| Direct Bait services were kind enough to send us some of their products, so we decided to put them to the test and review our findings. We do this having informed Direct Bait that the review will be honest and truthful. Who better then to put the bait through its paces than our big fish man, Steve. Here is his report:
" The baits given to me were tested over a three month period on two Oxfordshire gravel pits with fish in the 15lb - 20 lb bracket being the main target.
To say anglers pressure the pits is an understatement, with people always on the bank no matter what the time of year. The fish are therefore very wary of what food to take and are also easily spooked by anything they are unsure of. The depths of the water vary from two feet to fifteen feet and are crystal clear with plenty of weeds and an abundance of natural food.
Items/Baits tested.
SPICY METHOD MIX. - Nice texture and smell, and lent itself well to moulding around leads or method feeders. The inclusion of 40 - 50 % of ground trout pellet darkened the bait, which I believe made it less obvious to the wary fish in these waters. The mix on it's own was not as productive but that is down to the clarity of the water here in Oxfordshire. On other venues I'm sure it would be very effective. Rating 8/10
SCOPEX / PINNEAPPLE / BANANA OIL. - A firm favourite as far as flavourings go. I added these to the method mix at varying stages and produced some very appetising baits. Ideal for late spring / summer months caught plenty of fish up to 27lb 8 oz (see below). I would suggest during the colder months that by the addition of an ethyl alcohol base as opposed to the oil would be more effective due to the easier breakdown of the liquid in colder temperatures. Rating 9/10
SCOPEX / PINEAPPLE / BANANA PASTE. - Nice firm pastes which appear to be Soya / bird food based? I tried these by moulding them around a cork ball as described in an earlier feature and they held firm and I caught fish. I gave some to another angler to try on another water with a forty - fifty yard cast, who in turn criticised them, suggesting they did not stay on. I questioned his use and put it down to the pastes attracting smaller fish prior to Mr Carp arriving. Rating 7/10
Overall - Price and presentation very good, recommended. " (See Sitering for details of Direct bait services)
May 2001 - Steve with a 27 lb 8 oz fish caught on the spicy method mix
with the addition of banana oil. |
