Gonna have a little go of making my own bait to pass some time - any big do's and don't? And Where's the best place to get gear in - there's so much to pick from recommendations for sort of a 'starter' flavour combos. Anyone swear by any flavours or flavour combos?
Baf pop up mix is probably be the best and John baker plum flavor and solar squid and octopus is a good en to start off with mate
In reply to Post #2
Thank you, any particular base mix you'd start with just for boilies?
Thank you, any particular base mix you'd start with just for boilies?
Have you ever rolled any bait at all in the past?
In reply to Post #1
If you've not rolled any in the past then I'd recommend haiths mixes, they just need a little oil to help roll and nothing more. Once you've got the hang of it then you can add bits or make your own mix up. Flavours are up to you, personally I don't bother with them as I don't believe they add anything to a well balanced food bait, other swear by them. Bait is all one big matter of opinion and you will get loads of different answers on here
If you've not rolled any in the past then I'd recommend haiths mixes, they just need a little oil to help roll and nothing more. Once you've got the hang of it then you can add bits or make your own mix up. Flavours are up to you, personally I don't bother with them as I don't believe they add anything to a well balanced food bait, other swear by them. Bait is all one big matter of opinion and you will get loads of different answers on here
Never rolled any bait - need something to occupy my time so thought I'd give it a bash.
Ok so I'd pretty much say the same as ian. Before you jump into trying to formulate mixes from scratch. Buy a ready made basemix. Maybe from BAF or Haiths or from a bait manufacturer like Essential etc. Add the liquid they recommend and practice rolling boiling times etc.
I'd actually start just making my own hookbaits first. Try CC Moore's or BAF ready made kits. These are good cos you are only making up small one egg batches at a time. Plus once you've got confidence you can start to add in other powered attractors etc.
I'd actually start just making my own hookbaits first. Try CC Moore's or BAF ready made kits. These are good cos you are only making up small one egg batches at a time. Plus once you've got confidence you can start to add in other powered attractors etc.
In reply to Post #7
Thanks - had a look going to try 2 of the ready made pop up mixes on the BAF website and see how I go. Nutrabaits seem to have a good range aswell have you tried any of there's?
Thanks - had a look going to try 2 of the ready made pop up mixes on the BAF website and see how I go. Nutrabaits seem to have a good range aswell have you tried any of there's?
In reply to Post #8
Nutrabaits used to be good gear, now I'm not so sure
Nutrabaits used to be good gear, now I'm not so sure
In reply to Post #8
Nutrabaits of old definitely. New nutrabaits I wouldn't take the risk.
Nutrabaits of old definitely. New nutrabaits I wouldn't take the risk.
Both say its rubbish so I'll trust your judgement - do you both roll your own baits a lot or sometimes? Do you find when doing it there better than "shop bought"
In reply to Post #11
I roll my own baits all the time, it's cheaper than buying off the shelf and I like having something nobody else has. I like to use a mixture of sizes as well as barrels too so buying bags of each means a lot of freezer space is needed, I just roll my bait fresh for each session so don't have any storage issues at all
I roll my own baits all the time, it's cheaper than buying off the shelf and I like having something nobody else has. I like to use a mixture of sizes as well as barrels too so buying bags of each means a lot of freezer space is needed, I just roll my bait fresh for each session so don't have any storage issues at all
In reply to Post #12
I like that idea - I was talked out of it around Christmas time by someone saying its a waste of time (making bait) . For hook baits is it easier to roll by hand, I'll just start with hook baits for now or would you get a gun and rolling table (small gardener one) also any other bits of kit you'd recommend?
I like that idea - I was talked out of it around Christmas time by someone saying its a waste of time (making bait) . For hook baits is it easier to roll by hand, I'll just start with hook baits for now or would you get a gun and rolling table (small gardener one) also any other bits of kit you'd recommend?
In reply to Post #13
I rolled my own bait a lot going back about 18-20 years ago. I got quite into it and set up a bait area in my garage at the time with a compressor, one of the cox guns, burco etc. I think it's a really interesting dimension to the hobby and I found it enjoyable. These days however I only make hookbaits, I sold all my bait making gear as to be honest the quality of bought bait kept getting better and better and the price of the raw ingredients kept getting dearer until I was thinking I'd have to buy large amounts of stuff, with storage issues etc to keep the price down, and in the end I switched to bought bait. To be honest though I've not bought a full price bait for years so that swayed my decision to give up.
