Crafty Carper November 2013

’ RS H 96 EE

G IN FR H IS F

CATCH CARP NOW BEHIND THE SCENES using particle baits

at Nash Tackle HQ

Korda’s Richie Lofthouse shows you how

Secrets revealed of the Essex-based tackle giant

No.195 November 2013

November 2013 | Issue 195 | £4.10

MARTIN BOWLER Estate lake angling

craftycarper.co

WIN:

Get Crafty... GET CATCHING!

£80 SCOP 0 worth o Nash E gear f f rom ,p Stas lus an E-S h Trou Jacket & -P ser c wort ombo h ov £120 er

VICE IGIGAAD DVICE RR

and V star How T r Martin autho erfect gets p tion in ta presen k silt thic

GET READY FOR WINTER Tips to ensure your bobbins rise as the temperature falls

On sale Oct 23rd – Nov 20th 2013

craftycarper.co

PLUS: How to make washed-out-looking hookbaits that WILL get you quicker bites!

001_Cover_CC195.indd 1

08/10/2013 15:53

Crafty Carper /// Issue 195 /// November 2013 /// www.craftycarper.co CRAFTY COLUMNISTS

On the cover: Martin Bowler with a recent estate lake chunk he caught using the tactics outlined in his feature.

11

Editorial

93

James Turner

13

Particle Fishing Uncovered

Behind the Scenes at Nash HQ

Richie Lofthouse

Editor James looks at a whole host

Tom Forman

Particles earn the right to be part of your

of things that have dominated

Good friend of Crafty and Nash employee Tom

his thoughts this month, and

angling all year round, and with this in mind

takes us behind the scenes at Nash Towers,

highlights a few of the must-read

Richie Lofthouse details how he uses them,

which nobody else sees. It’s not all fun in the

features in the mag this month.

as well as his favourite rig to match.

industry, there’s plenty of hard graft too.

125

Diary of an Everyday Carp Angler

HIND THE SCENES CATCH CARP NOW BE at Nash Tackle HQ

S’ HR 96 EE G

its using particle bayou how

IN FR ISH

se shows Korda’s Richie Lofthou

F

Secrets

Julian Cundiff In spite of his full-time job and busy schedule, Jules still gets out every

sed tackle giant revealed of the Essex-ba

week and keeps on catching them. See what he’s been up to on page 125.

No.195 November 2013

OUT AND ABOUT

84

The TicketMaster Let Crafty help you out this

month, as we’ve got four different fisheries featured this month, and they are all offering free fishing. Just cut

craftycarper.co

out the voucher and away you go.

195 | £4.10 | November 2013 Issue

MARTIN BOWLER

90

Hot Holiday Venue

WIN: £800 wo

Cretelakes

rth of SCOPE Nash gear from , plus Stash an E-S-P Ja Trous cket & er c worth ombo ove £120 r

Estate lake angling

If you’re starting to get the winter blues and you are already thinking about booking a fishing trip abroad for 2014, this is the place to look for the best holiday venues around.

HING !

Get Craft y... GET CATC

INTERACTIVE

26

Crafty Catch Column Here’s where you get your

VICE IGIGAADDVICE d RR an

catch pictures published, so send

r TV sta How or Martin auth perfect gets tation in n prese ick silt th

them in to us, and you’re in with the chance of a great prize from our good friends at Mainline Baits.

45

E-S-P Competition

GET READY FOR WINTER

We have five sets of E-S-P

Stash clothing up for grabs on page

Tips to ensure your bobbins rise as the temperature falls

45. Protect yourself against the British downpours with this little bundle – just answer one simple question to be in with a chance.

On sale Oct 23rd – Nov

20th 2013

76

The Question Is This month’s carping

craftycarper.co

conundrums are answered by

get you quicker bites! hookbaits that WILL ing ok t-lo -ou ed sh wa 08/10/2013 15:53 PLUS: How to make 001_Cover_CC195.indd

1

19

Winter Plan of Attack Dave Springall

The Essex-based big-fish angler is here

48

Tackling the Estate Lake Martin Bowler

our panel of experts. If you get your question answered you’re in the frame for a prize.

