Supermarket fishing baits offer a wide range of options that cater to various fish species and fishing techniques. Items like sweetcorn, bread, luncheon meat, and cheese have been used for years to attract fish such as carp, roach, bream, and chub. The bright colours, strong scents, and appealing textures of these foods can be just as, if not more, enticing to fish than some traditional baits.

Additionally, supermarket fishing baits can be easily modified and combined with other ingredients to enhance their attractiveness. For example, sweetcorn can be soaked in flavoured attractants, bread can be used in different forms to suit surface or bottom feeding, and luncheon meat can be cubed or mashed depending on the fish you’re targeting. Whether you are a beginner eager to catch your first fish or a seasoned angler looking to try new options, these supermarket fishing baits provide a cost-effective and practical alternative to traditional fishing baits.

Here are 10 supermarket fishing baits that you should try.

Sweetcorn

Sweetcorn is arguably one of the most versatile and effective baits for coarse fishing. Its bright yellow colour makes it easy for fish to see in the water, and its sweet taste is irresistible to many fish species, particularly carp, barbel, tench, roach, and bream.

How to Use Sweetcorn:

• On the Hook: Place a kernel of sweetcorn directly on the hook or use a hair rig for more pieces and better presentation.
• Groundbait Mix: Combine sweetcorn with other ingredients like bread or pellets to create an attractive groundbait mix.
• Loose Feed: Feed sweetcorn by hand, catapult, or pole pot to lay a bed of feed on the bottom to attract fish to where you are fishing.

Benefits of Using Sweetcorn:

• Visibility: The colour makes it easy for fish to spot.
• Flavour: The natural sweetness attracts fish and can keep them interested for longer periods.
• Longevity: A tin of sweetcorn will last years if left unopened.

Bread

Bread is a classic bait that has been used by anglers for generations. It’s readily available, inexpensive, and effective for a wide variety of coarse fish.

How to Use Bread:

• On the Hook: Tear off small pieces and mould them around the hook. This is a perfect way to catch large carp on the surface during warmer months. Alternatively, use a bread punch to create uniform-sized pieces of bread for consistent presentation on the bottom with a bomb or feeder.
• Groundbait Mix: Liquidised bread and breadcrumbs can be used on their own, or combined with other groundbaits.

Benefits of Using Bread:

• Versatility: Can be used in various forms (flake, punch, crust, or crumb).
• Buoyancy: Bread can float or sink, depending on preparation, making it adaptable for different fishing situations.

Luncheon Meat/Spam

Luncheon meat and Spam are popular supermarket baits that have been used for years. Meat is particularly effective for larger coarse fish like carp, barbel, bream and chub, although small cubes will also net you small species such as roach and skimmers. Its strong smell and soft texture are very appealing to fish.

How to Use Luncheon Meat/Spam:

• On the Hook: Cut the meat into small cubes and hook them directly or use a hair rig.
• Groundbait Mix: Meat can be grated using a riddle and introduced to groundbait mixes for additional attraction.
• Loose Feed: Feed small cubes of meat by hand, catapult, or pole pot to lay a bed of feed on the bottom to attract fish to where you are fishing.

Benefits of Using Luncheon Meat/Spam:

• Attractiveness: The strong smell can draw fish from a distance.
• Texture: The soft texture makes it easy for fish to bite and hold onto.
• Longevity: A tin of meat will last years if left unopened.

Cheese

Using cheese seems to have gone out of fashion with anglers, but it has proven to be an effective bait in the past. Strong-smelling cheeses such as cheddar, are an excellent way to attract fish like carp, tench, chub and barbel into your swim.

How to Use Cheese:

• On the Hook: Cut cheese into small cubes and use them directly on the hook or on a hair rig.
• Soft Cheese as Paste: Use soft cheese such as Philadelphia or roll a piece of cheese in your hands to soften it. The soft cheese can be combined with a small amount of bread or groundbait to form a paste to mould around the hook.

Benefits of Using Cheese:

• Attractiveness: The strong smell can draw fish from a distance.
• Flavour: The rich flavour can be irresistible to many coarse fish species.

Dog Biscuits

Dog biscuits are an effective bait for larger coarse fish like carp and barbel. Their hardness allows them to stay on the hook for longer periods, and their natural flavours can be extremely enticing for fish.

