Hello,
i am pretty new to carp fishing and was just wondering if people had any recommendations for flavours of boilie and brand ? most people i have spoken to have just said to stick with whatever i decide on and build confidence with it, any help would be much appreciated
i am pretty new to carp fishing and was just wondering if people had any recommendations for flavours of boilie and brand ? most people i have spoken to have just said to stick with whatever i decide on and build confidence with it, any help would be much appreciated
In reply to Post #1
Such a big topic this one. I used to chop and change buying 1kg bags of this and that, never really knowing what worked and what didn't.
So many good bait rollers out there nowadays. My advice would be to choose a good manufacturer and stick with it for atleast a season.
Don't go paying £10 a kilo either, buy it in bulk for the full season so you're paying £5/£6 a kilo tops, and the opinion here will probably be that's too much also but personally I dont mind paying for a quality boilie.
For the past few seasons I've been using and having a good amount of success on CC Moore Pacific Tuna and buying their liquid additives (Tuna LO30, Hot Chorizo etc) I typically buy 30kg for the season, that will probably go to 50kg next year when I get out more, but if you buy shelf life then you have no worries about freezer space.
We need so much room for boilies, particles, pellets etc it's a nightmare.
Many others to choose from, Nash, DNA Baits, Trent Baits etc etc and one that unlocked three blanks for me on a hard water, AS Baits Tigernut and Tangerine.
Good luck with whatever you choose, but stick with a reputable roller and I'm sure you'll be fine 👍
Such a big topic this one. I used to chop and change buying 1kg bags of this and that, never really knowing what worked and what didn't.
So many good bait rollers out there nowadays. My advice would be to choose a good manufacturer and stick with it for atleast a season.
Don't go paying £10 a kilo either, buy it in bulk for the full season so you're paying £5/£6 a kilo tops, and the opinion here will probably be that's too much also but personally I dont mind paying for a quality boilie.
For the past few seasons I've been using and having a good amount of success on CC Moore Pacific Tuna and buying their liquid additives (Tuna LO30, Hot Chorizo etc) I typically buy 30kg for the season, that will probably go to 50kg next year when I get out more, but if you buy shelf life then you have no worries about freezer space.
We need so much room for boilies, particles, pellets etc it's a nightmare.
Many others to choose from, Nash, DNA Baits, Trent Baits etc etc and one that unlocked three blanks for me on a hard water, AS Baits Tigernut and Tangerine.
Good luck with whatever you choose, but stick with a reputable roller and I'm sure you'll be fine 👍
If possible find a good local bait firm with a proven track record who have been around for a while. Don't want to get a bait going and then the roller goes bust. Choose a bait to suit your water and the time of year. A good bait maker will be able to give you good advice. Stick with it. Don't blame a good bait if you blank.
In reply to Post #2
The prices on AS baits seem very reasonable, have you had much success with them apart from what you stated in your previous post. Im still really new to all of this and just struggling to get my head around what might work. what else do you tend to fish with your boilies ? pellets ?
The prices on AS baits seem very reasonable, have you had much success with them apart from what you stated in your previous post. Im still really new to all of this and just struggling to get my head around what might work. what else do you tend to fish with your boilies ? pellets ?
In reply to Post #4
A lot of people fish beds of prepared particles with a boilie over them as a hookbait. Usually delivered by a spod or spomb. Others fish pellets or groundbait (such as Vitalin) with boilie on the hook, and others fish boilies over boilies.
Lots of option, cheaper option is probably groundbait, particles or pellet. But then there's the issue of getting it into your swim. Lots to think about, I'd try hook up with a local experienced fishing buddy if you can.
A lot of people fish beds of prepared particles with a boilie over them as a hookbait. Usually delivered by a spod or spomb. Others fish pellets or groundbait (such as Vitalin) with boilie on the hook, and others fish boilies over boilies.
Lots of option, cheaper option is probably groundbait, particles or pellet. But then there's the issue of getting it into your swim. Lots to think about, I'd try hook up with a local experienced fishing buddy if you can.