110

Nash Competition The Scope concept

from Nash has been extremely

This month’s cover star goes in search of those

well received, and we’ve got to say

to help up your chances of catching

monsters lurking in the depths of an estate lake, and

that we really like it. Join the Scope

throughout the winter months.

takes a look at how to fool these wary old warriors.

revolution and win over £800 worth of Scope gear over on page 110.

6

Crafty Carper

006-007_Conts_CC195.indd 1

10/10/2013 14:28

Contents /// November 2013

120

Inbox This is the place where we

print your letters and stories, as well

71

Washed-out Baits…

With A Twist

Darren Belton

as the latest news from around the

There are washed-out baits and

carping world. You’ll also find a new

then there are Darren’s washed-out

addition in Inbox as James and the lads

baits with a twist. When it comes to

show off their funny images whilst

edges this is definitely worthwhile

on their travels over the last month.

taking note of, as he seems to catch carp off guard time and again with his sneaky hookbait tweaks.

FEATURES

115

Under Inspection

31

Off the Beaten Track Roderick Langeveld

Tim Sumner

Ready-tied rigs are becoming better

This month we’ve lined up another

and better in quality, so Tim Sumner

story from across the water, as this

has taken the time to look at them

Dutch angler jumps in his van to

more closely; they’ve never let him

try to find himself a little piece of

down, and have been the downfall

solitude on his travels in France.

of many carp up to a whopping 37lb for the Northants-based angler.

35

The Great Crafty Debate Our panel of experts reveal

what bait they would turn to if they could never use a boilie again.

130

The Five-Minute Interrogation

John Walker

We’re sure you’ll be surprised by

The Crafty team asks true northern

some of the answers.

lad and all-round good egg John Walker to answer all their questions in under

39

Three-Water

5 minutes. If he fails he’ll be taken to

Challenge – River

the river and forced to walk the plank.

115

Rik Johnson Rik takes up part three of his challenge, this time to the River Trent in search of one of the much prized carp that it holds. There

CARPERS’ KIT CARP FOOD Carp Food

99

We take a look at some of

Here you’ll find the latest and

In Focus Taska

Carpers’ Kit

55

107

Want some of the best-looking bankware to ogle at? Then head

the best products that are new to

to page 107 as we look at the

greatest products of carpy munga that

the shops, and give you the low-

new A-Type range from Taska.

Spot Baiting

are on the shelves of a tackle shop

down on what’s hot and what’s

Rich Adams

near you, as well as a top tip from Joe

not. Plus the Crafty Team name

Turnbull about warm liquid bags.

their essential items this month.

are some true jewels to be had.

61

Rich reveals how he goes about baiting a certain area, as well as what sort of spots there are out there. It’s not all about hitting the horizon!

59

In Focus Marukyu

We’ve got our mitts on the latest

66

105

pocket and don’t know what to buy, check out our Mega Deals, the best

A first look at the new range of cookware from tackle giants Fox

Our British Young Carp Angling

month, and although you may think

International. Their consultants

Champion Tom Kerr checks in for his

it’s just fake corn, it’s not! There’s been

have been bigging up the range

second blog, whilst Benedict Fowler

so much scientific research into this

for a while, and now it’s here it’s a

tells his story of success on a trip to

product, you’d think Marukyu were

sight to behold and performs to the

France with his friend Oscar Thornton.

launching a space shuttle – genius!

max – now get that stove fired up!

Bag up with these amazing value subscription offers!

Get Crafty delivered to your door for a whole year, and a great gift from Trakker or Mainline/Kent Particles

42

81

put together with those top fellas at Trakker. Not only

Crafty to your door, and we’ll give you a load of goodies

do you get 12 months of your favourite magazine

from those bait-rolling boffins at Kent Particles.