I do still like tinkering with hookbaits though. In fact I use way more of my own cork balls and air balls now than I ever did. I've only just made a batch but already I'm thinking next week I want to play with some other liquids so I might end up doing another loads just for the hell of it.
With regards to rolling I'd suggest even for hookbaits that you invest in a Gardner small rolling table and the matching sized sausage roller table. If you try to hand roll everything without one at the start you risk two things, firstly you might not compress the mix enough, you'll get air pockets in your baits and when they dry they might split. Secondly the thing with pop ups is you want consistency. It's a ball ache if they are all different sizes and therefore require different amounts of counter balancing.
I rolled my own bait a lot going back about 18-20 years ago. I got quite into it and set up a bait area in my garage at the time with a compressor, one of the cox guns, burco etc. I think it's a really interesting dimension to the hobby and I found it enjoyable. These days however I only make hookbaits, I sold all my bait making gear as to be honest the quality of bought bait kept getting better and better and the price of the raw ingredients kept getting dearer until I was thinking I'd have to buy large amounts of stuff, with storage issues etc to keep the price down, and in the end I switched to bought bait. To be honest though I've not bought a full price bait for years so that swayed my decision to give up.
I do still like tinkering with hookbaits though. In fact I use way more of my own cork balls and air balls now than I ever did. I've only just made a batch but already I'm thinking next week I want to play with some other liquids so I might end up doing another loads just for the hell of it.
With regards to rolling I'd suggest even for hookbaits that you invest in a Gardner small rolling table and the matching sized sausage roller table. If you try to hand roll everything without one at the start you risk two things, firstly you might not compress the mix enough, you'll get air pockets in your baits and when they dry they might split. Secondly the thing with pop ups is you want consistency. It's a ball ache if they are all different sizes and therefore require different amounts of counter balancing.
Sounds like it's deffinetly worth rolling hook baits then. I'll deffinetly try it out I'll get the stuff ordered tonight and hopefully be able to get out to test it. I appreciate all the advice. Hopefully il get onto something then that really works. Where do you get your flavours? Do you use powdered or liquid flavours sweeteners etc? I'm going with the prepared kits from BAF to start as I like the look of them.
Appreciate all the advice off both of you think your both local to me too 👍👍👍👍
Appreciate all the advice off both of you think your both local to me too 👍👍👍👍
In reply to Post #15
I use Flavours from Geoff kemp, mainline and BAF. I don't think Ian uses any from what he was saying on another thread a while back.
As far as sweeteners I've used powdered and liquid in the past. My flavours are liquid, but I also include a fruit powder. The bulk of my attraction comes from powdered additives.
I'm in Dunstable. Is that local to you?
I use Flavours from Geoff kemp, mainline and BAF. I don't think Ian uses any from what he was saying on another thread a while back.
As far as sweeteners I've used powdered and liquid in the past. My flavours are liquid, but I also include a fruit powder. The bulk of my attraction comes from powdered additives.
I'm in Dunstable. Is that local to you?
