bread (3)

Jackson

<P>bread 3</P>
<P>Bread Paste
Bread paste is another old bait and one
around which controversy circulates. There is
little doubt that it is best made with stale
bread but many anglers prefer to make it up
at home before the fishing session, using
water from the tap. This I do not do. My own,
quite unproven, belief is that the chemicals in
tap water can be detected by the fish and
make the bait objectionable to them. It is far
better, I believe, therefore, to make up the
bait at the waterside and use the actual
element in which the fish swim. Take the crusts
off　　loaf and put the white bread in a bowl.
Add just enough water from lake or river to
make the bread go soggy. Drain all the
surplus water from the bowl and hp the contents
on to a clean cloth or tea towel. Hold the ends
and squeeze as much of the moisture as
possible from the mixture. Open the towel and
pound the mixture until it is no longer sticky.
Now it should be smooth, white and pliable.
It should hold well to the hook but should
not mask the point on the strike. If the paste
Is too wet, add a little more dry bread to the
mixture. If it is too dry, simply add a little
water until the right mixture is achieved.
For centuries, anglers have liked to add
things to their paste in the belief that it makes
it more attractive to the fish. Honey is an old
favourite as is peanut butter. Many of the
modern carp bait flavourings can be used
as can the various dyes -- yellow and red
especially. Crushed hemp can often be mixed
in with the paste, or sweetcorn juice or even
tinned cat food. A sprinkling of grated cheese
also gives the paste added consistency and
flavour. Custard powder gives a nice yellow
tinge to the paste and also enhances the smell.
Bovril is an old favourite additive though
some have always preferred Marmite. The
variations are simply endless and the major
question must be whether they are necessary
at all. Possibly, at times, they do give paste an
edge if the water is very clouded, for example
and extra scent is needed. It could just be that
particularly educated fish will respond to
something a little different. Above all, there is
the question of confidence, the angler who
believes in his bait will fish just that little better
than the man who simply puts bread or
the hook when nothing else seems to work</P>

hailizi

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