Using boilies for carp

By Ian

  Given the recent surge of interest for carp fishing articles in this column recently, I've decided to write an article on making one of the hallmark baits for carp fishing: the iconic carp boilies.

  Even though carp are usually very wary creatures, they are just suckers (no pun intended) for brightly colored and well favored carp boilies, even though the boilies look like nothing they would eat in nature. They are hardish round baits which will last in the water due to being boilied, hence the name "boilies". The added hardness brought about by boiling prevents little panfish from stealing them. Additional flavors, and colors are also usually included in commercial sprays and mixes. The roundish shape and the hardness of the baits allows the baits to be catapulted with fairly decent accuracy from a slingshot. Boiled baits can also be left longer in the water without being dissolved or weakened as to fall off the hook, as bread or dough balls are apt to do.

Above: Using a few ingredients, it is quite simple to make decent carp boilies at home.

  With boilies, you have the choice of buying them (almost every tackle shop or sporting goods store has them in stock) or making your own. If you are just starting out carp fishing, I recommend that you buy a few jars from a trusted supplier. After getting the hang of catching carp and baiting your own hooks, move on to commercial mixes that are supplied by tackle shops, and try making your own boilies. If you get a lot of success with those, then feel free to make your own concoctions, based on your experiences. 

Here's a very simple recipe that I often use. It's cheap, simple, and uses stuff that you probably have lying around in your cupboard. 

Ingredients

1. 1/2 cup of grits
2. 1 cup of peanut butter
3. 1/4 cup of flour
4. 2 slices of white bread

Simply mash it together in a nice cohesive mix. Blast it in the microwave for 30 secs so it is hard and then and form a ball around your hook.

Tight lines,

​-Ian