In reply to Post #4
In my experience and I appreciate this might be different for others, a water can lean one way or the other in terms of what its quarry prefer. I had previously blanked on that water having fished a fishmeal boilie 3 sessions previously, I couldn't buy a bite. Toward the end of my 4th session in March this year, a solid bag filled with a Tigernut and Tangerine 18mm wafter got me a bite within 15 minutes of it being introduced, and another 45 minutes later yielding 2 beautifully scaled 20lb commons. coincidence? I don't think so.
It took me about 5 days over 4 sessions to figure out that this particular water was a fruity boilie water.
Bit of a closed shop also as nobody volunteers any information, you'll come across this yourself.
I only had a single pot of TNT wafters with me on that occasion but thank god I tried them. I have since bought 10kg of their 18mm TNT boilies, matching pellet and glug and I'm taking that along with my CC Moore Pacific Tuna to Lakemore Horseshoe in a little over 2 weeks time so I will let you know how I get on.
In my experience and I appreciate this might be different for others, a water can lean one way or the other in terms of what its quarry prefer. I had previously blanked on that water having fished a fishmeal boilie 3 sessions previously, I couldn't buy a bite. Toward the end of my 4th session in March this year, a solid bag filled with a Tigernut and Tangerine 18mm wafter got me a bite within 15 minutes of it being introduced, and another 45 minutes later yielding 2 beautifully scaled 20lb commons. coincidence? I don't think so.
It took me about 5 days over 4 sessions to figure out that this particular water was a fruity boilie water.
Bit of a closed shop also as nobody volunteers any information, you'll come across this yourself.
I only had a single pot of TNT wafters with me on that occasion but thank god I tried them. I have since bought 10kg of their 18mm TNT boilies, matching pellet and glug and I'm taking that along with my CC Moore Pacific Tuna to Lakemore Horseshoe in a little over 2 weeks time so I will let you know how I get on.
In reply to Post #6
Bit muddy down at Lakemore at the moment, but this spell of dry weather should sort it out. He's stocked some good fish into Horseshoe over the last couple of years as well, so should be good.
Bit muddy down at Lakemore at the moment, but this spell of dry weather should sort it out. He's stocked some good fish into Horseshoe over the last couple of years as well, so should be good.
In reply to Post #7
Yes I believe so, I was chatting with one of lads that had helped Mark put some more woodchip down following the bad May weather. Don't really want to set up my brand new Tempest in a mud pit so really hoping its bone dry when I get there for my 5 day session 
Yes I believe so, I was chatting with one of lads that had helped Mark put some more woodchip down following the bad May weather. Don't really want to set up my brand new Tempest in a mud pit so really hoping its bone dry when I get there for my 5 day session
In reply to Post #8
I think spending money on quality pellets is just as important, good mix of different sized pellets, a quality boilie from sticky, cc Moore would be the best place to start, then progress to a smaller company when confident enough.
I think spending money on quality pellets is just as important, good mix of different sized pellets, a quality boilie from sticky, cc Moore would be the best place to start, then progress to a smaller company when confident enough.
In reply to Post #6
I think i might try out the CC Moore Pacific Tuna boilies, do you match pellets with this ?, I'm fishing quite a small water it isn't big at all and some days it will be packed and others not. so im guessing it is quite a pressured water so would something with high attraction work better? maybe soaking my boilies in a matching glug
I think i might try out the CC Moore Pacific Tuna boilies, do you match pellets with this ?, I'm fishing quite a small water it isn't big at all and some days it will be packed and others not. so im guessing it is quite a pressured water so would something with high attraction work better? maybe soaking my boilies in a matching glug
In reply to Post #10
I wouldn't worry too much about matching pellet initially, why don't you crumb some boilies down put it in a mesh bag, dip it in some liquid and recoat with some crumb.
CCM are just one of many but I think they make a quality bait which is more affordable with their bulk deals.