In reply to Post #13
Some gardner tables and a decent caulking gun will help no end. I only use the standard width ones as I don't need to roll big quantities and can knock up enough for a session in a couple of hours easily. A dough mixer is a worthwhile invertment too if you do get into rolling all your own. Got a nice little bosch thing from ebay brand new for under £50, its only small but can do a 6egg mix comfortably. I get one mix made, then while it's resting do a second mix and so on, and then while the later mixes are resting you can roll and start to boil the first one. It takes a little getting used to and you will most likely make a few mistakes along the way but when you get into it it's dead easy and rewarding. There are some great pre made base mixes available if you don't want to go down the route or making your own from scratch. Also, look at different spices, imo they are way more effective than any artificial flavours
Some gardner tables and a decent caulking gun will help no end. I only use the standard width ones as I don't need to roll big quantities and can knock up enough for a session in a couple of hours easily. A dough mixer is a worthwhile invertment too if you do get into rolling all your own. Got a nice little bosch thing from ebay brand new for under £50, its only small but can do a 6egg mix comfortably. I get one mix made, then while it's resting do a second mix and so on, and then while the later mixes are resting you can roll and start to boil the first one. It takes a little getting used to and you will most likely make a few mistakes along the way but when you get into it it's dead easy and rewarding. There are some great pre made base mixes available if you don't want to go down the route or making your own from scratch. Also, look at different spices, imo they are way more effective than any artificial flavours
Okay so it's sort of finding my medium. I'll concentrate on the hook baits for now definitely. It seems a lot of the bait making gear is sold out online (guns and tables) so I'll have to have a proper look around see what I can get that's still delivering - just got a load of end tackle for rig making too missus isnt going to like it 😂 yeah I'm dunstable - 3 years there this month
In reply to Post #18
Don't waste your money on a fishing branded bait gun, you can buy the same thing from a builders merchant for quite a bit cheaper. Plus keep your eye out on eBay, and tackle trader too. Second hand setups come about now and again
There's actually one on tackle trader now which looks a reasonable buy
Don't waste your money on a fishing branded bait gun, you can buy the same thing from a builders merchant for quite a bit cheaper. Plus keep your eye out on eBay, and tackle trader too. Second hand setups come about now and again
There's actually one on tackle trader now which looks a reasonable buy
In reply to Post #19
I've got about 10 caulking guns do you just buy a different insert for it then? I'll have a look and see what I can find
I've got about 10 caulking guns do you just buy a different insert for it then? I'll have a look and see what I can find
In reply to Post #20
You can buy a new insert yes, although the heavy duty version with a metal barrel are much better
You can buy a new insert yes, although the heavy duty version with a metal barrel are much better
In reply to Post #21
Thanks mate appreciate all the advice do you air dry them in a bag aswell?
Thanks mate appreciate all the advice do you air dry them in a bag aswell?
In reply to Post #22
I use mushroom trays to dry them. Chuck them in, give it a couple of hour and give them a shake about and then leave overnight
I use mushroom trays to dry them. Chuck them in, give it a couple of hour and give them a shake about and then leave overnight
In reply to Post #23
Okay mate thanks. Last question I think, how long do the hook baits last? Also the boilies I know you said you make them up for when you're ready to use them but say I over do it abit and have some left over would they be fine being left in a bucket mixed with liquids etc?
Okay mate thanks. Last question I think, how long do the hook baits last? Also the boilies I know you said you make them up for when you're ready to use them but say I over do it abit and have some left over would they be fine being left in a bucket mixed with liquids etc?
In reply to Post #24
If you air dry your pop ups for a week then they should effectively be shelf life.
Left over bait should really be frozen to guarantee it's freshness. You can glug them but again make sure toy air dry them a bit first. If you lock in moisture they could turn in the bucket. If you want to keep them a bit longer then add vegetable glycerin or better still their liquid preservatives to the mix or at least glaze them in it. It's available from BAF and it's fairly cheap.
If you air dry your pop ups for a week then they should effectively be shelf life.
Left over bait should really be frozen to guarantee it's freshness. You can glug them but again make sure toy air dry them a bit first. If you lock in moisture they could turn in the bucket. If you want to keep them a bit longer then add vegetable glycerin or better still their liquid preservatives to the mix or at least glaze them in it. It's available from BAF and it's fairly cheap.
