Bloodworm - plastic

[Ian F]

Hi guys, I picked up some Berckly plastic blood worm at the loacl fishing shop yesterday (knowing that the real stuff is illegal to use). Has anyone used this and is it as effective as the real stuff? It was a bit on the pricey side....are there cheaper alternatives?

Thanks

Ian F

 

 

 

[Khani]

Hi Ian F,

My understanding of the plastic baits, is that they are used mainly for drop shot fishing and not normal bait like fishing.

Manufactures (Berkerly) claim because their plastic baits are scented you 18 times more likely to get a pull as compared to non-scented plastics.

There are much cheaper alternatives, speak to your local tackle shop or maybe some of our members can assist you in that regard.

In my opinion you can't really compare plastics to the real stuff.

My understanding was that blood worms are illegal in KZN, but I remember one of our members disputed that fact and said that your are allowed 5. (I will try and get some clarification on this issue).

Tight Lines.

 

 

[Coxy]

Hi Guys

 

My understanding it is illiegal in KZN. In the Western Cape you are allowed 5, which is covered by your molusces etc part of your licence.

My only question is, if the bait is indeed scented, then surely you can put it out like you would live bloodworm?

 

 

[Nivi4Zn]

Hey Ian

Another alternative to Berkley is Ratfink. They are much cheaper and a while back i saw them come in a scented version. Although im not to sure about it being scented will have to get more info.

Hope this helps

Cheers

Nivi4ZN

 

[Ian F]

Hi, thanks for all of the info. Unfortunately one of the joys of living in Gauteng is that the fishing shops cater more for the 'pap gooiers / dam fishermen' than for the rock and surf angler, which is understandable. I will check out what Ratfink stuff they have when I next go to the shop.

I think the way to check out if it works, is to try it. So when next at the coast, I will give it a bash, conventional and drop shot. Worst that can happen is ...............nothing

 

 

[MickJack]

Ratfink plastics work!

Its the action in the water that attracts the fish,

like a spoon or rappala lure (no scent).

The luminous ones with a paddle tail work well for

game fish from a ski!

And the small white 'shad' (minnow) with an

elongate wippy tail are successful in the surf.

Cheers

 

[Coxy]

Hi Mick

I get that it would work like a Rapala.  My question still would be; If a Berkly Gulp Bloodworm is scented, would it still work being put out and left, as you would a real bloodworm, or would it only work when used as "drop shot" lure?

Thanks

 

 

[Brett]

Coxy

It does work but it is difficult to say that your strike rate is the same as real worm.

Khani

All worm is illegal in Kzn.

Brett
 

 

[MickJack]

Yes

Just the action of water movement at the bottom

gives the attraction. I should imagine a correctly scented

plastic would help in getting the fish to the bait.

(Ratfinks are scented, Gulps claim to have a superior scent)

With worm and crab pattens, you can leave them still.

With minnow patterns, I cast, leave, wind a few turns, leave, wind a few

turns..etc. For game fish, a slow jerky retrieve is the general method.

Practice in a swimming pool where you can see the action!

Cheers

 

[Brett]

Mickjack

From my experience Berkley is far superior to and other make.

Brett

 

[MickJack]

Brett

I'm sure you are absolutely right.

Just never tried the Gulps (cost!)

If I was targetting something

like grunter, surely a Gulp would

work better than the others!