CHICKEN AS BAIT FOR BREAM ETC

This is a deadly combination. The fish sauce provides strong natural amino acids and a salty punch, while the garlic and aniseed trigger the olfactory senses of fish. The parmesan cheese creates a milky scent cloud and helps bind the marinade to the chicken breasts. [1, 2]

1. Preparation

• Cut the Chicken: Slice your chicken breasts into hook-sized, thin strips. (Pro-tip: If you want a tougher bait that stays on the hook longer in strong currents, use chicken thighs instead). [1, 2]
• Combine & Marinate: Place the chicken strips into a zip-lock bag or a resealable container. [1, 2, 3]
• Add the Attractants:
  • Splash in a generous amount of fish sauce (about 2-3 tablespoons per pound of chicken).
  • Add 1-2 teaspoons of minced garlic or garlic powder.
  • Add a few drops of aniseed extract/oil (use sparingly, as a little goes a long way).
  • Sprinkle in a handful of cheap, standard parmesan cheese. [1, 2, 3, 4]

• Marinate Overnight: Let the mixture sit in the fridge overnight to allow the scents to deeply penetrate the meat.
• Toughening: You can add rock salt at this stage to dry out the chicken and make it rubbery, which is great for beach fishing.
• Storage: Keep the bait in a cooler with ice while on the water to maintain its potency. It can also be frozen for future trips. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

• Thread the Hook: Pass your fishing hook through the center of the chicken strip.
• Secure It: Slide the meat up the shank and secure the top with a “half hitch” using your fishing line to prevent the soft chicken from slipping off while casting. [1, 2]