The Evolution of Carp Bait: Trends Going Back to the 80s

  • Posted: 24th January 2025
  • Author: Brian Ward

Carp fishing has come a long way since I first started in the late 1970s. Back then, purpose-made carp bait simply didn’t exist. Unlike today, when tackle shops overflow with ready-made baits, specialised tackle and endless flavour options, early carp anglers had to innovate with what they had – often using maggots, bread and tins of sweetcorn. My journey through carp baits reflects this evolution, from DIY concoctions in the 80s to the expertly crafted offerings from companies like DNA Baits.

The Early Days: Secrecy and DIY Innovation

My first encounters with carp fishing took place at Marlborough Pool in Oxford, a time when secrecy reigned supreme. Anglers guarded their bait recipes fiercely, often hiding in their bivvies to bait up or waiting until you were out of sight to cast. Information was so scarce that discovering a stray bait or ingredient in an empty swim felt like striking gold.

Marlborough Pool in Oxford

Marlborough Pool, where it all began

This led me to experiment with chickpeas, haricot beans and black-eyed beans as hookbaits. Without modern tools like spod rods, baiting up often meant wading into the lake or relying on a catapult –techniques that limited range and pushed many anglers, myself included, to focus on margin fishing.

One breakthrough came when a friend shared a basic bait recipe:

  • Soya flour
  • Wheat germ
  • Coffee-mate
  • Powdered milk
  • Horlicks
  • Eggs

Initially, I hesitated to boil these baits, believing that carp were spooked by hooks. Instead, I side-hooked paste, unknowingly missing out on many bites. As the hair rig gained popularity, I embraced the benefits of boilies, making bait preparation easier and more effective.

The 1980s: Expanding Horizons and New Ingredients

By the 1980s, carp fishing had begun to modernize. Visiting tackle shops like Harefield Angling introduced me to Rod Hutchinson’s flavours and the concept of base mixes. I experimented with combinations like:

  • Soya flour
  • Wheat germ
  • Casein
  • Lactalbumin
  • Flavours like Monster Crab

We theorised that steaming baits rather than boiling them helped retain more flavour, and the results spoke for themselves. Around this time, Richworth introduced the first ready-made boilies, including legendary flavors like Tutti Frutti. Although initially skeptical, I later saw how widespread use created a natural association for carp, leading to incredible catch rates.

Another trend was peanuts, which dominated carp waters until improper preparation led to bans. This shifted me back to particles like black-eyed beans, offering consistency and results for several seasons.

The 1990s: The Rise of Ready-Made Baits

The late 1990s marked a pivotal shift in bait availability and my approach to fishing. After a friend introduced me to ellipse pellets, I discovered the convenience and effectiveness of ready-made baits. No more hours spent rolling boilies by hand – now I could focus on fishing.

The ready-made revolution led me to explore classic boilies like Honey Yucatan and modern innovations like The Cell. Both delivered excellent results, proving that embracing new trends could pay off.

The DNA Baits Era: Game-Changing Confidence

In early 2024, I decided to try DNA Baits, specifically The Bug, after seeing friends achieve fantastic results. My first session with it resulted in a winter 40lb carp, followed by a season packed with thirties, forties and countless other fish. The Bug has since become my go-to bait, offering consistent performance across all seasons.

Brian with a 40lb mirror carp

I landed this 40lb mirror on my first session using The Bug – in February!

Even as an angler who once took pride in DIY bait-making, I’ve found ways to personalise DNA Baits’ products. Using their Sticky Sweet and powder additives, I’ve been crafting wafters and tweaking free offerings to suit my style. The ability to blend innovation with tried-and-tested bait gives me the confidence to keep pushing boundaries.

Sticky Sweet liquid

I’ve loved experimenting with Sticky Sweet

Looking Ahead

Reflecting on my journey, from blending garden slugs into cat-food baits to confidently relying on DNA Baits, the evolution of carp bait has been nothing short of transformative. Today’s anglers have access to a world of possibilities, with companies like DNA Baits leading the charge in innovation and quality.

For me, DNA Baits has solidified its place as a cornerstone of my fishing strategy. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to carp fishing, I can’t recommend their range enough. Tight lines, everyone!

Other related carp fishing articles:

How to Prime Your Carp Fishing Spot by Pre-Baiting by Steve Wright

Pop-Ups v Bottom Baits: Know When to Use Which by Alan Draycott

Carp Hookbait Colours: A Personal Perspective by Brian Ward