If you’re a fishing enthusiast, you’ll agree that there’s a special kind of thrill associated with surface fishing for carp. It’s an adrenaline rush to see a large carp slowly but surely closing in on your bait, meticulously examining it, and then gobbling it up in an exhilarating climax.
When the carp decide to stay near the surface, you need bait that remains afloat for extended periods, beckoning the fish to take a bite. This task might sound simple, but it can be challenging. While you can adapt a variety of baits to float, they might seem unnatural to the fish both in looks and behaviour, reducing their effectiveness. This is where dog biscuits come into the picture. These buoyant treats naturally stay afloat, appeal to the carp’s senses, and are easy to hook.
With their considerable size, abundant flavours, and long-lasting buoyancy, dog biscuits are a perfect choice. The larger size also ensures they don’t become an easy target for smaller fish. Explore some of the best dog biscuits perfect for your next surface fishing expedition.
Our Choices
1. METACYL Hemp Oil Dog Biscuits
These hard, hemp oil-infused biscuits offer enticing longevity on the water’s surface. The hemp oil imparts an appealing aroma and ensures that the biscuits remain afloat for long periods. Another benefit of these biscuits is their absorbent nature, allowing you to spritz them with your choice of flavour for added allure.
The large bag lets you generously scatter handfuls into the water, ensuring your bait is amidst the floating delicacies. Due to their hard consistency, these biscuits can be easily drilled for mounting on a hair rig. Alternatively, a lasso knot can secure the bait roughly a centimetre from your hook, maintaining the biscuit’s natural appeal.
2. GO-CAT ADULT Chicken & Duck Dry Cat Food
Here’s a surprising entry to our list, but one that packs a punch in surface fishing – cat food. These smaller cat biscuits provide a delightful variety of shapes and sizes and come infused with an irresistible hint of fish oil. The 10kg bag ensures enough bait for an extended fishing session.
With a lighter setup, these biscuits serve as a tempting hook bait. However, we recommend using these to create a surface cloud of irresistible morsels, with a sizable dog biscuit serving as the centrepiece of this fish-attracting feast.
3. Pedigree Mixer Original
This product is an oldie but goldie. Recommended by many successful carp anglers, the Pedigree Mixer Original stands the test of time. Each bag offers a mix of biscuit sizes, allowing you to experiment and see which gets the most action.
The biscuits maintain their firm structure for an impressive duration, so they won’t easily dissolve or lose their attractive form. This longevity makes them a reliable option for those extended fishing sessions when waiting for the big catch.
4. 1 Kg Mini Marshmallows by Mini Marshmallow
Diversity in your bait options can prove to be a game-changer. There may be days when carp are not particularly attracted to dog biscuits but still feed off the surface. That’s when these Mini Marshmallows come into play.
Filled with air, these marshmallows have excellent floating properties and are a breeze to mount on the hook. These colourful, fluffy treats are a delectable change of pace and can make your fishing bait the star of the water’s surface.
In conclusion, dog biscuits are an exceptional choice for surface carp fishing. Remember, the best bait is one that mimics the natural food sources of the fish. You’ll enjoy a thrilling and successful day of carp fishing by choosing any dog biscuits (or marshmallows) from this list.