Tactics

This is for lakes or rivers with very little current.

Make a rig similar to the ones pictured here. If there is wind or current, be sure to use a sliding sinker on the main line above the float. Let it settle to the bottom to hold the rig in place.

 
Fish for Big heads very slowly, because they first begin to filter and taste particles below the bait, then they ascend to the main source of the particles (our bait) and continue to filter the water. Do not try to set the hook until the bobber/float goes completely (and usually suddenly) under.

All bighead take a long time before they actually bite the rig. The bobber/float will bob or dance for minutes (maybe up to 20 minutes), and the adrenaline may nearly kill you because you need to wait the float goes completely under the water. This will mean that the fish actually has the bait in his mouth and is ready to be hooked - usually by the trailer hook (below the bait).

Other types of fish also enjoy the ingrediants in these baits. In some lakes minows will hinder the fishing.

Baits

 Here are 3 recipes for Bighead baits. The secret of these pastes is the sweet smell and the slow break down. It is very important that the bait dissolve in the water over a period of at least 40-60 minutes.

Number 1

cassava flour - 1/2 kg (1.1 lb)

corn flour - 1kg (2.2 lb)

crystal sugar - 300 gm (10.5oz)

peanut (milled and little toasted) - 300 gm (10.5oz)

powder milk - 200 gm (7oz)

powder Chocolate - 50 gm (1.7oz)

Water from the lake - use only enough to make a slightly stiff dough

Preparation:

1. Mix dry ingredients in a pudding basin or tub and keep till the day of fishing.

2. Mix ingredients with enough water for it to pack well.

3. Pack a large handfull around the coil. Press very firmly. Do not knead before packing.

Notes: It is important to mix these ingredients, using water from the lake/river, a few minutes before fishing for best results. Don't forget that sugar will dissolve in the water of the paste composition if you prepare a day before,and this is not good because the sugar will act like a binder. If you put more water then necessary the paste became soft and will be tricky to cast. If too dry, it will not pack well, so add water.

Number 2

Sweet potatoe ( sweet-smelling ): boil in water. Remove skin - 1 kg (2.2lb)

cassava flour - enough to give some consistency to the paste peanuts ( milled and little toasted) -300 gm (10.5oz)

powder milk - 200 gm (7oz)

crystal sugar -300 gm Honey - 50 gm (1.7oz)

Prepare the boiled, kneaded sweet potatoe and place in airtight container (Zip Lock bag) in the refrigerator.

The day you plan to fish, put the potatoe into a container, add peanuts, milk, sugar and honey and mix well, without water.

Add cassava flour, gradually mixing to ensure an even distribution and correct consistency. If too dry, it will not pack well, so add water. If too wet it won't flake off, if too dry it won't cast well.

Number 3

Pellet ( food for fish, milled) -1 kg (2.2lb)

crystal sugar - 200 gm (7oz)

bread toast milled or cassava flour -200 gm (7oz)

powder milk - 100 gm (4.5oz)

water from the lake

Preparation:

Same as for #1 Notes: It is important to mix these ingredients, using water from the lake/river, a few minutes before fishing for best results. Don't forget that sugar will dissolve in the water of the paste composition if you prepare a day before,and this is not good because the sugar will act like a binder. If you put more water then necessary the paste became soft and will be tricky to cast. If too dry, it will not pack well, so add water.

Regards,

Georg Barth