Dough ball fishing bait works as well as other baits commercially available. Fish are attracted to the tasty treat and can't help themselves when they yank the whole ball and get hooked in the process. Dough balls can be made in different flavors to appeal to many varieties of freshwater fish such as catfish, crappie, carp and crawfish. Easy to prepare, dough balls may be made ahead of time and kept in a zippered plastic bag in the refrigerator for a week or more.
Significance
Make dough from any flour. Rye works well as it has a strong aroma. Use enough water to make a stiff dough that will stay on the fish hook. Flours differ in absorbency and gluten content so experiment with whatever flours you have. Roll marble-sized balls and set them aside on a plate to await flavorings.
Types
Flavoring the dough bait involves working smelly substances into the individual dough balls to attract fish to bite. Flavorings may include clove oil, anise seeds, caraway seeds, tobacco, fish oil, oregano leaves, bits of hot dog, curry powder, cinnamon or tarragon leaves. Experiment with other strong flavors and aromas to see what works just as well to flavor the dough ball fishing bait.
Effects
Weather conditions, water temperature, spawning season and time of day will all determine how long it will take to catch fish. Knowledge of good fishing holes will also have bearing on how many fish are caught. Dough ball fishing bait may be used any time of year and with all species--catfish and pike are especially fond of smelly fishing bait and will bite on it given the opportunity. Catfish will be slow to bite in cold weather. Tie the dough ball on the hook if necessary by wrapping sewing thread around it to make sure it stays in place.
Time Frame
Dough bait will last about a week in the refrigerator, however, you may want to store the flavored balls in zippered plastic bags in the freezer to extend their shelf-life and save work. In each bag, drip a few drops of clove oil to keep the dough balls smelling attractive to fish after defrosting.
Geography
Geographic location will dictate year-round success using dough ball fishing bait. Tropical venues such as Florida are ideal for using this type of bait when fishing. Louisiana and Mississippi are other favorable locations for year-round success.
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