Good luck fella.
I wouldn't worry too much about matching pellet initially, why don't you crumb some boilies down put it in a mesh bag, dip it in some liquid and recoat with some crumb.
CCM are just one of many but I think they make a quality bait which is more affordable with their bulk deals.
Good luck fella.
In reply to Post #10
And don't forget the 10% discount for a new account and first order with CCM.
And don't forget the 10% discount for a new account and first order with CCM.
I like sticky or dna, big fan of those with great confidence in them which I think is key.
In reply to Post #1
Premier "Matrix " check out web site for deals
Premier "Matrix " check out web site for deals
In reply to Post #1
Sticky Krill would be my suggestion.
Sticky Krill would be my suggestion.
Yes, sticky krill or mainline cell, readily available and will catch anywhere....almost.
In reply to Post #11
Do you soak your boilies in the bait glug for long or just a dip ? And then crumb
Do you soak your boilies in the bait glug for long or just a dip ? And then crumb
Trent Baits Freshwater shrimp, perfect for all year round fishing
In reply to Post #17
Personally I always have about a kilo of 18mm Pacific Tuna in a 5ltr Fox bucket glugged in Pacific Tuna LO30 or their Tuna Bait Booster liquids which come in 500ml bottles (just pour a little liquid in the tub and give a good shake) then coated in crayfish meal and krill meal - all CCM.
This is done weeks in advance to lock in the flavours.
After you have hair rigged the bait, and hooked it into the mesh, dip the whole thing into a liquid, LO30 or Bait Booster and then drop the whole thing into a bucket of crumbled boilie, if you dont have any results on that I'd be amazed 👍👌
Personally I always have about a kilo of 18mm Pacific Tuna in a 5ltr Fox bucket glugged in Pacific Tuna LO30 or their Tuna Bait Booster liquids which come in 500ml bottles (just pour a little liquid in the tub and give a good shake) then coated in crayfish meal and krill meal - all CCM.
This is done weeks in advance to lock in the flavours.
After you have hair rigged the bait, and hooked it into the mesh, dip the whole thing into a liquid, LO30 or Bait Booster and then drop the whole thing into a bucket of crumbled boilie, if you dont have any results on that I'd be amazed 👍👌
In reply to Post #19
What do you tend to fish around this as like ground bait ? Or do you just scatter the boilies around ?
, sorry for all the questions 😂
What do you tend to fish around this as like ground bait ? Or do you just scatter the boilies around ?
, sorry for all the questions 😂
In reply to Post #20
Personally I'd just fish the method described below as that whole parcel of bait is an extremely attractive presentation, you could scatter half a dozen boilies around it if you like but don't over do it.
Personally I'd just fish the method described below as that whole parcel of bait is an extremely attractive presentation, you could scatter half a dozen boilies around it if you like but don't over do it.
In reply to Post #19
I'm assuming you meant the mesh is like a pva bag thingy
I'm assuming you meant the mesh is like a pva bag thingy
In reply to Post #22
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Esp-Pva-Mesh-Kit-25Mm-/332982402709?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Esp-Pva-Mesh-Kit-25Mm-/332982402709?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286
In reply to Post #23
I've just got some of the pacific tuna shelf life boilies, with a matching liquid additive. How long do you recommend soaking them for ? And do I need to air dry them when it comes to using them ?
I've just got some of the pacific tuna shelf life boilies, with a matching liquid additive. How long do you recommend soaking them for ? And do I need to air dry them when it comes to using them ?
In reply to Post #1
My best advice would be not to put too much emphasis on bait choice. I was in a similar position to you not long ago, just starting out in the carp fishing world and completely overwhelmed by the choice of quality bait out there. If you let it, the choice can drive you crazy so don't let it.
Be patient when you don't catch on a certain bait. 8 times out of 10 it's because of something else. All bait will catch so look at other aspects of your tactics like location and time of day etc.
