Dear Spug,

I am new to carp angling and was wondering what is the best type of bait. Also, what are the best ways for making my bait more attractive to carp? I am upgrading from match angling where I have been using small baits such as maggots, worms, meat, and sweetcorn. Currently I just add groundbait to attract the fish into my swim, but with carp fishing there is such a wide range of bait. I would appreciate as much information and tips as you could possibly give.

Many thanks,

Mark Brewer
Middleton

Hi Mark – now there's a question!

I would probably answer it by saying that boilies are the best all-round type of bait because they are easy to present, can be cast a long way, they can be buoyant, and they are readily available in all sorts of sizes, flavours, and colours from a wealth of established reputable bait companies. Having said that, there are times when sweetcorn, luncheon meat, maggots, and tiger nuts, etc. can out-fish even the best boilie, so never rule them out and keep them in your armoury at all times.

Particle Syrups are great for boosting the attraction of your bait.	There are plenty more bait options than just boring boilies!

A simple glug can give your bait added attraction, or maybe even slightly altering the shape of your hookbait can also help to put an extra carp or two on the bank. If I am going to try to add attraction to my swim, I will get some hemp and add sweetcorn, some hempseed oil, and a particle syrup. I find this leaves a nice slick in the swim and helps to draw in the fish – maximum attraction, minimum food source – often the way forward for a quick bite.

Check out this slick, created by using an oily spod mix

Hope this helps, and be lucky.

Spug