Regular compound feed pellets were originally made to provide compact, concentrated food for domesticated animals and farmed fish. They are commonly used by anglers as bait but once in the water they will start to break down. Adding gelatine will give the pellets a firmer consistency, meaning they are less likely to fall off your hook. Jelly pellets make ideal bait for carp, tench, roach and most other freshwater fish.
- Regular compound feed pellets were originally made to provide compact, concentrated food for domesticated animals and farmed fish.
- Jelly pellets make ideal bait for carp, tench, roach and most other freshwater fish.
Boil a kettle and pour 200 ml (6.7 fl oz) of water into the measuring jug. Transfer to the pellet pump jar and add a packet of gelatine. Stir until the gelatine dissolves.
Add expander pellets until you have a mix of about half pellets and half liquid. Put the lid on the pellet jar, ensuring it is firmly in place.
- Add expander pellets until you have a mix of about half pellets and half liquid.
Attach the pump to the top of the jar. Pump until you feel resistance. This draws air from the pellets and replaces it with liquid, allowing the pellets to sink when you use them as bait. Depending on your pump jar, there will be a valve or "press marks" on the stopper that you squeeze to release the vacuum. Release the vacuum and remove the lid.
Transfer the pellets to a tray and spread them evenly in a single layer. Leave in the fridge for a few hours to set.
TIP
You can add flavouring or food dye when making the gelatine mixture. You can use flavoured jelly instead of gelatine. Substitute two cubes of jelly for one packet of gelatine.