How important is the taste of a boilie in your opinion? I understand that it is ultimately down to the carp, but how big of a role do you feel taste plays in the carp's acceptance of a boilie?
I have been using a homemade birdseed boilie with molasses and CSL and it tastes bland but catches really well. Been thinking about adding something to improve it's actual taste when it is consumed by a carp, wondering what your thoughts on taste are?
I have been using a homemade birdseed boilie with molasses and CSL and it tastes bland but catches really well. Been thinking about adding something to improve it's actual taste when it is consumed by a carp, wondering what your thoughts on taste are?
In reply to Post #1
Biggest issue for me how do you no what a carp tastes. Do they like a sweet or bitter taste. If it's catching well it's doing the job. If you think you should be catching more then alter it.
But I'd base results on a longer period than a few weeks. As weather and other variables can play a part In results as much as bait
Biggest issue for me how do you no what a carp tastes. Do they like a sweet or bitter taste. If it's catching well it's doing the job. If you think you should be catching more then alter it.
But I'd base results on a longer period than a few weeks. As weather and other variables can play a part In results as much as bait
In reply to Post #1
Hello...
https://www.carpforum.co.uk/Shared/Messages.asp?TopicID=438114
Hello...
https://www.carpforum.co.uk/Shared/Messages.asp?TopicID=438114
In reply to Post #3
Thank you Baitman. I have no idea how I did not see that when I searched taste.
Thank you Baitman. I have no idea how I did not see that when I searched taste.
In reply to Post #1
Gustatory & olfactory are what you are talking about. Roughly speaking the best human comparison is that gustatory is taste and olfactory is smell but just like in humans there is some overlap and both sense work together.
In broad terms olfactory is what attracts them to a potential food item and gustatory is what makes them eat it and stay or keep coming back to eat more.
A bait that smells great but has little taste will draw them in to feed but they will soon swim off with no taste to it. Likewise a bait that tastes great but has little smell would not draw them in to start feeding. Last night I feed my carp caterpillars from the garden. Very little smell and I don't think they would taste all that good to me but the fish were hunting them out (by sight) once they had one or two to get the taste
Investigate gustatory response to learn more but do not confuse our taste buds with the gustatory system of a carp. Some things they like the taste of are probably foul to me and I am sure the same can be said the other way around. Trial and error is all you can do.
Gustatory & olfactory are what you are talking about. Roughly speaking the best human comparison is that gustatory is taste and olfactory is smell but just like in humans there is some overlap and both sense work together.
In broad terms olfactory is what attracts them to a potential food item and gustatory is what makes them eat it and stay or keep coming back to eat more.
A bait that smells great but has little taste will draw them in to feed but they will soon swim off with no taste to it. Likewise a bait that tastes great but has little smell would not draw them in to start feeding. Last night I feed my carp caterpillars from the garden. Very little smell and I don't think they would taste all that good to me but the fish were hunting them out (by sight) once they had one or two to get the taste
Investigate gustatory response to learn more but do not confuse our taste buds with the gustatory system of a carp. Some things they like the taste of are probably foul to me and I am sure the same can be said the other way around. Trial and error is all you can do.
In reply to Post #5
Investigate gustatory response to learn more but do not confuse our taste buds with the gustatory system of a carp. Some things they like the taste of are probably foul to me and I am sure the same can be said the other way around. Trial and error is all you can do.
Very good post, but I would just add that while it is true we are different to carp, in my experience many of the ingredients that are added to our food to improve taste, and also to food for our pets and farm animals, also appear to taste good to carp.
Sugar and salt are the simplest examples but others are more effective.
Investigate gustatory response to learn more but do not confuse our taste buds with the gustatory system of a carp. Some things they like the taste of are probably foul to me and I am sure the same can be said the other way around. Trial and error is all you can do.
Very good post, but I would just add that while it is true we are different to carp, in my experience many of the ingredients that are added to our food to improve taste, and also to food for our pets and farm animals, also appear to taste good to carp.
Sugar and salt are the simplest examples but others are more effective.
In reply to Post #1
it's extremely important to a bait & I would suggest that it is the most important part of a carp accepting a boilie.
lots of good info in this post & the linked one.
if you want to improve the taste of your birdfood bait, consider adding methi powder (Fenugreek), MSG, maggi seasoning, belechan, liver powder, garlic powder or marmite.
it's extremely important to a bait & I would suggest that it is the most important part of a carp accepting a boilie.
lots of good info in this post & the linked one.
if you want to improve the taste of your birdfood bait, consider adding methi powder (Fenugreek), MSG, maggi seasoning, belechan, liver powder, garlic powder or marmite.
In reply to Post #7
If you don't require a savory taste, you may think of nhdc, talin, corn syrup, molasses, honey, ... or a combination of them.
So, I assume you've got what you are looking for.
Good luck adjusting the boilie recipe and pumping the taste of that birdfood bait
If you don't require a savory taste, you may think of nhdc, talin, corn syrup, molasses, honey, ... or a combination of them.
So, I assume you've got what you are looking for.
Good luck adjusting the boilie recipe and pumping the taste of that birdfood bait