Get ready for winter with this cracking offer we’ve

delivered to your door, you will also receive a Trakker Big Snooze+ sleeping bag and thermal cover.

If you’ve got some

money burning a hole in your

Fox

imitation corn from Marukyu this

Trakker

Mega Deals

In Focus

Crafty Carper Under-21s

Unmissable Subscription Offer #1

123

Unmissable Subscription Offer #2 Kent Particles

Fed up of going to the newsagents? Let us deliver

offers from around the retailers.

COMPETITION WINNERS Competition winners from Crafty Carper September issue 193

30Plus Competition The two winners each receive 30Plus Centium DFX Wireless Alarm sets, consisting of three alarm heads plus receiver, worth £244.99 each.

Garry Charlick – Lowestoft Tim Bloodworth – Bexhill-on-Sea Gardner Competition The four winners each receive prize bundles containing 30 packs of Covert hooks from Gardner, worth £127.50 each Jon Stockdale – Retford S Brachpool – Chelmsford R Burton – Evesham Lisa Barker – Hoddesdon JRC Competition The one winner receives a complete set of JRC Extreme rods, including three XLRs, a transmitter and shuttle, worth £940 Michael Haynes – Stowmarket Fox Competition The two winners each receive a pair of Fox FX reels Jake Skingle – Leighton Buzzard Sam Stacey – Rotherham

Crafty Carper 006-007_Conts_CC195.indd 2

7 10/10/2013 14:28

ANGLER PROFILE

Martin Bowler ...........................

Age 41 ...........................

Hometown

Chippenham, Wiltshire ...........................

Occupation

Professional angler/journalist ...........................

UK PB

45lb 4oz ...........................

Favourite venue

Anywhere quiet and picturesque ...........................

Rods

3Âźlb Terry Hearn E-S-P ...........................

Reels

Daiwa Windcast Z ...........................

Alarms

Fox Micron

48

Crafty Carper

048-052_EstateLake_CC195.indd 1

08/10/2013 16:02

Over the past month Martin Bowler has been pitting his wits against some old estate lake originals which have definitely tested his patience. Will the onset of the autumn and pre-winter feed-up help lower their guard?

Crafty Carper 048-052_EstateLake_CC195.indd 2

49 08/10/2013 16:03

Carp Food

Team Crafty Carper

QUICK BITES

1

2

3

7

8

9

1. AA Baits Halibut Method Mix

2. Berkley Gulp! Carp Squid & Liver

3. Active Baits Krilla Pop-ups and Wafters

RRP: £3.49 for 1kg

RRP: £10.99 for 1kg bag; £27.99 for 3kg bucket

RRP: £5 per tub

Online: aabaits.co.uk

Online: gulpcarp.co.uk

Online: activebaits.co.uk

AA Baits are one of the UK’s top suppliers of bait

A subtle grey/brown in colour, Squid & Liver contains

Krill seems to be the ‘in thing’ for 2013. Will

ingredients, but that’s not all they do. If you like

some quality ingredients from the Berkley Gulp! Carp

that continue into 2014? Who knows, but the

to fish the Method when the going gets tough,

guys and is a sure-fire recipe for catching carp. Since

guys at Active Baits have what you need if

or just due to the fact that no matter what, it

it was brought into the range back in 2010 it has

the carp in your water are really turned on to

truly is a great catcher of carp, then this nice

been the downfall of many carp up and down the

the krill. There are both pop-ups and wafters

fine Halibut Method Mix could be just the thing

country, and it’s been Ellis Brazier’s first choice of

available, they’re nicely rolled, and my word, can

for you. All fish love halibut, whether it's the

bait for some time, and he certainly does catch ’em!

you smell that krill when you take off the lid.