In reply to Post #24
If you dry your hookbaits properly they will last ages, and if you coat in a little oil pretty much indefinitely. If you can keep them in the fridge between sessions even better. As for your loose baits again if you dry them and keep them dry and in a dry bag then they will last ages. If they get too hard then just rehydrate them in some particle water or anything else that's thin. Or just bag them up and chuck them in the freezer until you go again
If you dry your hookbaits properly they will last ages, and if you coat in a little oil pretty much indefinitely. If you can keep them in the fridge between sessions even better. As for your loose baits again if you dry them and keep them dry and in a dry bag then they will last ages. If they get too hard then just rehydrate them in some particle water or anything else that's thin. Or just bag them up and chuck them in the freezer until you go again
In reply to Post #26
Okay so I'll pick up a couple of air dry bags - as they'll have to be hung somewhere inside as I live in a flat and have a cat so don't want them being eaten. I'll add some preservative to the pop ups see how I go
Okay so I'll pick up a couple of air dry bags - as they'll have to be hung somewhere inside as I live in a flat and have a cat so don't want them being eaten. I'll add some preservative to the pop ups see how I go
In reply to Post #27
If you want cheap air dry bags, then have a look at the fine mesh bags Sainsbury's sell to put your loose fruit and veg in. I think they are 30p each. Plenty big enough for a 1 egg mix.
If you want to produce nice looking barrels use a nozzle that is 2 sizes smaller than your rolling table.
I have been playing around with BAF's wafter mixes and found them to be excellent. I had some in a jug to test the buoyancy and they remained buoyant enough after 48hrs. They were quite soft when i hoisted them out. Perhaps adding some whey gel or a small sachet would sort this out?
If you want cheap air dry bags, then have a look at the fine mesh bags Sainsbury's sell to put your loose fruit and veg in. I think they are 30p each. Plenty big enough for a 1 egg mix.
If you want to produce nice looking barrels use a nozzle that is 2 sizes smaller than your rolling table.
I have been playing around with BAF's wafter mixes and found them to be excellent. I had some in a jug to test the buoyancy and they remained buoyant enough after 48hrs. They were quite soft when i hoisted them out. Perhaps adding some whey gel or a small sachet would sort this out?
In reply to Post #27
Just dry your popups properly and you won't need to use any nasty preservatives mate
Just dry your popups properly and you won't need to use any nasty preservatives mate
Hi yes just to clarify when I said about preservatives I was referring to loose feed not hookbaits and only then if you were short on freezer space to add it to give you a short shelf life.
In reply to Post #30
Okay hopefully it will all be worth it. I can't get out at the mo to sainsburys I'm under lock and key for 12 weeks driving me mental 27 and locked up 😂 like a child again got to keep myself entertained or ill loose my marbels.
Longest I'd have a bait out is 4-6 hours I'd probably change up to be honest or reglug and reload anyway
All the tips are very helpful 😁😁
Okay hopefully it will all be worth it. I can't get out at the mo to sainsburys I'm under lock and key for 12 weeks driving me mental 27 and locked up 😂 like a child again got to keep myself entertained or ill loose my marbels.
Longest I'd have a bait out is 4-6 hours I'd probably change up to be honest or reglug and reload anyway
All the tips are very helpful 😁😁
Hi - made my first batch this morning. 12mm - some were coming out square when I was rolling them was using the 12mm nozzle but making sure the sausage was nice and stretched - still had a few pillow shaped/square. Any tips?
In reply to Post #32
If they are pillow then the sausage is too small.
If they are pillow then the sausage is too small.
In reply to Post #33
And dumbell is too big? To consistency of them at the moment whilst air drying is slightly springy will they go hard or will they be slightly soft?
And dumbell is too big? To consistency of them at the moment whilst air drying is slightly springy will they go hard or will they be slightly soft?
In reply to Post #34
Dumbells you make by using a nozzle at least one size smaller, ie 16mm table with a 14mm nozzle, although I prefer to drop 2 sizes ie 16mm table with a 12mm nozzle. For round then your nozzle needs to be slightly smaller than the table which is why the ones you cut yourself work better than pre sized ones
Dumbells you make by using a nozzle at least one size smaller, ie 16mm table with a 14mm nozzle, although I prefer to drop 2 sizes ie 16mm table with a 12mm nozzle. For round then your nozzle needs to be slightly smaller than the table which is why the ones you cut yourself work better than pre sized ones
In reply to Post #1
I have some flavour and oil combinations that work for me:
Cinnamon Oil and Peach
Garlic Oil and RH Megaspice
Eucalyptus Oil and Cherry
Then the obvious Pineapple and N-butyric.
The garlic and Megaspice are my goto pop-ups on a number of waters, had more fish on them than the pineapple.
