Does Spam work better than Luncheon meat?

[MadaboutPike]

As the title says really. I spent 5 hours last Sunday fishing a pit with a mate, I used Luncheon meat, he used Spam, we were at opposite ends of the pit and he caught about six (Tench and Carp) and I got just two bites all day. So was this down to the fact he used Spam and I used Luncheon meat (was a brand name not own brand if that makes any difference)?

[Guest Chris Perch]

I always use luncheon meat - have caught on spam though and would quite happily use it - Not sure which is better though but i always plump for lunch meat these days preferably plumbrose from the pound shop (top Bargain)!

[Chris Plumb]

I never found spam had very good hooking properties - to soft. Bacon grill is my meat of choice.....

 

 

C.

[Nicepix]

Spam is just a brand name for a type of luncheon meat and both work equally well for me. As said, it can be too soft for some circumstances. Garlic Spam is worth a try when fish become spooked by having been caught on luncheon meat baits or in times of coloured water. I also add garlic salt or curry powderto cubes of luncheon meat then freeze them in small batches ready for use.

 

To answer the original question; two different anglers at two ends of the lake:- you can't blame the bait for the disparity in catch rate. More likely depth, wind direction, ability or pure luck.

[Phone]

madab,

 

Nicepix hit upon the most probable reason. You have to have willing fish in front of you. I am not a brand only person although some fine angler are convinced there is a difference. I suspect angler confidence is the key.

 

All,

 

I have a general question re: luncheon meat. In the UK they are "different" baits - bologna (baloney) vs. lucheon meat - right? How about hot dogs?

 

Phone

[Nicepix]

Phone,

Anglers fishing for barbel and carp will use all types of processed meats including pet products. This was far more popular before the boilie became universal bait of choice. The main criteria are flavour / smell, durability on the hook and of course price. Things like Chorizo are often used in floodwater conditions where scent is important and as an alternative where ordinary pink luncheon meat may spook fish in hard fished waters. Catfish anglers sometimes use raw liver as a hookbait and in the olden days anglers used offal as groundbait for barbel. Even back in the 1960's before commercial groundbaits became so inclusive anglers would add sausage rusk to their breadcrumbs.

 

The main meat baits today seem to be tinned luncheon meat or Spam and cat food made into a thick paste. German and American hotdog sausages bought in jars also find favour with barbel anglers.

[MadaboutPike]

Thanks for all replies guys I was getting really frustrated, the pit was frobably no bigger than 30 metres by 15 with a sunken island in the middle, he's now admitted he hooked the 15 lb'er on its side not in the mouth and thinks he just hooked it when striking another fish bite, jammy bugger

[Andy Macfarlane]

Bacon Grill mate....all the way. Chop it it up into bait-sized chunks and dry-fry it for a minute or so and then leave it to cool and it's ready to go.

[robtherake]

I like the Matteson U-shaped smoked sausages, with the garlic variety best (despite what Phone says about garlic ). The nice firm texture works for both direct hooking and hair-rigging. Cooked Bratwurst are good too - nice and spicy. The tench in my area seem to like chunks of tinned hot-dog.

[Phone]

Rob,

 

Actually, I "BELIEVE" in garlic, especially for catfish. I think it is science that has gone astray. For those that haven't "read the book" garlic is aerobic. That is, it only has an odor in the presents of free oxygen or air. (I've used garlic for 65 years)

 

Nothing wrong with a little angler confidence IMO. In truth, I doubt I've ever fished meat with garlic and without garlic side by side.

 

I too like Spam or canned human grade processed meat toughened a bit by removing excess fat. Frying is one way. Boiling over medium heat for a minute or so then wrapping in paper towel seems to work too.

 

Sulphur (sulfur - not sure how Brits spell it) will bring out the amino acids in the cereal base of canned meat making it a good 'combo' bait in one chunk. I have fish this combo side by side. Sulphur wins.

 

Phone