7. Starbaits Grab & Go Pineapple

8. Mainline Baits Banoffee Stick Mix Liquid

9. Nash Snowpots

RRP: £4.99 per 1kg

RRP: £9.99 per bottle

RRP: £6.99 per pot

Online: starbaits.com

Online: mainline-baits.com

Online: nashtackle.co.uk

When it comes to buying boilies, we all know

If you fancy giving little PVA sticks a bash this

Each handy pot comes complete with the three

that it’s going to mean you will have to get out

winter then we suggest you try adding a little

separate elements that create this awesome

the wallet, but with the Grab & Go from Starbaits

bit of extra attraction to your mix, and Mainline

presentation: bottom baits, pop-ups, and dip.

you can get a kilo of boilies for under a fiver! The

being Mainline, have the answer. What carp could

Simply mount a 10mm pop-up and 15mm bottom

best part about it is that the boilies are actually

resist the sweet smell of Banoffee anyway, but

bait, and then boost the Snowman hookbait with

good, and have caught fish all over, not just

add it to your already highly attractive stick

the matching liquid attractor provided. You then

in the UK, but Europe too! You can’t go wrong

mix and you’re definitely on to a winner.

have a perfectly balanced and highly attractive

widely used Halibut pellets or this Method Mix.

for that price. Both 14 and 20mm available.

56

hookbait. Available in all the Nash Top Rod flavours.

Crafty Carper

055-058_CarpFood_CC195.indd 2

11/10/2013 09:42

Carp Food

Team Crafty Carper

4

5

6

10

11

12

4. Bait-Tech Special G 2mm Pellets

5. Marukyu Ebi Formula J Pelletz

6. Blakes Baits Snowberry Boilies

RRP: £4.99 per 850g bag

RRP: £3.99

RRP: £7.25 per 1kg

Online: bait-tech.com

Online: marukyu.com

Online: blakesbaits.co.uk

Some anglers continue to utilise solid PVA bags

J Pelletz are the culmination of 3 years of hard

These little beauties have a tiger nut and milk

and small fluoro hookbaits throughout the winter

work in the Marukyu laboratories and out on the

protein base, which includes digestive aids and

months, and with that in mind, the Special G 2mm

bank with the fieldtesters. The guys have worked

feed stimulants with an awesome combination

Pellets from Bait-Tech are perfect for the job.

in conjunction with the Tokyo-based scientists and

of flavours. It’s a lovely-smelling bait and very

You can’t half create a really tight solid bag with

have come up with a great pellet for any angler.

fruity, yet tangy. It looks perfect for use this

loads of tiny morsels of food within, and here at

They smell nice, have a controlled breakdown

winter, although with its make-up it will be

Crafty we love to use the Special G in our bags!

speed, and are available in 2, 4, 6 and 8mm sizes.

perfect all year round. Available in shelf life or frozen, with pop-ups and dip also available.

10. Solar Pineapple Secret Range

11. Sonubaits Corn

12. Custom Bait Services Maple Gold Glug

RRP: £ Various

RRP: £1.99 per tin

RRP: £6 for 250ml

Online: solar24-7.co.uk

Online: sonubaits.com

Online: customcarpbaits.com

This Pineapple Secret Range from Solar has

The guys at Sonubaits have very recently brought

Maple is and always has been a cracking fish-catcher,

combined pineapple-and-N-Butyric acid into a

out their own version of tinned sweetcorn, and

and when you buy something from a company that

complete range. Traditionally only readily available

everyone knows that sweetcorn is an age-old carp

states that it produces ‘serious bait for serious

in hi-attract pop-ups, Solar’s new range opens up

magnet. You only have to read the piece in the Crafty

anglers’, then you know you’re on to a sure thing.

all sorts of possibilities and applications for one of

Debate this month to see how highly big-name

Use it as a booster for any bait; we suggest you give

the best combos in carp baits. Whilst this bait works

anglers rate it. There are four different flavours in

the hookbaits a much-needed boost this winter.

equally well in both the height of summer and the

the range, including Natural, Scopex, Strawberry,

depths of winter, it is through the fast-approaching

and Krill; the latter two are red and pink in colour,

colder months that it will come into its own.

whilst the Natural and Scopex are natural yellow.

