Making and Using Paste Baits

Why Paste Baits Work

Paste baits have been a reliable choice for UK anglers for generations. They are cheap to make, easy to use and can be adapted to suit different fish and conditions. While tackle shops stock plenty of ready-made options, homemade pastes offer something extra: complete control over texture, flavour and freshness.

There is also a quiet satisfaction in catching fish on bait you have prepared yourself. Whether you are targeting carp, tench, roach or bream, a well-made paste can outperform many shop-bought alternatives.

Two types stand out for their simplicity and effectiveness: bread paste and luncheon meat paste. Both can be made at home with basic ingredients and minimal fuss.

Making Bread Paste

Bread paste is one of the oldest baits in coarse fishing. Izaak Walton wrote about using white bread mixed with honey for carp back in the 1600s. The method has barely changed since, which says something about how well it works.

The key is using bread that has gone slightly stale. Fresh bread tends to be too soft and sticky. A loaf that is two or three days old will hold together much better once worked into a paste.

Start by removing the crusts from a couple of slices. Set these aside for later use as loose feed or groundbait. Dampen the remaining white bread lightly with water, then leave it for a minute to absorb the moisture. Squeeze out any excess.

Place the damp bread into a clean cloth, such as muslin or a piece of old tea towel. Knead it through the fabric until it forms a smooth, even consistency. Working through cloth rather than with bare hands helps prevent the paste becoming too warm or greasy, which can make it less appealing to fish.

The finished paste should be firm enough to stay on the hook but soft enough to mould easily. If it feels too dry, add a tiny amount of water. If too wet, keep kneading until it firms up.

Bread paste works well for roach, rudd, carp and chub. It can be fished on a simple hook or wrapped around a hair rig for larger fish.

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Luncheon Meat Paste

Luncheon meat paste is another straightforward option. It carries more scent than bread paste, which can help attract fish in coloured water or slower conditions.

Use a standard tin of luncheon meat. Cheaper brands often work better because they tend to be fattier, which makes them easier to mash into a paste. Cut the meat into chunks and place them in a bowl. Mash thoroughly with a fork until you have a fairly smooth mixture.

At this stage, the paste may be too soft or oily to hold on a hook. Adding a binding agent helps. Breadcrumbs work well, as does plain flour or crushed biscuit. Mix in small amounts until the paste reaches a workable texture.

Some anglers add powdered flavourings or colourings, but this is optional. The natural scent of the meat is usually enough.

Luncheon meat paste is particularly effective for barbel, chub and carp. It can be used on stillwaters and rivers alike.

Using Paste Baits Effectively

Paste baits are best used fresh. Make them the night before or on the morning of your session. Store in a sealed container to prevent them drying out.

When mounting paste on a hook, mould it gently around the shank and point. The hook tip can be left exposed or lightly covered depending on your preference. For wary fish, a softer paste that breaks down gradually can work in your favour, releasing scent into the water.

Matching your paste to loose feed helps draw fish into your swim. Bread paste pairs naturally with mashed bread or liquidised crumb. Luncheon meat paste works well alongside cubed meat or pellets.

Fishing with paste requires a degree of patience. Bites may be slower to develop than with harder baits, but they often result in confident takes.

If you are new to paste fishing, start simple. A basic bread paste and a size 12 hook will teach you a great deal about how fish respond to this classic bait.