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Using Dough Bait for Fishing: Techniques and Tips
When using dough bait for fishing, the bait mixture needs to have a certain level of stickiness. A common method to achieve this is by adding fiber powder (such as silk powder) to the bait. Additionally, the size of the bait ball should be adjusted according to the target fish species.
When to Use Dough Bait?
There are three main situations where dough bait is preferable:
- Deep Water Fishing – When fishing in deeper waters, using soft paste bait may cause the bait to dissolve before reaching the fish. Dough bait is more compact and lasts longer underwater.
- Presence of Small Fish – If there are many small fish in the area, they can quickly consume soft bait. Using dough bait helps extend the bait’s lifespan, giving larger fish a better chance to feed.
- Fishing for Large Fish – Bigger fish usually take longer to bite, requiring bait that remains on the hook for an extended period without disintegrating too quickly. Dough bait provides better durability.
How to Prepare Dough Bait?
If the bait is not prepared properly, it will not be effective regardless of how it is molded. Ideally, the bait should be soft, elastic, evenly moist, and non-sticky, allowing it to be easily rolled into balls.
There are two common ways to prepare dough bait:
- Dry and Loose Dough Bait – Used mainly for attracting fish (creating a feeding zone). To achieve this, add more state-enhancing bait, such as bran silk or snowflake powder, and use less water.
- Sticky and Soft Dough Bait – Used for actual fishing. To make the bait stickier and softer, add less state-enhancing bait and increase the water content slightly.
How to Mold Dough Bait?
To form a proper bait ball, follow these steps:
- Take a suitable amount of bait and roll it into a ball.
- Use your thumbnail to divide the ball into two equal parts.
- Hold one part between your index and middle fingers while keeping the other on your thumbnail.
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Attach the longer hook of your double-hook rig onto both halves and reshape the bait into a round ball.
Bait Ball Shape Matters
For casual fishing, the shape of the bait ball is not critical as long as the fish are biting well. However, when targeting cautious or finicky fish, the bait shape becomes important.
The best shape for difficult fish is a teardrop form (smaller at the top, larger at the bottom). This shape helps the bait sink smoothly and fully encloses the hook, preventing fish from detecting the hook and spitting it out.
By mastering these techniques, you can improve your fishing success using dough bait!