Crafty Carper 055-058_CarpFood_CC195.indd 3

57 11/10/2013 09:42

Washed-out Baits... With a Twist Darren Belton

W

ithout a doubt, presoaking your hookbaits in lake water to give them that

ABOVE Knocking up the hookbaits

on the bank is the one for me because I can determine exactly how I want them.

washed-out, been around the block

“I wanted to create a userfriendly and practical hookbait that would look, and behave, how I needed it to, but which would last once out on the baited area”

grips to a pop-up far more easily, which results in a firmer, easier to roll hookbait. It also makes the hookbait more needle-friendly due to the fact

look and smell, is a tactic that really

The major downside of actually

works. It is also apparent that even

using washed-out baits is what to

though it has been widely publicised,

actually use as a hookbait. Think about

not many people use this successful

it; all the things that make these baits

to force it through a cork ball. This,

and oh-so-simple little dodge. It’s hard

great also make them difficult to use

in turn, equates to a bait that retains

to pinpoint exactly why it works; some

on the Hair, and often the only real

say it’s because the baits look older

solution is to wrap them in bait mesh

baited area. My idea revolved around

unheard of happens and the skin does

and hold no fear for the fish because

or tights so that they hold together.

using plain Cell base mix with nothing

actually fall off, you have still got a

they think the angler has long since

For me, this isn’t an option because I’m

added apart from a dash of white dye

bait on. I mount mine differently rather

reeled in and gone, while others point

never really comfortable with mesh-

and an egg. I’d make my paste, which

than pierce it, but I’ll explain that later.

out that it is more likely to be because

wrapped baits, so I came up with my

looks very pale and has a nice subtle

Finally, when I come to rolling my

of the reduced smell, the change of

own unique idea of how to make a

smell, before rolling it round a 12mm

specials I make them slightly larger,

texture, or, perhaps the most important

washed-out hookbait with a twist.

pop-up to form my hookbait. At this

because soaked free offerings swell

point you may be wondering why

considerably, as well as fading in colour.

thing, that the baits go soft. I’m not

I wanted to create a user-friendly

that you can push the needle through easily and it doesn’t split the outer shell, as it would if you were trying

its buoyancy for longer. Lastly, if the

sure exactly what it is, probably a

and practical hookbait that would

I’m using a pop-up instead of a cork

This results in me having a hookbait

combination of all these things, but one

look, and behave, how I needed it to,

ball – the answer is because pop-ups

that mimics my free offerings as

thing is for sure, it definitely works.

but which would last once out on the

are better. Let me explain. The paste

closely as possible, which is massively

72

Crafty Carper

071-074_WashedOut_CC195.indd 2

10/10/2013 11:42

Washed-out Baits... With a Twist Darren Belton

HOW TO: CREATE YOUR OWN BALANCED WASHED-OUT HOOKERS

1 The items needed are minimal; an egg, base mix and white dye.

3 I then add my Cell base mix to the egg and dye a bit at a time.

5 Take a pinch of paste and mould it around the 12mm pop-up.

2 Take the egg and add some white dye to it, and then mix.

4 Once all mixed up you should have a paste similar to this.

6 Finally, boil them for the desired time, ensuring you keep them moving.

ABOVE Spombing out baits that had been

washed-out for 24hrs was my choice.

ABOVE RIGHT TOP Getting the baits

out there onto the clear spot.

ABOVE RIGHT MIDDLE Using a pop-up

rather than a cork ball is way better; I love the Clockwork Orange.

ABOVE RIGHT When rolling my hookbaits I make them considerably bigger than the original boilies. It’s all about imitating the washed-out effect.

RIGHT A recent victim of my washed-out hookbait approach.

important. I even consider how long my hookbait will be out there; the longer it will be on the lakebed, the longer I boil my hookbaits. I quite enjoy rolling my hookbaits on the bank, which helps me tailor my baits to the situation. So, a hookbait that is only going to be in place for a few hours can be boiled for 30 seconds,

Crafty Carper 071-074_WashedOut_CC195.indd 3

73 10/10/2013 11:43

Three ways to get your question answered – Email: questions@craftycarper.co Web: craftycarper.co By post: The Question Is…, Angling Publications, 101 Broadfield Road, Sheffield S8 0XH.