I add around 5ml of glycerine into the egg and flavour mix to help preserve the baits, then air dry them totally before putting them into a pot. One egg with the flavour oil amount for 4-6eggs gives hi-attract hookbaits, and makes enough pop-ups for the year.
I have some flavour and oil combinations that work for me:
Cinnamon Oil and Peach
Garlic Oil and RH Megaspice
Eucalyptus Oil and Cherry
Then the obvious Pineapple and N-butyric.
The garlic and Megaspice are my goto pop-ups on a number of waters, had more fish on them than the pineapple.
I add around 5ml of glycerine into the egg and flavour mix to help preserve the baits, then air dry them totally before putting them into a pot. One egg with the flavour oil amount for 4-6eggs gives hi-attract hookbaits, and makes enough pop-ups for the year.
In reply to Post #36
Thank you - I've already rolled about 300 pop ups off half a bag of mix so I've got tons dunno if that's good or bad!! This batch is black current and vanilla.
So I have a 12mm and 16mm table I'd want 11mm nozzle and a 14 mm nozzle?
Thank you - I've already rolled about 300 pop ups off half a bag of mix so I've got tons dunno if that's good or bad!! This batch is black current and vanilla.
So I have a 12mm and 16mm table I'd want 11mm nozzle and a 14 mm nozzle?
In reply to Post #37
There's no set size nozzle, it will vary by your mix. So get a mix made up, start with a nozzle smaller than your table and roll one sausage, if it's slightly dumbell shaped slice a tiny bit off the end of the nozzle and try again. Keeps repeating until you get it right, take tiny bits off the nozzle so as you dont take too much and ruin the nozzle. Mine for instance doesn't swell much at all, so according to my vernier my 12mm table takes an 11.5mm nozzle, my 16 takes a 15.25mm nozzle, my 22mm table a 21.27mm nozzle. Your mix will most likely be different. Those gardner pre sized nozzles are really any use if you want perfectly round baits imo
There's no set size nozzle, it will vary by your mix. So get a mix made up, start with a nozzle smaller than your table and roll one sausage, if it's slightly dumbell shaped slice a tiny bit off the end of the nozzle and try again. Keeps repeating until you get it right, take tiny bits off the nozzle so as you dont take too much and ruin the nozzle. Mine for instance doesn't swell much at all, so according to my vernier my 12mm table takes an 11.5mm nozzle, my 16 takes a 15.25mm nozzle, my 22mm table a 21.27mm nozzle. Your mix will most likely be different. Those gardner pre sized nozzles are really any use if you want perfectly round baits imo
In reply to Post #38
Okay thanks so it's deffo a case of trial and error. Do you get your flavours from where ever you fancy or are BAF or nutra baits etc some things better?
Okay thanks so it's deffo a case of trial and error. Do you get your flavours from where ever you fancy or are BAF or nutra baits etc some things better?
In reply to Post #39
BAFs are really good , catchit labs have good feedback and good prices.
BAFs are really good , catchit labs have good feedback and good prices.
In reply to Post #40
BAF seem to have a bit of everything. Apple flavoured boilies 🤔🤔
BAF seem to have a bit of everything. Apple flavoured boilies 🤔🤔
In reply to Post #39
I don't use flavours, they add nothing to a well balanced bait imo. Powdered spices are the way to go for me
I don't use flavours, they add nothing to a well balanced bait imo. Powdered spices are the way to go for me
In reply to Post #42
Okay - liquid food the same? No point?
Okay - liquid food the same? No point?
In reply to Post #43
Totally different thing mate, definitely include something
Totally different thing mate, definitely include something
In reply to Post #44
Banana flavouring yay or nay as bananas are bad luck for fishing.
Banana flavouring yay or nay as bananas are bad luck for fishing.
In reply to Post #45
Again, I don't use flavours so I'd always say no. Each their own though
Again, I don't use flavours so I'd always say no. Each their own though
In reply to Post #37
If you want some nice barrel shapes, try dropping down 2 nozzle sizes. So for a 14mil table use a 10mil nozzle, 16mil table, 12mil nozzle. Oops just noted ip100 has already mentioned this. Sorry!