Three boilies I can recommend are:
Baitworks Atlantic heat
DNA S7
Premier matrix
For hookbaits you won't find any better than ones from these:
UB baits
Specialized hookbaits
I'm 100% sure any of these will catch. So just take your pick and the MOST important thing is to stick with a certain bait
Can I ask what rig you are using?
My best advice would be not to put too much emphasis on bait choice. I was in a similar position to you not long ago, just starting out in the carp fishing world and completely overwhelmed by the choice of quality bait out there. If you let it, the choice can drive you crazy so don't let it.
Be patient when you don't catch on a certain bait. 8 times out of 10 it's because of something else. All bait will catch so look at other aspects of your tactics like location and time of day etc.
Three boilies I can recommend are:
Baitworks Atlantic heat
DNA S7
Premier matrix
For hookbaits you won't find any better than ones from these:
UB baits
Specialized hookbaits
I'm 100% sure any of these will catch. So just take your pick and the MOST important thing is to stick with a certain bait
Can I ask what rig you are using?
In reply to Post #1
Cornwall Baits are in your neck of the woods ish 👍
Cornwall Baits are in your neck of the woods ish 👍
In reply to Post #1
I have always done well on Essential Baits Shellfish B5, unfortunately Brexit has put an end to that.
I have always done well on Essential Baits Shellfish B5, unfortunately Brexit has put an end to that.
In reply to Post #1
Theres a new korda podcast out that you may wish to watch when looking for a new bait
Theres a new korda podcast out that you may wish to watch when looking for a new bait
I used to make my own using Haiths ingredients, and done very well on their various mixes ,however ,promotion ,in my job curtailed my bait making,I still wanted to use Haiths products,so I started to use King crab,and the Resource, aka a tweaked reservoir special..based on the Source boily developed by Marcus Watts.., Mirage baits ..
That's what I'm using..however,I believe in being honest,a lot of my better catches have come,just using two fake ,unflavoured yellow enterprise pop up corns,in a mesh bag with Resource, crumbled up...or King crab..
That's what I'm using..however,I believe in being honest,a lot of my better catches have come,just using two fake ,unflavoured yellow enterprise pop up corns,in a mesh bag with Resource, crumbled up...or King crab..
In reply to Post #1
All depends on how swayed you are to advertising I guess lol.
But on a serious note it depends on what water and size of fish your going for.
My faves which I have total confidence in..
Poacher baits fruit frenzy (current bait)
Premier matrix
Sticky krill
Oxford baits tange marine
All depends on how swayed you are to advertising I guess lol.
But on a serious note it depends on what water and size of fish your going for.
My faves which I have total confidence in..
Poacher baits fruit frenzy (current bait)
Premier matrix
Sticky krill
Oxford baits tange marine
In reply to Post #25
The lake i fish at the moment is fairly small so just fishing to the margin as there isn't really enough middle water to fish in i guess, well whenever i go i never see anyone not fishing the margins so i mainly just standard hair rigs but do have a few spinner rigs
The lake i fish at the moment is fairly small so just fishing to the margin as there isn't really enough middle water to fish in i guess, well whenever i go i never see anyone not fishing the margins so i mainly just standard hair rigs but do have a few spinner rigs
In reply to Post #24
Sorry mate, I missed this query.
I buy the shelf life PT, that's quite important since while they're sat in the liquid glugs they are not going off or growing white coats after a few weeks as you get with freezer bait, which must be used at the time.
So typically a 5Ltr bucket with approx 2kg of 18mm PT, I probably tip in 100ml out of a 500ml bottle and then coat in crayfish meal first and second krill meal after that, pop the air tight lid back on the bucket and it's then good for a long time, but you find after the liquid has been absorbed, the meals form a crusty coating after a couple of weeks.
You say how long do you soak the baits, in my opinion once soaked and coated I'd still be 100% confident with it after 3 months.
Personally in all the years I've been fishing this particular combination of bait, with liquid and the meal coatings is the best I've ever used. Everywhere I have taken this it has performed excellently.
