i would still use them... a mate of mine from darn south was going through a bit of a lean patch and decided to break out some boilies he had in his freezer that were he estimates 9years old... 1st session using them he nails a 39lb common...
sweet!
your choice fella