Cockles

[Sneezewort]

I’ve had some success on cockles this term... natural, fleshy, smellier the better... I remember first seeing the late John Wilson floatfishing for Carp under the Oaks at a lake in Norfolk on one of his early Go Fishing series.

[RBTraditional]

I’ve had some success on cockles this term... natural, fleshy, smellier the better... I remember first seeing the late John Wilson floatfishing for Carp under the Oaks at a lake in Norfolk on one of his early Go Fishing series.

Cracking bait and will not only lure carp, I’ve used them for tench in the summer and chub during the winter months....

[MGs]

I've been using them a lot, for the last couple of years. Great bait. I've taken plenty of crucians on them. They also seem to pick out the better stamp of roach. Presumably too big for the tiddlers.

[Luga00]

Unfortunately, on the Wey, they are the No. 1 signal crayfish attractant. Had my pb last year the size of a lobster.

[Dave Burr]

Frank Guttfield wrote 'In Search of Big Fish' in 1964 and he used them a lot for tench - with varied success. I used to float fish cockles for carp and had a 15lb common that was a pb at the time. They are indeed a good bait.

[Sneezewort]

I've been using them a lot, for the last couple of years. Great bait. I've taken plenty of crucians on them. They also seem to pick out the better stamp of roach. Presumably too big for the tiddlers.

[Sneezewort]

Unfortunately, on the Wey, they are the No. 1 signal crayfish attractant. Had my pb last year the size of a lobster.

I can only sympathise ! Where about son the Wey do you fish out of interest ?

[Sneezewort]

Frank Guttfield wrote 'In Search of Big Fish' in 1964 and he used them a lot for tench - with varied success. I used to float fish cockles for carp and had a 15lb common that was a pb at the time. They are indeed a good bait.

I’m wondering whether the vinegar they usually come in is detrimental at all or indeed whether supplementing with something even more flavoursome might work - now CY would probably vote for paprika!

[Olly]

Frank G also used them with great success for - rudd!

Buy them fresh never had a bite on the "vinegar" ones!

[Dave Burr]

Frank Guttfield wrote 'In Search of Big Fish' in 1964 and he used them a lot for tench - with varied success. I used to float fish cockles for carp and had a 15lb common that was a pb at the time. They are indeed a good bait.

I’m wondering whether the vinegar they usually come in is detrimental at all or indeed whether supplementing with something even more flavoursome might work - now CY would probably vote for paprika!

Olly is dead right, vinegar is not a good bait additive - buy fresh/frozen. They need no flavouring as fish love 'em as they are.