november-2026-free-line-part-2 - Flipbook - Page 120
FREE LINE / FIELD JOURNAL
KRIS FORD
FIELD NOTES
Not only would the carp be unable to resist it, but it would also provide
them with all that was needed nutritionally to thrive and survive, this last
element reinforcing and supporting the desire (need) for the bait. I do not
think that this was necessarily what Fred Wilton envisaged, but I think it
fair to say that was how it was perceived.
What let this theory down was the ability (instinct) of carp to smell a rat,
so the bait would blow. And so ensued a battle that continues to this day
between the bait companies, anglers and the carp. Amino acids, enzymes,
betaine and all the myriad of other scientific ingredients discovered and
employed to fool and encourage the carp
palatants and attractants
etcetera, etcetera the list is endless.
It is probably true to assume that all of these ingredients certainly do work
and for a variety of reasons. I would assert also that they work best when
first used, and what its life expectancy may be following that first use, I
haven t a clue.
Another of my pet theories on bait I call continuity of use . Let us say that
a really good bait is developed and is very successful wherever it is used
and catches loads of carp. No matter how good the bait, it will eventually
blow. So now it s back to the drawing board? Well no, not exactly. If the
bait is genuinely that good, why change it? Why not simply change one of
its two key indicators (labels), colour and taste (flavour)?
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