UNDERSTANDING BOILIES

Q

Hi all, I’m new to boilie-making, and want to know what’s the difference in making shelf life and frozen, and how do I make either?

Cheers, Mags Bebbington.

one of the things that makes it so attractive to carp. Carp will eat shelf lifes and

Mags’ question wins her a great selection of goodies from the extensive Mainline Baits range.

ANSWERED BY:

they will, and

Matt Eaton – Mainline Baits

do, catch plenty

Matt has long been a member of the

of fish, although by

Mainline Baits team and knows a fair

their very nature they will

bit when it comes to bait – what’s in

never be active in the same way as a frozen

it, why it’s there and above all, how to

boilie. It’s no coincidence that the vast

create it. He’s the perfect candidate to

majority of high-profile anglers prefer to use

answer a question on bait-making.

frozen. In human terms, I would equate it to

A

the difference between fresh and long-life There are many differences between

milk. UHT is more convenient, but which do

shelf life bait and frozen, and both

you prefer the taste of in a cup of tea?

have their advantages and disadvantages.

From a manufacturer’s point of view,

From an angler’s viewpoint it is mostly one

there are differences in the baits’ make-up.

of convenience versus effectiveness. As the

Shelf lifes have an ingredient profile suited

name suggests, shelf life baits last without

to keeping the bait in the same condition

deteriorating or going off for a very long time indeed, and they don’t require refrigeration.

This is useful if going for a long session or if freezer space is an issue. Frozen bait, however, begins to break down from the moment it is defrosted but is arguably more effective than shelf life. In fact, this activity within the bait is

BELOW The activity within the frozen bait is one of the things that makes it so attractive to carp.

BOTTOM LEFT A rolling table gives a more consistent size and shape.

BOTTOM RIGHT Drop the baits into a pan of boiling water for around 60-90 seconds.

Hello, and welcome to The Question Is… As ever, our panel of carpfishing experts are on hand to answer ASK AND WIN! Every person who has questions from their question published on you, the readers, these pages will receive a prize and you can be from some of the top tackle and bait manufacturers in the business. sure to pick up If you would like your question to some handy tips be answered by our star-studded panel, simply send it to us, and from the excellent we will forward it to your answers given. chosen recipient.

76

Crafty Carper

076-079_QuestionIs_CC195.indd 1

02/10/2013 11:23

The Question Is

Ask our experts anything, online at www.craftycarper.co

Team Crafty Carper

WHAT GEAR FOR A BEGINNER? HOW IT’S DONE: To produce your own boilies, select a base mix from the range, along with the appropriate Activator, e.g.

Cell Base Mix and Cell Activator.

1. Crack four medium eggs into a bowl.

2. Add 15ml of Cell Activator and

Q

Hi, I’m new to carp fishing and I wanted to find out what kind of fishing rod would best suit me. I have experience in sea fishing, but wanted to fish closer to home. Could you recommend some beginner to intermediate brands of fishing equipment please?

Alex.

Congratulations to Alex, whose question has won him a heap of gear from the Nash TT range of terminal tackle.

mix thoroughly with a fork.

ANSWERED BY:

my casting and long-range fishing tuitions,

3. Whilst mixing, add the Cell Base

Terry Edmonds – Nash

so I get a very good idea of what is good and

Mix a little at a time until it becomes

If it’s anything to do with rods, casting

what is not, which puts me in a good place

too stiff to work with a fork.

techniques or casting setup, then Terry is

to offer advice. I currently work for Nash

the go-to man to answer all your questions.

Tackle, and this is a brand that has been

4. Get your hands in there and start

His role at Nash is to develop top-quality

around for many years. I have personally had

kneading, adding more Base Mix until a

rods, and who better because he’s an

a hand in the development of some of their

workable paste is achieved. Stop adding

absolute animal of a casting machine.

products, so I know how they perform, and I

when it no longer sticks to the bowl.

