Quote:
Originally Posted by Deano
I have dabbled in making bait and have bait makers that I have spoken to in depth and I am whole heartedly of the belief that boilies can be made into a complete food source for carp, you're probably using the wrong bait...  
I dont argue with science and carp/koi can be reared in stock ponds that dont have much in the way of natural food and attain decent weights.Often these fish are only fed plant derived products and maybe some pellets, reaching double figures in a couple of years  |
I too have toyed with making bait in the past and have done a little research into what the carps nutritional requirements actually are. This research has lead me to the conclusion that it is totally possible to create a base mix which on paper is a complete food source. The list of ingredients and additives is fairly long though!! My argument is that many of these ingredients contain inhibitors and antinutrients which affect the overall nutritional value of a finished bait. Couple this with the effect that boiling has on the molecular structure of some of the ingredients and I am fairly certain that the finished article will be found lacking in some areas
As for using the wrong bait, well I certainly hope so. I would love to see what I could actually catch if I found the right bait
With regards to fish-rearing I don't think it really has a place in this discussion. Unless of course you are aware of a fishfarmer who fills his stock pools in with 18 milli's
Oh yes, nearly forgot. Fine sand is used in bait production. You will find it quite easy to roll at 10% or less of a base mix. Excellent as a cheap way of adding weight to baits. Good for use with a throwing stick. Even better for selling in kilo bags on a large scale