groundbait

'Techs'

groundbait - an introduction

"Tackle shops sell bag after colourful bag of ground baits, containing everything from pigeon droppings to molasses, but the real secret to successful groundbait is in the mixing."

mixing and using groundbait

At its simplest, Groundbait is nothing more than dried and crushed bread. In recent years, however, so-called Continental Groundbaits have become very popular. These contain all sorts of ingredients besides bread: binders such as ground peanuts; flavourings like vanilla; even laxatives (supposedly to make the fish hungrier!).

The packaging of these Groundbaits usually recommends what types of fish and waters they are for, and how best to use them, but it can still be very confusing to know where to start.

Mixing Rules

Whether you use plain bread or a Continental Groundbait, the basic rules of mixing and using are the same. Unless you understand these no amount of additives will help you to catch more fish.

The first thing to consider is the kind of container you mix your Groundbait in. Many anglers use a bucket or such-like, which is a mistake because the deeper and narrower the container, the harder it is to get an even mix; the Groundbait at the top tends to be over-wetted, while that at the bottom is too dry. Also, any Maggots you put in tend to burrow down and accumulate in a mass at the bottom. The ideal container is wide and shallow, which allows a thorough and even mix.

Next, don't mix all your Groundbait in one go at the start of the session. If you do it will dry out during the course of the day. Far better to make it up a small batch at a time, as you use it. The same rule applies to adding bait samples, especially Maggots. If you put a whole lot of Maggots in at the start, as well as working their way to the bottom they absorb moisture and become floaters.

A special Groundbait catapult is essential for feeding Bream swims a long way out on reservoirs and other large still-waters. When fishing close-in you can throw your Groundbait in by hand, but be sure to mix it properly or the balls will break up in mid-air and land all over the place, scattering your fish.

Different mixes

The most important quality of a Groundbait is not its colour, smell, taste or ingredients, but its texture. The same bag of dry Groundbait can be put to a wide range of uses simply by varying its texture when you mix it at the waterside.

Mix it very dry and squeeze it very gently so that the balls only just hold together, and you have a Groundbait that breaks up into an attractive cloud as soon as it hits the water - ideal for fishing 'on-the-drop' in still waters in summer.

The same, very dry, mix is also ideal for Open-end Swim Feedering on still waters, as the Groundbait literally explodes out of the Swim Feeder as it absorbs more water on the bed of your swim.

Mix Groundbait so it is moist but not sloppy, and it will be just sticky enough to bind together with Maggots or Casters and hold together in mid-air.

Yet it won't be so stodgy as to stop it breaking up as it sinks to form an attractive cloud in the bottom half of the water - ideal for still-water and slow-river Bream.

Groundbait on the Cheap!

The cheapest way to buy ordinary Groundbait is by the sack full. Store it in a plastic dustbin with a tight-fitting lid to keep it fresh and dry and out of the reach of rodents. An even greater saving can be made by making your own Groundbait.
Ask your family and neighbours to save all their crusts and leftover bread. Dry the bread in an airing cupboard or similarly warm place, then grind it up in a food processor. Start this in the close season so you have some in reserve.

Mixing groundbait - A reminder

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STEP 1: Put some Groundbait into a large, shallow mixing bowl or tray, preferably one with rounded corners. Add the water a bit at a time, mixing vigorously and thoroughly with your fingers all the while to make sure the water is evenly absorbed.

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STEP 2: With the right mix of water and dry crumb the Groundbait feels light and fluffy. You will know it's just the right consistency when you can easily squeeze it into balls with gentle pressure yet break it up again without it forming stodgy lumps.

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STEP 3: Mould your Groundbait into orange-size balls for medium range breaming, tangerine size balls for ‘close-in fishing’ for skimmers and Rudd. The harder you squeeze the balls, the farther you can throw them and the deeper they sink before breaking up.

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STEP 4: If you have mixed your Groundbait correctly you can add quite a few Casters, Maggots or Sweetcorn or whatever, but don't overdo it or the balls will break up in mid-air and fly everywhere.

STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

STEP 4

Throwing groundbait

Most of the time you can comfortably reach your swim with your Groundbait by throwing it in by hand, either overarm or underarm. Never struggle to get distance because, Groundbait being relatively light, it is all too easy to strain a muscle in your arm or shoulder. It's much better to buy and learn to use a Groundbait Catapult.

When using a Groundbait catapult, don't try to fire in balls bigger than about tangerine-size, and give each ball a 'glaze' with water to prevent it from sticking to the pouch.