How to Make Carp Bait

Last Updated: June 2, 2021 Approved

Carp fishing is very popular in Europe, and the sport is gaining followers in the United States. Carp are attracted to baits that are sweet and crunchy, and anglers often make their own bait. Here are 3 recipes to make carp bait. Two of these methods require cooking. The other can be made on-site while carp fishing.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Dough Balls

1
Mix the dry ingredients. Stir together 1 cup (240 ml) of flour and 2 cups (470 ml) of yellow cornmeal in a bowl.
2
Dissolve 3 tbsp. (45 ml) of strawberry gelatin in 3 cups (710 ml) of boiling water on the stove top.^{[1]
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3
Stir the dry ingredients into the boiling water.^{[2]
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4
Lower the heat on the stove's burner. Cook the carp bait for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
5
Remove the cooked dough from the heat. Allow it to cool.
6
Store the dough in a plastic bag inside the refrigerator. It will keep for 1 to 3 weeks. Don't freeze these carp bait dough balls.
7
Form the dough into balls when you're ready to fish.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Boilies

1
Blend the dry ingredients in a large bowl.^{[3]
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Research source} Mix 12 ounces (340 g) of yellow cornmeal and 4 ounces (113 g) of brown sugar.
2
Crack 3 large eggs into the dry mixture. Add 2 ounces (60 ml) of cooking oil. Stir until the mixture forms a rigid paste. You may need to adjust the amounts of cornmeal and oil until you reach the proper consistency.
3
Add a few drops of red food coloring to the paste.
4
Rub cooking oil onto your hands. This will keep the dough from adhering to your skin as you form the bait balls.
5
Roll the dough into balls measuring 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.^{[4]
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6
Boil the dough balls in water for 2 to 3 minutes on the stove top. The dough balls will bloat significantly during cooking.
7
Use a slotted spoon to raise the dough balls, or boilies, from the water. Drain the boilies on paper towels and let them cool off.
8
Place the boilies on a drying rack. Allow them to dry for 5 to 6 hours.
9
Store the boilies in plastic bags in the freezer. Thaw before using.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

No-Cook Dough Balls

1
Combine the dry ingredients. Mix 2 cups (470 ml) of flour, 2 cups (470 ml) of crushed wheat flakes breakfast cereal, 1/4 cup (60 ml) of chopped peanuts, and 8 tbsp. (120 ml) of sugar.
2
Add the moist ingredients. Blend in 4 tbsp. (60 ml) of margarine and 8 tsp. (40 ml) of molasses.
3
Pour in a cherry-flavored carbonated beverage, adding a little at a time until you have a firm dough.^{[5]
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4
Mold the dough into balls.

Community Q&A

Question

Can I use corn for carp bait?

Community Answer

Because carp have a sweet tooth, you can use sweet corn as bait. The yellow color will also stand out. Note that sweet corn will also attract other types of fish like blue gill, trout, perch, bream, and catfish.
Question

How do I harden the mix when it's too soft?

Community Answer

That depends on the mix you are using. You may need to make another very small batch of base dry mix. Then, sprinkle it over and hand mix until it reaches the consistency you desire.
Question

Do I store the dough balls in the refrigerator or freezer?

Community Answer

I would recommend storing them in the freezer.