Natural baits

[Cat]

So, does this mean I can't use grey squirrel as bait (and as a consequence, scupper my record pike plan)!?

[Dave Burr]

A problem with signal crays is that were you to use a pregnant female in a water other then the one where is was caught, you could seed that water with it's own pest community.

One bait thus far unmentioned is the grasshopper. They can be 'dapped' for chub and will work trotted too.

[Santiago]

How about silkweed?

[Cat]

Make or purchase a wormery...if I remember correctly, Marshall-Hardy describes making using one in 'Angling Ways' (I stand to be corrected), but they are pretty straight forward to set up / use...the other alternative is having a good root around in a composter. Just don't get too attached to the product!

[Joshluke]

Regardless of laws, and morals, I couldn't bring myself to eat Carp - I don't see the appeal at all. The nickname "mudpig" makes it even less appetizing. Now, a nice fresh Salmon is something else. Where did I put my gaff?

[Joshluke]

Make or purchase a wormery...if I remember correctly, Marshall-Hardy describes making using one in 'Angling Ways' (I stand to be corrected), but they are pretty straight forward to set up / use...the other alternative is having a good root around in a composter. Just don't get too attached to the product!

I am considering it, a nice fresh supply of worms would be excellent

[Joshluke]

How about silkweed?

I stood on a footbridge above the Dearne last summer watching a 1-2lb Roach eating bits of Silkweed that came down in the current. I don't know why I have never thought about using it, especially after witnessing that.

[Cat]

Yes, I'll read up on it...I wonder if different types of compost produce different worms, or its dependent upon what you introduce?

[Joshluke]

Yes, I'll read up on it...I wonder if different types of compost produce different worms, or its dependent upon what you introduce?

I'm not too sure, maybe somebody with more knowledge will come along and inform you. However, you may be correct as I understand Dendrobaena are bred in compost, Brandlings can be found in horse manure, and red worm can be found in Chicken manure.

[Silfield]

Many , many moons ago, myself and a friend used to have permission to fish a small farm lake (about 1/2 acre). The place was magical, both with what was in the water and what was surrounding the water. We set off on our bikes for the 6 mile trip but realised, when setting up that neither of us had picked up any bait!
We improvised with whatever we had, namely our lunch, until we had exhausted that supply and then went on a hunt for likely natural baits. I then remembered that I had a small pocket full of currants that I had taken to feed the ever present very friendly Robin-we tried them and caught! Not the usual haul from the lake but a good catch non the less with tench, roach, rudd, small carp and even a perch falling for the currants.
I caught a stockie rainbow once that looked very lean but with a definite odd looking bulge to its abdomen. Once in the kitchen sink it soon became apparent what was causing the bulge-about 15" of white flat trainer lace perfectly concertinaed up inside its gut, oh and a fag butt as well!