I returned to fishing in May after a 30-year break, and am focussing on carp fishing (was primarily canal fishing for silvers and bream in the old days). So modern carp fishing really is a new world for me.
One area I have yet to figure out is bait and flavours.
I am sticking with boilies for now for simplicity. But the flavours: so many, so confusing.
I see general groups such as sweet, fruity, fish (tuna, krill, crab, etc) and then the spicy exotics like chili etc.
Is there a specific season associated with each of these? (And which season for which flavour ‘group'?)
One area I have yet to figure out is bait and flavours.
I am sticking with boilies for now for simplicity. But the flavours: so many, so confusing.
I see general groups such as sweet, fruity, fish (tuna, krill, crab, etc) and then the spicy exotics like chili etc.
Is there a specific season associated with each of these? (And which season for which flavour ‘group'?)
In reply to Post #1
No seasons etc, just pick a bait that you like the look of and use it. Some waters react better to some type of baits than others, but a good quality bait will catch you fish anywhere you go (as long as you put it in the right place)
No seasons etc, just pick a bait that you like the look of and use it. Some waters react better to some type of baits than others, but a good quality bait will catch you fish anywhere you go (as long as you put it in the right place)
Exactly as ip100 says, pick a decent bait and go from there.
If you're just venturing into the carp fishing world then there's a ton of stuff that you're gonna have to be learning and thinking about, so you don't want to be fretting about bait.
Look at firms like DNA (very well regarded on here) and take your pick, you won't go far wrong.
If you're just venturing into the carp fishing world then there's a ton of stuff that you're gonna have to be learning and thinking about, so you don't want to be fretting about bait.
Look at firms like DNA (very well regarded on here) and take your pick, you won't go far wrong.
In reply to Post #1
Less so on flavours but the general rule of thumb is to use a boilie with a lower oil content during the colder months. Historically this has been birdfood mixes which tend to use sweet flavours, fruits and creams. Not so much the case nowadays.
Digestibility is what you're looking for
Less so on flavours but the general rule of thumb is to use a boilie with a lower oil content during the colder months. Historically this has been birdfood mixes which tend to use sweet flavours, fruits and creams. Not so much the case nowadays.
Digestibility is what you're looking for
Unless you intend on making bait then I would've get too wrapped up in the details. Almost well formulated baits will work right through the year. Having said that I do actually change on to my nut bait in the colder months. But that's nothing to do with the flavour, it's because it's a softer, looser mix that should leak off attraction a bit easier in colder water temperature. To be honest it wouldn't bother me if it was completely “unflavoured” as I'm banking on the ingredients to catch me the fish and not whether it “smells” of fruit or fish.
For example my fishmeal bait stinks of fish, but not cos it's flavoured to smell like fish. It stinks because of the ingredients and even then I don't believe it's the fishy “smell” that's attractive. I believe it's the aminos/proteins/bacterial action that's being detected by the carp.
I really wouldn't worry what a bait smells like to us in all honesty. There's plenty of great baits out there that smell awful to us.
For example my fishmeal bait stinks of fish, but not cos it's flavoured to smell like fish. It stinks because of the ingredients and even then I don't believe it's the fishy “smell” that's attractive. I believe it's the aminos/proteins/bacterial action that's being detected by the carp.
I really wouldn't worry what a bait smells like to us in all honesty. There's plenty of great baits out there that smell awful to us.
In reply to Post #5
I have very similar thoughts to you and do the same in regards to switching to a softer, lighter coloured bait during the winter (but the park lake I fish that time of year seems to respond better to these types of bait). One thing I do consciously change though is the quantity of bait I use, I definitely use less in winter and rely more on a little and often prebaiting when I can
I have very similar thoughts to you and do the same in regards to switching to a softer, lighter coloured bait during the winter (but the park lake I fish that time of year seems to respond better to these types of bait). One thing I do consciously change though is the quantity of bait I use, I definitely use less in winter and rely more on a little and often prebaiting when I can
In reply to Post #1
It's a lot more confusing for the angler than the fish.
Any good bait will work for you. Most of the 'secret' ingredients that make a good bait are actually pretty well known, and the difference between good bait and cheap bait is usually how much of those ingredients are used and how much they get diluted by cheap cereals.
Keep an eye on a few well regarded bait companies social media feeds, you'll soon see what baits are working for good anglers and perhaps see seasonal trends. Beware though, a lot of BS out there, so dig the dirt up on here to work out which ones are farming.
Personally, I 'match the hatch' with a hook bait the same as my feed boilies, and keep a couple of alternative hookbaits on hand to try if nothing is happening.
It's a lot more confusing for the angler than the fish.
Any good bait will work for you. Most of the 'secret' ingredients that make a good bait are actually pretty well known, and the difference between good bait and cheap bait is usually how much of those ingredients are used and how much they get diluted by cheap cereals.
Keep an eye on a few well regarded bait companies social media feeds, you'll soon see what baits are working for good anglers and perhaps see seasonal trends. Beware though, a lot of BS out there, so dig the dirt up on here to work out which ones are farming.
Personally, I 'match the hatch' with a hook bait the same as my feed boilies, and keep a couple of alternative hookbaits on hand to try if nothing is happening.
In reply to Post #1
I don't know if you are buying a ready made bait or if you are making your own. If its the latter you have more scope to pick your flavours. If so look at the flavour base of your flavour. Flavours with monopropoline glycol (mpg) or ethyl alcohol will mix with water easier in low temperature so might be better for winter however there are plenty of exceptions, tutti fruitti for example is oil based but is a great winter attractor as are a number of essential oils.
I don't know if you are buying a ready made bait or if you are making your own. If its the latter you have more scope to pick your flavours. If so look at the flavour base of your flavour. Flavours with monopropoline glycol (mpg) or ethyl alcohol will mix with water easier in low temperature so might be better for winter however there are plenty of exceptions, tutti fruitti for example is oil based but is a great winter attractor as are a number of essential oils.