5. Roll the paste into 14mm to 20mm balls, either by hand or with

A

would advise you to look at the H-Gun range First of all, welcome to the world of carp fishing. The tackle choice for carp

of products that Nash Tackle produces.

The rods are incredible value for money,

anglers these days is huge and it can be very

and the H-Gun rods have been tested very

a rolling table, which gives a more

hard to decide what to buy. Regarding which

hard. I would recommend the 12ft 3lb version

consistent size and shape.

carp rod to buy, there is huge choice, but

for you because it is an all-round rod; this rod

what you really need to decide is what your

will fish in the margins very well and also cast

6. Drop the baits into a pan of

budget is and what you need the rod to do.

over 100 yards. The rod itself is a semi-fast

boiling water for around 60 to 90

Typically, carp rods these days vary in test

action blank, which means it casts well, and

seconds, dependent on size. Do

curve from 2.75lb to 3.75lb, and these will

also retains the ability to play fish, which is

this in batches of 40 so as not to

cover 95% of all carp-

knock the water off the boil.

angling requirements.

The length of carp rods

7. Remove the baits with a slotted spoon,

is usually 12-13ft , but

drain and dry on a towel for a few hours.

with the development

very important for

“Look at brands that have a good track record and have been around for a while”

of the Nash Scope and 8. Bag them up and freeze.

for as long as possible. Some ingredients turn quickly whilst others are more stable,

you to enjoy your fishing. The H-Gun range of tackle also has many other items in the range that are

Dwarf range, 9 and 10ft rods are gaining

great value for money, including bedchairs,

popularity due to them being compact,

chairs, shelters and unhooking mats. There’s

which allows you to be more mobile in your

plenty of gear to choose from, and any good

fishing and, of course, easier to transport.

tackle shop will be able to offer advice too.

Which brand to buy is another big question,

sugars being a prime example. Shelf life bait

and what I would advise is to look at brands

contains a higher percentage of these long-

that have a good track record and have been

life ingredients and possibly some low-level

around for a while. If the product isn’t any

chemical preservatives. In addition, flavour

good they wouldn’t be in business any more.

Good luck, Terry.

levels are generally higher to account for what

I am lucky because I get to use a lot of

BOTTOM LEFT H-Gun – quality dependable gear keenly priced – it won’t let you down.

evaporates during the extended drying period.

rods and tackle by lots of manufacturers on

BELOW Terry testing Nash rods to the limit.

Commercial base mixes, such as those put together by Mainline, are designed for making frozen boilies, and attempting to manufacture your own shelf life bait is not something I’d advise. Mainline have made it as easy and as simple as possible to make your own freezer bait by producing Activators, which combine all the liquid attractors (flavours, sweeteners, etc.) in one bottle. Similarly, the base mix contains all the powdered ingredients in a bag.

I hope this helps, and good luck.

Matt Eaton.

BELOW Along with all my captures, this one was caught using frozen bait.

Crafty Carper 076-079_QuestionIs_CC195.indd 2

77 02/10/2013 11:23

r

e b m e v o N t s 1 m o r f le a s n o s t T icke it is v o f in e r o m For k u . o c . n o n i p r a c

tailers UK’s biggest re rgain from the ba a g Ba / le it and tack novations in ba e business / of the latest in s w ie est names in th ev ays Pr gg bi e: e ud th cl in m fro ns s io m ct ies and giveaw Attra Talks and foru petitions, freeb om C / s ce nd announ d hibitor sta ads more to be red different ex Lo / nd y hu rp a ca ly ar gs in Ne d all th for rigs, bait an Interactive area

2014 The Carp Show! 15th & 16th March, Five Lakes Resort, Essex

In association with:

Follow us on Facebook

ad template.indd 1 2014_Teaser_Ad.indd 1

09/10/2013 12:03 16:40 18/09/2013