The other bait I swear by is AS Baits TNT (tigernut and tangerine) I tend to glug those also with matching TNT glug and coat them in crumbed TNT instead of a meal as per the CCM's.
Two baits that have never let me down and will be my first choice year in year out.
Sorry mate, I missed this query.
I buy the shelf life PT, that's quite important since while they're sat in the liquid glugs they are not going off or growing white coats after a few weeks as you get with freezer bait, which must be used at the time.
So typically a 5Ltr bucket with approx 2kg of 18mm PT, I probably tip in 100ml out of a 500ml bottle and then coat in crayfish meal first and second krill meal after that, pop the air tight lid back on the bucket and it's then good for a long time, but you find after the liquid has been absorbed, the meals form a crusty coating after a couple of weeks.
You say how long do you soak the baits, in my opinion once soaked and coated I'd still be 100% confident with it after 3 months.
Personally in all the years I've been fishing this particular combination of bait, with liquid and the meal coatings is the best I've ever used. Everywhere I have taken this it has performed excellently.
The other bait I swear by is AS Baits TNT (tigernut and tangerine) I tend to glug those also with matching TNT glug and coat them in crumbed TNT instead of a meal as per the CCM's.
Two baits that have never let me down and will be my first choice year in year out.
In reply to Post #1
must admit prefer to roll my own but of all the ready made baits i have tried 3 stick out Mainline cell - just works, Sticky Krill - seems to dominate some waters but my favourite and one i would happily use anywhere is sticky bloodworm. Tend to go for the 20mm as they are softer in the middle and seem to have more sent.
For cheap fishing a nice bed of frozen sweetcorn and hemp plus fake corn will always work.
must admit prefer to roll my own but of all the ready made baits i have tried 3 stick out Mainline cell - just works, Sticky Krill - seems to dominate some waters but my favourite and one i would happily use anywhere is sticky bloodworm. Tend to go for the 20mm as they are softer in the middle and seem to have more sent.
For cheap fishing a nice bed of frozen sweetcorn and hemp plus fake corn will always work.
Got so say Atlantic heat by baitworks has always done me proud.
Its a lot down to personal preference but here are my choices
Sticky krill
Dna s7
Dna switch (haven't tried the bug yet)
All 3 I have massive confidence in
Sticky krill
Dna s7
Dna switch (haven't tried the bug yet)
All 3 I have massive confidence in
In reply to Post #34
Hemp and cheap: Two words I'd thought I'd never see in a sentence
Hemp and cheap: Two words I'd thought I'd never see in a sentence
In reply to Post #37
You think hemp is expensive
You think hemp is expensive
In reply to Post #38
Compared to other particles, yes I do. You can get 25kg of maize for about £10. Whereas the same amount of hemp is about £50. 5 times as expensive. Also, hemp quality can be a bit temperamental these days.
Compared to other particles, yes I do. You can get 25kg of maize for about £10. Whereas the same amount of hemp is about £50. 5 times as expensive. Also, hemp quality can be a bit temperamental these days.
In reply to Post #39
It is expensive compared to maize, but as the seeds are so much smaller it goes further and keeps them grubbing about longer. Very easy to go too heavy with hemp too whereas maize they don't tend to become so preoccupied. It's definitely one of the best particle baits
It is expensive compared to maize, but as the seeds are so much smaller it goes further and keeps them grubbing about longer. Very easy to go too heavy with hemp too whereas maize they don't tend to become so preoccupied. It's definitely one of the best particle baits
In reply to Post #40
Absolutely agree. I'm not disputing its effectiveness. Just making the OP aware of the costs involved
Absolutely agree. I'm not disputing its effectiveness. Just making the OP aware of the costs involved
In reply to Post #39
Still absolutely dirt cheap. £50 for enough hemp to last months.
Could easily use £50 of boilies in a weekend.
Still absolutely dirt cheap. £50 for enough hemp to last months.
Could easily use £50 of boilies in a weekend.
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