John Baker
1 What's A Dip?
First we should ask what a 'dip' is for any beginners out there. A dip is a
liquid food or flavour solution (or a mixture of both) that you soak your hook
bait in. The idea is that the dip penetrates the bait over a given period of
time and leaks out slowly underwater exaggerating the food signals coming from
your hook bait.
2 Ready-mades
If you're a fan of readymade boilies, this hint will help you add to the attraction of your bait. Take your ready-mades and place them in a large freezer bag. Put some dip in the bag and shake, so that all the boilies in the bag are covered. It's best to use a food based, natural dip for this. Amino and natural extract based dips, like Spectrum Bait Soak, are perfect.
3 Mix It
If you want to create a dip that's unique, there are a couple of steps you can
take. Get a natural food based dip and a flavour of your choice. In the picture
I've used Spectrum with my Shellfish flavour. The quantity of flavour you add
to the dip is up to you, but it's better to go easy - say 2-3 ml flavour per 10
-15ml of dip. It all depends on how strong the flavour you want to add is - the
stronger the flavour, the less you need to add to the dip.
4 Pellets
You can use dips to enhance freebies, for example pellets. Anglers in the know
have been doing this for years to give them an edge. Liberally cover your
pellets with dip, as in the pictures, and they'll be more attractive and
different to the pellets everyone else uses. Beware - do this with purpose made
dips, not neat flavour!
5 Meat Dip
There's nothing more boring than a bit of luncheon meat taken straight out of
the tin. Whilst it catches fish, you can use a dip to boost your chances. Cut a
load of meat cubes and soak them in a small bait box for a few hours prior to
fishing. Or just dunk the meat in a dip a minute before casting.
6 Be A Neutral
Another way of creating your own dip is to use a neutral base and combine it with whatever flavour you like. This way, you can select your favorite flavour and create a personal dip that's as strong or as weak as you like. For strong dips add more flavour - but don't overdo it and follow the instructions on the bottle.
7 Groundbait (1)
Groundbait can also be made using dip to help with the binding. To make your groundbait, get a large mixing bowl and tip a few ml of dip into the bottom. Take some water and add that to the dip too, just a little to start with. The amount of dip you add depends on the amount to groundbait you want to make up.
8 Groundbait (2)
Add enough water to the dip so that the bottom of the bowl has as much water as you can see in the picture. Ensure the dip is dispersed equally throughout the water (note the colour of the water here). Then start adding the groundbait and mould around feeder as required.
9 Particles
When preparing particles, why not add some dip in the water you soak them in?
Chick peas are my favorite particle to use like this. To prepare them you need
to properly soak them in water for 24 hours.
I like to add some of my new Particle Punch to that water, which permeates the chick peas - making them more attractive. Follow the instructions on the dip.
10 Bag It
Finally, you can add some dips (those which are oil based) to PVA bags, and cast out a load of dip and nothing else except your hook bait. The PVA melts, the dip escapes and attracts the carp. When the fish arrive, they get loads of food signals - but the only thing for them to eat is your hook bait. Nice!
In this article it's been difficult to suggest dosages and measurements of dip and flavours. It's difficult because these dosages will vary according to the dips and flavours you use. Just make sure you follow the advice on the label of the products you use.
This feature is taken from the May 2000 issue of Total Carp Magazine.
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