Groundbait preparation is often overlooked in the rush to start fishing, but it plays a crucial role in your success. A poorly prepared groundbait can result in an uneven, lumpy mix that struggles to hold together, affecting your bait's effectiveness.
Unlike other baits, groundbait requires more time and attention to prepare. Simply adding water and letting it stand isn't enough. The final stages, including riddling, removing lumps, and the way you mix it, are essential for creating a high-quality groundbait.
A well-prepared groundbait should have a consistent texture, be fluffy, and be bursting with attraction. By investing time in proper preparation, you'll significantly improve your chances of catching fish.
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When preparing groundbait, the size of the riddle you use can significantly impact the final texture and food content of the mix. There are typically two sizes of riddles: one for maggots and another for smaller pinkies.
Choosing the maggot riddle will result in a groundbait with larger particles, while using the pinkie riddle will produce a finer texture. This finer texture can be beneficial if you want to reduce the food content of the groundbait, as it will make it more attractive to fish without filling them up too quickly.
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Dry groundbait often contains larger particles that can be detrimental to the texture and effectiveness of the mix. In colder weather, it's recommended to riddle the dry groundbait and discard the larger pieces.
However, in warmer weather, it's worth grinding down these larger particles and re-riddling them to create a finer texture. This can be particularly beneficial in summer when fish may be more sensitive to larger particles in their food.
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When preparing large quantities of groundbait, a drill with a whisk can significantly speed up the mixing process. This tool helps to incorporate air into the mix and break down any larger lumps that may have formed due to uneven water distribution.
By using a drill, you can achieve a more consistent and fluffy groundbait texture in a shorter amount of time.
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Even after riddling, you may still encounter some lumps in your groundbait. These lumps can be caused by either excess moisture or larger food particles.
If the lumps are primarily made up of larger food particles, it's best to discard them. However, if they are simply saturated groundbait, you can try pushing them back through the riddle to incorporate them into the main mix.
By addressing these lumps, you can ensure that your groundbait has a consistent texture and is free from any unwanted elements that could affect its effectiveness.
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