If you want some nice barrel shapes, try dropping down 2 nozzle sizes. So for a 14mil table use a 10mil nozzle, 16mil table, 12mil nozzle. Oops just noted ip100 has already mentioned this. Sorry!
In reply to Post #45
Richworth did a great Banana Flavour which worked well for me as a kid
Richworth did a great Banana Flavour which worked well for me as a kid
In reply to Post #45
Instead of or in addition to a flavour you want some good hydrosolate. BAF liver hydrosolate and squid hydrosolate is very good add around 50ml to a kilo of mix
Instead of or in addition to a flavour you want some good hydrosolate. BAF liver hydrosolate and squid hydrosolate is very good add around 50ml to a kilo of mix
In reply to Post #49
Hi everyone looking at making my own pop ups for the coming season
so far this is the mix:
AA baits pop up mix
AA baits 3ml pepparami flavouring
AA baits liver amino liquid food 5ml
once made i am going to coat them in AA baits green lipped mussel.
What do you think? should i swap the flavour for an essential oil?
Hi everyone looking at making my own pop ups for the coming season
so far this is the mix:
AA baits pop up mix
AA baits 3ml pepparami flavouring
AA baits liver amino liquid food 5ml
once made i am going to coat them in AA baits green lipped mussel.
What do you think? should i swap the flavour for an essential oil?
In reply to Post #50
if see your using the Patshall mix in another thread how about knock up some ones to match that.
you have confidence in that?
if see your using the Patshall mix in another thread how about knock up some ones to match that.
you have confidence in that?
Hi guys I've started making my own bait also which has worked quite well.
But! I can't remember the betaline ratio to flavoured essence.
I put 10ml of essence per egg.
But I can't remember if it's double the betaline or ??
Any help would be great fully received as I've got all the ingredients out and the misses is having a melt LMAO!!
But! I can't remember the betaline ratio to flavoured essence.
I put 10ml of essence per egg.
But I can't remember if it's double the betaline or ??
Any help would be great fully received as I've got all the ingredients out and the misses is having a melt LMAO!!
In reply to Post #52
It's going to depend on a few factors. There is no set ratio.
I tell you what through, it definitely won't be twice the amount of your “essence” (which sounds high depending upon whether you're using an actual flavour or just using some kind of essence from the supermarket)!
20 mil of Betalin per egg is a crazy high amount and would most likely repel the fish.
If you're making highly flavoured pop ups/hookbaits I would start with 1 mil per egg.
If this is for your feed bait then you're probably better off with around 1 mil per 5 egg mix, depending upon the rest of your mix.
It's going to depend on a few factors. There is no set ratio.
I tell you what through, it definitely won't be twice the amount of your “essence” (which sounds high depending upon whether you're using an actual flavour or just using some kind of essence from the supermarket)!
20 mil of Betalin per egg is a crazy high amount and would most likely repel the fish.
If you're making highly flavoured pop ups/hookbaits I would start with 1 mil per egg.
If this is for your feed bait then you're probably better off with around 1 mil per 5 egg mix, depending upon the rest of your mix.
In reply to Post #53
Thank you for the response I feel that I have royally cocker it up now 😁 BUT they don't taste any sweeter than the live system I use regularly.
I have put various ingredients in them kombu amino sea salt and bird seed, I think they taste good my misses isn't so keen though lol.
Thank you
I'll bear you're advice in the future for sure 😂
Thank you for the response I feel that I have royally cocker it up now 😁 BUT they don't taste any sweeter than the live system I use regularly.
I have put various ingredients in them kombu amino sea salt and bird seed, I think they taste good my misses isn't so keen though lol.
Thank you
I'll bear you're advice in the future for sure 😂
In reply to Post #54
You're welcome. Just be aware that what is nice to us might not be to carp!
We have totally different sensory systems.
Good luck.
Noticed you're a fellow Gloucestershire man. Feel free to pop me a message further down the line if you need any help.
You're welcome. Just be aware that what is nice to us might not be to carp!
We have totally different sensory systems.
Good luck.
Noticed you're a fellow Gloucestershire man. Feel free to pop me a message further down the line if you need any help.
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