NICK HELLEUR HAS USED PVA STICKS FOR OVER 20-YEARS. HE RUNS THROUGH HIS FAVOURITE MIX FOR FISHING THIS UNDERUSED TACTIC...
I have used sticks for years and they still play a big part in my angling today. I can remember the early days of using them and developing the mix and texture over the years, and during that process I caught a lot of carp, nice ones too. The reasons for using them are short and to the point; they add heaps of attraction with little in the way of food to fill the carp up and they help avoid tangles thanks to their extra weight.
STEP-BY-STEP TO NICK'S SUPER-ATTRACTIVE STICKS
STEP-BY-STEPTO NICK'S SUPER-ATTRACTIVE STICKS
The key with sticks is to use a fine mix. You don’t want lots of larger bits in there, as they will be hooked when you thread the rig into the bag. I base it all on powders and liquids, but good ones. There is no point in putting out something that the fish are not fussed about, you want it to be beaming attraction.
STEP-BY-STEP TO NICK'S SUPER-ATTRACTIVE STICKS
The key with sticks is to use a fine mix. You don’t want lots of larger bits in there, as they will be hooked when you thread the rig into the bag. I base it all on powders and liquids, but good ones. There is no point in putting out something that the fish are not fussed about, you want it to be beaming attraction.
STEP 1
Add some dark groundbait to the mix.
STEP 2
Then add some Krill Powder.
STEP 3
Followed a handful of Liver Powder.
STEP 4
Then add the same amount of GLM Powder.
STEP 5
Add a palm full of 2.3mm Krill Pellets.
STEP 6
Then add a good dosage of Fish Sauce.
STEP 7
Then start adding the Salmon Oil.
STEP 8
You will need to mix the bait until it’s wet and sloppy.
STEP 9
Finally, leave the mix to rest in a bag for 24 hours.
THE IMPORTANT THING TO NOTE IS THAT EVERYTHING
I USE IS COMPLETELY NATURAL, SO YOU CAN’T OVERDO IT!
I want it so that when I squeeze it in my hands it stays in the shape of a stick, but a small nudge and it falls apart. I would use these super-attractive sticks as singles and cast towards an area that I have seen carp or where I think they could be. Alternatively, if you are fishing over a baited area, the sticks are like a beacon of attraction on the bottom, so the carp will pick them out quickly.
I want it so that when I squeeze it in my hands it stays in the shape of a stick, but a small nudge and it falls apart. I would use these super-attractive sticks as singles and cast towards an area that I have seen carp or where I think they could be. Alternatively, if you are fishing over a baited area, the sticks are like a beacon of attraction on the bottom, so the carp will pick them out quickly.
EXTRA HINTS & TIPS
Here are a couple of Nick’s Sticks top tips, they’re not an essential, but something that can really enhance your stick usage.
FOLLOW THE JOURNEY
The River Thames is home to big fish of all species, but it has gained a reputation for being one of the best carp venues in the country.
