I'm thinking of topping all my baits with 6-7 maggots like a meduca rig just for added attraction and if they get eating by small fish the original bait will still be on.

Anyone else tried this ? Was there any difference?

Also I'm thinking of adding maggots to my spod/spomb mix during colder weather and on harder lakes.

Any advice or experience with doing this would be appreciated?

Thanks

Ed

In reply to Post #1
love maggots and casters in the cold months.

my syndicate has some massive tench so I stay away from them on there.

I think the added movement on the bait defiantly helps In the cold.

just keep them fresh! especially casters!

In reply to Post #2
Thanks for the reply and you make an interesting point about them being alive because I was also wondering if dead are just as good because if so then I was going to start stocking up on them but so far I see most saying live are by far better.

In reply to Post #3
Hi Edward

Don't use dead maggots in winter, the skins can get stuck in the intestinal track eventually rotting and killing the fish.

Best

Jon

In reply to Post #4
I never knew that

I will only use live from now on

In reply to Post #4
Hmmm, is this proven? How are live maggots any different to dead maggots once consumed, considering they probably dont remain alive for very long once spodded out and then eaten?

In reply to Post #6
That's a valid point

In reply to Post #7
Disagree also.

I find the best way with maggot is to freeze them on purchase. That way they won't burrow into the rotting vegetation on the bottom of the lake out of sight.

This is the way that match anglers use them, it's all about getting them preoccupied and with maggot and plenty of it guaranteed.

In reply to Post #8
Imo dead maggots are not even nearly as effective as live ones. Not even close.

I've tested the theory of maggots burrowing into silt/wriggling away and found it to be inaccurate. If you can find a nice margin spot with enough depth to avoid birds chuck a handful in. They'll still be there the next morning (assuming mr carp hasn't smashed them).

In reply to Post #9
What about casters ? They do well and don't wriggle?

In reply to Post #10
casters are a different gravy.
they are similar to caddis, carp love caddis.

In reply to Post #11
What do you think are better casters or maggots because I can get a good deal on casters, similar prices to maggots.

In reply to Post #12
horses for courses mate.

I can see the wriggle of maggots giving an edge in the winter. but it depends on the nuisance fish in your lake.

In reply to Post #13
I'm strongly considering topping all my baits with maggots like 6-7 and adding a pv bag with casters and maggots in.

I've heard mixed views on dead and live so I think when ever possible I will use live but for longer storage I will freeze them.

In reply to Post #10
Casters are an awesome bait but I don't personally think they're as affective as live wrigglers.

In reply to Post #15
I've used dead maggots for years and yes they soon dissappear if alive from my experience.

A good example just place them on grass and see if you can find them in a few minutes

It makes no difference to the fish dead or alive though the advantage of freezing is you they remain in top condition and you waste little.

Trouble with casters they end up floating and are nearly twice the price of maggot

In reply to Post #16
keep them fresh and they don't float.