I will only be using this for carp and maybe smallmouth buffalo since we are not well endowed with other species that have similar feeding habits but I haven't seen this UK item mentioned so thought some might be interested.

A very belated Thank You to Elton as he sent me the gadget several years ago. I tried it once and didn't have much success so I put it away and forgot I had it until a few days ago.

Older version of the Gardner Bait Bomb (thanks Ant - I had goofed the maker when I first posted this). Their instructions call for using it to pack a bit of damp feed for putting on over your baited rig. Similar idea to PVA bags I think.

I never had good luck getting my mix just right so that it would pack and stay intact through a cast but then break down once in the water. Today I decided to experiment a little with making up a mix I thought the fish would like and then using the microwave to dry & harden the finished product. I think I may be on to something here. The mix is some alfalfa-based animal fodder cubes, some 'milk' powder designed to mix with water for feeding calves (so enhanced with lots of goodies) and a bait additive designed to firm up balls of groundbait. The results are dry, hard enough to hold up well, and soften after about 3-5 minutes in water so should melt around the hookbait nicely.

The mold (mould) and a few packs ready for use


A (slightly blurry) close up to show how they can fit over line/hook/etc.


You'll notice the 'top' of the pack is solid except for a narrow slit for the line while the 'bottom' has an opening to fit firmly around hook & hookbait.

[ 13. March 2005, 09:02 PM: Message edited by: Newt ]

If you find a horse's head in your bed, it'll be the PVA bag manufacturers wot did it.

What's that device called?

Could be wrong here, but think it is similar to the Gardner bait bomb.

Newt - looks like cow sh**.

Ant - I think you are right and I mis-remembered the maker. A pic of the current Gardner one is different but may just be an updated version. Here is the version I have - not sure if it is sold any longer. I'll change the original goof so it is correct.



I agree with the looks of the stuff now that you mention it. I don't think the 'grass' part has been cycled thru a cow yet although that is certainly what the cubes are designed for.

The bait bomb mould does give me a chance to mix some items that would be hard to present otherwise. I was gonna try these today but wasn't able to get to the lake after all. Ah well, next weekend then.

Let us know how you get on with them Newt. I've seen them used by pushing them over a snug fitting lead before casting. I'm not sure how they would stand up to a heavy cast but shouldn't be a problem if you are gently lobbing them from your boat.

After a session in the microwave, the ones I made are pretty solid so I'm betting they will hold up well to a cast - at least the ones where I've left enough of the thick, flat piece in front. Added advantage with these of having longer pieces of grass stems that should hopefully serve to strengthen the moulded piece. I'm guessing that 50-75 yards will be doable.

The few I tried making at the lake were too soft and required a very gentle cast.

Made up another batch today. Same grass base but added corn meal & molasses. They formed up a little smoother and hopefully the extra stuff - including the molasses - will add to their attraction a little.

About a minute per bomb (I did 4 at a time) in the microwave at 50% power sets them up pretty well. Able to reshape a tiny bit when needed to make the opening for the line just barely large enough for the line, a minute at high power for the whole batch of 16, and on a plate to air dry for a couple days.

I really like the way these things look and behave in water. Very slightly floaters but the least bit of weight takes them right down. 3-4 minutes and they get really soft but hold their shape so should be there for ole sister carp to start slurping on and suck up the hookbait in the process.

Not sure I'd ever get on with the bait bomb mould at bankside but in the kitchen & with a microwave, it's great.

Well i'm interested in how you do with them if no one else is Newt, can you post the results.

try adding an egg or two, you can also get away with hemp oil and semolina as a binder!! fish meal makes a good carrier especially in warm weather, good luck, Im afraid your starting to show all the signs of carp bait syndrome, itll be bivies and buzzers next , mark my words!

Dried white bread crumb usually sets things pretty solid, could even do away with the need to use the microwave