What bait?

[Phil Arnott]

I think some baits aren't particularly good for some species.

I have fished some chub swims were I couldn't use cheese, worms or luncheon meat because of the eels and had to use bread. Although I have caught an eel on bread it is a rare event.

Roach don't usually take worms well but there are exceptions and my first 1lb roach took a large lobworm. Since then I've had other large roach on lobworm and smaller roach have taken worm well at times but mostly they are not interested. I've also taken quite a few pike in the 3-5lb range on lobworm and even had catches of three or four fish. I can't think of a coarse fish species which won't take a worm.

I think the way to target different species is mainly done by fishing in the right location where they are the dominant specie.

[Duckett]

I can only think of 2 species specific baits that I've settled on:

Slugs for Chub (I'm too chicken to collect wasp grubs).
A massive bunch of worms for Perch …… minimum half a dozen ………… others nibble but only Perch take (I don't livebait).

[BoltonBullfinch]

Bitterling, half of half of a squatt or feeder.

Thanks
BB

[Dave Burr]

I can only think of 2 species specific baits that I've settled on:

Slugs for Chub (I'm too chicken to collect wasp grubs).
A massive bunch of worms for Perch …… minimum half a dozen ………… others nibble but only Perch take (I don't livebait).

Big bunches of worms are good for barbel, carp, chub and trout.... not to mention pike.

I was going to suggest silkweed for roach but recall catching dace and I know others have had chub and even barbel on it. It's quite a conundrum.

[Duckett]

I can only think of 2 species specific baits that I've settled on:

Slugs for Chub (I'm too chicken to collect wasp grubs).
A massive bunch of worms for Perch …… minimum half a dozen ………… others nibble but only Perch take (I don't livebait).

Big bunches of worms are good for barbel, carp, chub and trout.... not to mention pike.

I was going to suggest silkweed for roach but recall catching dace and I know others have had chub and even barbel on it. It's quite a conundrum.

They may be good for you Dave, but me? Nope, just decent Perch! I’m not sure whether to laugh or cry!

[Dave Burr]

I can only think of 2 species specific baits that I've settled on:

Slugs for Chub (I'm too chicken to collect wasp grubs).
A massive bunch of worms for Perch …… minimum half a dozen ………… others nibble but only Perch take (I don't livebait).

Big bunches of worms are good for barbel, carp, chub and trout.... not to mention pike.

I was going to suggest silkweed for roach but recall catching dace and I know others have had chub and even barbel on it. It's quite a conundrum.

They may be good for you Dave, but me? Nope, just decent Perch! I’m not sure whether to laugh or cry!

[Liphook]

Small tench livebaits are almost 100% for wells catfish

[Cray Stalker]

Chub = Bread crust
Roach = Bread flake
Perch = Lob worm
Big Perch = minnow or Bleak
Carp = Bread crust / flake

[Olly]

If I see cheap stewing steak it goes in the freezer - yet to be tried though!

Enormous 40mm boilies/pellets = only cats & carp. Only used in stillwater so cannot comment on river fish - yet.

Lamprey for chub/pike & possibly barbel which do also eat them.

Maggots - the catch-all bait.

Just a thought pancetta? Trotted?

[Harry H]

What about steak and mince for Chub?

I can remember watching someone using that on TV
Martin Bowler ? or John Wilson? maybe.