Best carp fishing baits of all time - Maize

Amongst the top carp fishing baits of all time must be Maize. This cheap and simple bait has accounted for a lot of the fish I have caught. If you are not familiar with Maize and its different varieties and applications then you should be. You are missing out on a killer carp bait.

The success of Maize

It is not difficult to see why Maize is one of the worlds most loved and best carp baits. It’s low cost and ready availability give it a mass appeal. These properties coupled with the fact that Carp just love it makes it a great success the world over. It’s natural bright colour gives instant appeal on nearly all waters and its durable properties allow you to avoid trouble from small nuisance fish.

What varieties of Maize available?

French Maize

• French Maize - The most commonly used form of Maize. Large tough skinned grains. Excellent in combination with other particles or as a hookbait.
• Pop Corn Maize - A smaller variety of Maize, ideal for bulk baiting.
• Red Maize - Very similar in form to Popcorn Maize except the colour of course.
• Flaked Maize - A good option to add substance to your Spod mix or particle mix. Easily prepared buy just scolding with boiling water and soaking for 24 hours.
• Artificial Maize - I like most carp anglers I was a little sceptical of using fake baits, and whether they would catch fish. However continued repeat captures with artificial baits have proved to me that carp are quite happy to take the artificial Maize. This is probably due to their curiosity and love of the real stuff.

Where do I buy Maize from?

Popcorn Maize

Readily available in pre-prepared jars from most tackle shops. The Frenzied Feeder Maize from Dynamite Baits is an easy option, and a good introduction to carp fishing with Maize. However I prefer to buy in bulk and prepare the Maize myself. Available from many bait suppliers, Pet shops and seed suppliers by the bag, you can easy pick up a large bag for under £10.

Preparing Maize before cooking

Fishing with uncooked particles of any kind will harm fish. Unprepared bait will swell up after digestion by the carp and probably lead to death. Preparation of uncooked Maize is very simple. Prepare only the amount you need for one session, as the only way to store prepared particles is to Freeze them. I am sure many carp anglers have there own routine to preparation but the basics are still the same. My method is to fill a large re-sealable bucket with the amount of Maize I require. Cover this with rain water or lake water (preferably) and leave to soak for at least 24 hours. Ensure you cover the Maize by at least 6 inches of water as the Maize will expand as it re-hydrates.

Cooking Maize

Flaked Maize

After soaking the Maize it should now be re-hydrated but still very hard. You will need to transfer the Maize from your sealed bucket to your preferred method of cooking. I use two large pressure cookers that will quickly get the Maize up to boiling point. I know some angler use old Burco boilers to prepare their baits or even cook them in a slow cooker for a while. However you boil the Maize is up to you. Be prepared that it does not give off the sweetest of smells so using your home kitchen could stink the whole house out. Not the best way to get brownie points from your other half? Ensure you boil the mix vigorously for at least 30 minutes, your maize should now be softer but not mushy. Now transfer your cooked maize back to the re-sealable bucket.

Adding Additives and Flavours

Straight after cooking is a great time to add in your additives and flavours. This may be a favourite bait dip or sweetener. Personally I vary what additives I use depending on my baiting application for the Maize. As a general additive I do like to add a good teaspoon of Sea Salt per Kg and a teaspoon of chilli flakes to approximately every 2/3 Kg to give it a kick. Other popular additives for Maize are Molasses and Corn Steep Liquor (CSL).

Maize fermentation

Red Maize

You can use your mix straight away after adding in your flavours and additives if you like. I like to leave my Maize in the sealed bucket for at least another 24 to 48 hours. This allows resting time gives the Maize the chance to absorb your flavours and start to break down a little releasing its natural sugars and starch. The prefect Maize for me has a strong smell which will tell you, it is on the turn and is ready.

Using Maize carp baits

Maize has a many bait applications from a straight hookbait to pre-baiting beds of particles, the choice is yours.

Hookbaits

• After preparing a batch of French Maize I like to pick off a pot full of the best and largest grains for hookbaits and soak theses separately in a preserve.
• Use two or three grains on the hair to produce larger hook baits
• Insert a grain shape piece of yellow rig foam or a buoyant artificial bait above real French maize to produce balanced or pop-up hook baits
• Use a grain of Maize above your boillie in a snowman style for a little visual flare to your hookbait.

Bait beds

• Use a bait spoon to deliver large quantities of bait to a margin spot. Be aware that nuisance water fowl will dive on your bait if in shallower water and could ruin your spot.
• Baiting a spot at distance will require you to break out the Spod rod and get busy.

Maize bait combinations

Maize is a great in combination with other particles. Classic combinations I have used are bulk batches of Hemp with a sprinkling of Maize, fished with a pop-up Maize rig over the bed of bait.

Should I start fishing with Maize?

Yes without a doubt. I have not fished on a water yet that has not responded to Maize with all most instant effect.