Bait

[Noblest savage]

Hi,
I sometimes have difficulty in procuring whole fish for deadbaits especially at short notice. Is it worth using cut up fillets etc? Maybe cutting a mackerel fillet into a fishy shape?
Cheers
Ben

[Mattjb]

Try a local fish merchant,Chinese supermarket,frozen seafood wholesale etc for whole frozen sardines.I've been using Portuguese frozen glazed sardines for a couple of seasons now,usually 9 to a kilo bag,good size,stay on the hooks well,brilliant baits.

[Mike J]

It is normal for many of us to buy our baits from specialist bait suppliers who will deliver FOC to your home in a cool box.
Pit sponsors Gadda Baits are highly recommended, their advert and ordering info are usually across the top of the main page of the Forum.
Try a selection of baits for starters and remember you dont have to use whole fish, a head, a head or a tail end or even a belly strip will all catch good fish.

Do a search on Favourite Baits and just look at the vast range of baits that pike will eat.

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[alan behenna]

Hi,
I sometimes have difficulty in procuring whole fish for deadbaits especially at short notice. Is it worth using cut up fillets etc? Maybe cutting a mackerel fillet into a fishy shape?
Cheers
Ben

Don't need whole fish or indeed anything cut in a fish shape. Parts of fish are fine. Google "Pike Kebab Rig" for the classic example.

[Noblest savage]

Thanks for the replies, I’ll invest in some decent bait. Meanwhile I’ll sort out some kebabs.

[Mike J]

Thanks for the replies, I’ll invest in some decent bait. Meanwhile I’ll sort out some kebabs.

Yes that right, think of your baits as an investment.
Many species will last for years in a freezer as long as you remember a freezer will dehydrate anything that isn't sealed completely airtight which means a long stored bait will float until it absorbs sufficient water.

Im presently using baits I caught in 2015 and the fish still want them.

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