How to Use Dog Biscuits:

• On the Hook: Use floating dog biscuits on a bait band to surface fish for carp in warmer weather. Soak in water to soften dog biscuits so they can be used directly on the hook as a sinking bait.
• Loose Feed: Feed floating dog biscuits by hand or catapult to get carp sucking on the surface.

Benefits of Using Dog Biscuits:

• Durability: The hard texture will keep them in your bait band until you get a bite.
• Attractiveness: Carp love the scent and flavour.
• Longevity: if kept dry, a bag of dog biscuits will last 12 months or more without any problems.

Prawns

Prawns, whether fresh or frozen, can be an excellent bait choice for perch, chub, barbel and carp. Their strong smell and meaty texture are extremely attractive to fish.

How to Use Prawns:

• On the Hook: Small pieces of prawn can be placed on the hook directly or use a hair rig for larger chunks.
• Loose Feed: Feed small pieces of prawn by hand, catapult, or pole pot to lay a bed of feed on the bottom to attract fish to where you are fishing.

Benefits of Using Prawns:

• Attractiveness: The strong smell can draw fish from a distance.
• Durability: The meaty texture will keep them on your hook or hair rig until you get a bite.

Pepperami

The spicy sausage snack can be used at any time of the year to target carp, chub, and barbel. It’s especially useful in winter sessions if you don’t want to open a full tin of luncheon meat/spam when you don’t need to feed as much bait.

How to Use Pepperami:

• On the Hook: Cut small slices of Pepperami and use directly on the hook or with a hair rig.

Benefits of Using Pepperami:

• Attractiveness: The strong smell and oil content can draw fish from a distance.
• Durability: The tough meaty texture will keep it on your hook or hair rig until you get a bite.

Macaroni Cheese

Tinned macaroni cheese offers a unique and effective bait option for coarse fishing. The combination of pasta and cheese is easy to see and the strong scent can attract a variety of fish, particularly carp, tench and bream.

How to Use Macaroni Cheese:

• On the Hook: Use individual pieces of macaroni with some cheese sauce and use on the hook or with a hair rig.
• Groundbait Mix: Mix with other groundbait ingredients to create an enticing groundbait that spreads scent and flavour.

Benefits of Using Macaroni Cheese:

• Attractiveness: The strong smell can draw fish from a distance.
• Flavour and Texture: The combination of soft pasta and creamy cheese is appealing and easy for fish to consume.

Hot Dogs

Hot dogs are another surprising but effective bait for coarse fishing. Their texture and flavour can attract larger fish such as carp, chub, barbel and bream.

How to Use Hot Dogs

• On the Hook: Small slices of hot dog can be placed on the hook directly or use a hair rig for larger chunks.
• Loose Feed: Feed small pieces of hot dog by hand, catapult, or pole pot to lay a bed of feed on the bottom to attract fish to where you are fishing.

Benefits of Using Hot Dogs:

• Texture: Soft enough to easily hook, yet durable enough to stay on
• Flavour: Strong taste can attract fish from a distance.

Frozen Peas

Frozen peas are a cheap supermarket bait that can be used for coarse fishing. Their small size and bright green colour make them particularly appealing to fish like carp and tench. They are easy to prepare and can be used straight from the bag after thawing.

How to Use Peas:

• On the Hook: Place a pea directly on the hook or use a hair rig for more pieces and better presentation.
• Groundbait Mix: Add peas to a groundbait mix for extra attraction.

Benefits of Using Peas:

• Visibility: The bright colour is easily spotted by fish.
• Natural Appeal: Peas are a natural food source for many fish species.

Tips for Using Supermarket Fishing Baits

• Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations and preparations of supermarket baits. Fish can be unpredictable, and what works one day might not work the next.
• Presentation: Proper presentation is key. Ensure your bait looks natural and appealing to the fish. This might mean varying the size, shape, or flavour of your bait.
• Enhance Flavours: Consider using additional attractants or flavourings to boost the effectiveness of your bait. Simple additions like spices and sauces can make a big difference.
• Be Adaptable: Be prepared to change your bait choice based on the conditions and the fish you are targeting. Different fish species and environmental conditions may require different baits.

Do you use any supermarket fishing baits that you think we’ve missed? Let us know if the comment section below or use the Contact Us form.