Freshwater Fishing baits - Explained

By John Allen

If you are a course angler or wanting to take up the sport, the bait you use and how you use it is very important. Bait selection is probably the one thing most new anglers struggle with, and the wrong bait can mean you will not catch a fish when others are. In this book I explain the course baits, their use, what fish they are good for; as well as some tips and tricks to get the most out of your fishing bait on the day and to save you money too. 

Starting out in course fishing can be a bit daunting. The vast array of rods, reels, tackle, baits and styles of fishing and can be an expensive minefield to navigate through. Going to the bait and tackle shop can be even more confusing, especially when a potential sale may be the outcome and the sales assistant is on commission. 

Though this book is aimed at the new angler, experienced angler may find or rediscover something that could improve their fishing days.

• Language: English
• Publisher: John Allen
• Release date: Jan 10, 2016
• ISBN: 9781780253503

John Allen

John Allen is a South African journalist who served as director of communications for that country's groundbreaking Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and for Trinity Church, Wall Street, in New York. He is a former president of the South African Society of Journalists and has received awards in South Africa for defense of press freedom and in the United States for excellence in religious journalism. He helps manage Africa’s biggest news website, allAfrica.com.

Book preview

Foreword

This book actually started life as a crib sheet for someone with learning difficulties. Almost by accident he and I got involved in running a junior anglers club at weekends. The crib sheet became a handout, and the handout grew and grew to include more and more information that was eventually put into a pamphlet.  I then found out that the commercial fishery where the club was run, was actually selling photocopies of my pamphlet to new members who were just starting out fishing.  I was, of course, flattered and also a bit annoyed at the same time.  The thought that they were selling my work without my permission got me thinking.  So a few months later here is the OFFICIAL booklet.  It is written with beginners in mind with a small budget, but the more experienced angler may just find something useful in it too.

Unlike many who will write articles about fishing baits, I am not sponsored or paid by any bait makers, so this book is not influenced by the brand names.  Instead, this book is about all the fishing baits that can be used whilst keeping to a sensible budget.  I think it is more important to use the right bait for where you are fishing, rather than those based on a financially influenced endorsement.  This is more important when you are fishing with people on only pocket money budgets, sons, daughters, nephews, nieces etc.  So you will see, as you read this book, I have not mentioned ANY bait maker or bait brands in favour of keeping just to effective baits of all types, to suit all pockets.

If you have ever been to a bait and tackle shop then you will probably have noticed the many different kinds of fishing baits out there.  Choosing the right kind of bait is very important and it can mean the difference between catching a fish and not catching anything at all.  So I am going to list the kinds of fishing baits that are freely available; some seem to work best on generic fish, whereas others work better for specific fish.  These types of baits have been tested and proven to work; some will work all year round, others may work better at certain times of the year.  Some local knowledge is also useful and you will gain that by talking to other anglers you meet when fishing, the venues manager/staff, or in your local bait and tackle shop. Most anglers have their favourite bait type and flavours.  Finding your personal favourite is only limited by how many baits you try, how much you want to spend, the fish you are after and the bait restrictions at the venue you fish.

I have broken this book into sections, covering all the main bait types and the variations thereof.  I have also added a few tips for getting the most out of your bait on the day.  There is a lot more you can try yourself, so experiment a little and think outside the (bait) box.

Dedication

This book is dedicated to Dean, my special fishing buddy.

Natural Live Baits

— nearly all fish will take these.

Maggots are   the pupae of the common house blowfly or blue bottle (Calliphora vomitoria). You will only get these from your bait and tackle shop and they come either pre-coloured (for example, red, yellow or bronze) or natural white.  You can also colour and flavour your maggots yourself by buying white maggots and adding red or yellow food colouring, along with a flavour of your choice.  Powdered colourings and flavourings are the best here, as they help keep the maggots dry and stop them sweating in the tub.

Garlic, curry powder and black pepper are all good to flavour your maggots but, again, experiment a little.

Tip:

If you put a piece of lightly milk-soaked bread in the box, the maggots will keep feeding and not turn to casters so quickly.

Two maggots on the hook is a good way of catching bigger fish.  Hook one maggot by the thicker head end,