Now I've been a boilie angler for 40 years but since a quite severe accident 4 years ago left me disabled and unable to work the money situation is tight. With this in mind I'm starting to use more particles in my fishing to help with the cost side of things. I've had a few over the last few months on tigers/maple mix but I'm looking for any tips on a good winter particle. I realise hemp is good along with corn but the head of roach etc on the water I'm targeting make these very hit and miss. Any ideas tips greatfully received
Cheers Jez
Cheers Jez
In reply to Post #1
I've done well on chick peas in the cold weather in the past....super cheap and they take on a flavour and colour to jazz 'em up a bit. I had success with yellow and Hinders sweetcorn liquid soak. Also I cooked them in milk and brandy one year for a christmassy vibe!
I've done well on chick peas in the cold weather in the past....super cheap and they take on a flavour and colour to jazz 'em up a bit. I had success with yellow and Hinders sweetcorn liquid soak. Also I cooked them in milk and brandy one year for a christmassy vibe!
In reply to Post #1
Don't worry about the roach etc, they will calm right down in the winter. Hemp attracts them well, but it's a terrible winter particle. It encourages them to sit still on a spot feeding very slowly. You want them moving Jez.
Sweetcorn has always been the very best winter bait bar none. A couple of handfuls with three or four baits crushed up. That's it. You can't get better. The best freezer bait around will not compete with that when temps really drop. Singles are also your best friend. You don't need to throw any bait in most of the time.
Don't worry about the roach etc, they will calm right down in the winter. Hemp attracts them well, but it's a terrible winter particle. It encourages them to sit still on a spot feeding very slowly. You want them moving Jez.
Sweetcorn has always been the very best winter bait bar none. A couple of handfuls with three or four baits crushed up. That's it. You can't get better. The best freezer bait around will not compete with that when temps really drop. Singles are also your best friend. You don't need to throw any bait in most of the time.
In reply to Post #2
Cheers I'll have a play with chickpeas over the next few months.
Cheers I'll have a play with chickpeas over the next few months.
In reply to Post #3
Cheers Mark for the reply. I will persevere with the corn and see how I get on. Funny you should mention singles as I have a few tubs of your tuttis and garlics to use over the colder months. I've also been considering solid bags as a way of getting a bit of attraction out there without over feeding them, it's a tactic I've not really utilised before as I've nearly always fished over boilies put out with a stick old school 😂😂😂.
Cheers Mark for the reply. I will persevere with the corn and see how I get on. Funny you should mention singles as I have a few tubs of your tuttis and garlics to use over the colder months. I've also been considering solid bags as a way of getting a bit of attraction out there without over feeding them, it's a tactic I've not really utilised before as I've nearly always fished over boilies put out with a stick old school 😂😂😂.
Groats -v underused.
Chop maples and peanuts in low quantity
Chop maples and peanuts in low quantity
Maples are a fantastic all year round bait. They will take a flavour well if you prefer, but I've honestly never found it to be beneficial.
I've even caught on three maples fished as a single hookbait. As always, it's about putting them in the right place.
I've even caught on three maples fished as a single hookbait. As always, it's about putting them in the right place.
Maize is a good one. Heard of good results on waters over winter.
As mentioned good old sweetcorn. Can even mix it up bit as it takes colour and flavour really well.😁
As mentioned good old sweetcorn. Can even mix it up bit as it takes colour and flavour really well.😁
Many done me proud over many years, as said Sweetcorn is a terrific bait at anytime & during the cold even better.
Maize, Tiger nuts & Pigeon Conditioner with the above continues to work for me along with a fishmeal boilie and depending on the stock / activeness at times I've had to use a fair old amount, it can fly through them!
Maize, Tiger nuts & Pigeon Conditioner with the above continues to work for me along with a fishmeal boilie and depending on the stock / activeness at times I've had to use a fair old amount, it can fly through them!
In reply to Post #6
+1,
I'm also a big fan of Maples but in winter I often swapped over to Tares as a bit smaller, they're often over looked.
+1,
I'm also a big fan of Maples but in winter I often swapped over to Tares as a bit smaller, they're often over looked.
In reply to Post #10
Most carp anglers wouldn't have the confidence to fish with just two or three tares on the hair, thankfully.
Most carp anglers wouldn't have the confidence to fish with just two or three tares on the hair, thankfully.
I would stick with a single SHB and a 3/4 bait stringer so you can wang anywhere you can cast to and not have freezing cold hands from handling the muck.
Would mean you didn't feel stuck in a swim if they are showing some where else too
Marks tuttis and S2 currys did me really well late winter early spring this year
Would mean you didn't feel stuck in a swim if they are showing some where else too
Marks tuttis and S2 currys did me really well late winter early spring this year