BY JAKE HARRIS

Jake was born and raised in North Carolina. He is an extremely able and experienced Pay-Lake specialist who is equally at home on any 'wild water' here in the United States. A true American traditionalist angler who really 'lives and breathes' his sport putting much effort into respecting and caring for his quarry.

PAYLAKE STYLE

Paylake fishing is a unique form of fishing that originated in the state of North Carolina. The term “paylake” is exactly as it sounds, a paylake is a lake in which a person pays a fee in order to fish. Generally these lakes are small and privately owned; the owner stocks the lake with wild carp caught by nets from a private fish hauler, most of the loads range from 2,000 - 20,000 lbs. The importance of stocking is crucial in order to keep the customers happy and catching carp. A good lake owner will stock regularly so the word spreads that he has a good fishery.

HISTORY

1800-1900’S

Although it's unclear, paylakes started as a place for farmers to make an extra buck by allowing others to fish in their ponds for a small fee. Most of the “Paylakes” in this era had a variety of species in them including catfish and various species of panfish (Bluegill, Crappies etc.) Some lakes charged an additional fee to process or fillet the fish for the customers.

1950-PRESENT

In the 1950’s paylakes began to modernize and became focused on the competitive aspect of it all more so than the livelihood of the owner and paying customer. Paylake fishing became a friendly competition with a small wager involved. The older paylakes were very simplistic compared to the modern paylakes of today. There are now more than 75 paylakes in North Carolina alone. South Carolina, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Georgia all have a good handful of paylakes each as well.

The early paylakers fished with very simplistic equipment. Most used old Johnson century model 100 reels and a short fibre-glass rods (cut short to make the rod stiffer). Worms, whole kernel corn and bread balls were the bait of choice in those days. The invention and introduction of the Zebco 33 in 1954 was the dawn of a new age for many of these paylakers because of the reel's low cost, durability, and it's ability to cast with ease. It also had an incredible retrieval speed for the era.

+ READ MORE

Shortly thereafter anglers discovered a new way of catching carp, It involved the use of doughbaits. Doughbaits were usually a mixture of flour and meals that created a play dough like texture when a liquid of some sort was added. When at the right consistency a doughbait, or doughball as it's often called should be able to mold around a hook and withstand the cast of the angler. These forsaid doughbaits were flavored with extracts and spices, most of which came out of the household cupboard. The bait additives of this time included vanilla, strawberry, and vanilla butternut. As time went on paylakers began to experiment with new ideas and ways of doing things.

The whole kernel corn and doughbait strategies became more and more obsolete with the invention of the “Packbait.” The idea of packbait is to have a strategic way of baiting that allows the anglers to catch as many carp as possible, as fast as possible, without chumming (pre-baiting or ground baiting) the area because chumming is forbidden in paylakes. To catch carp without chumming one must have a way to quickly attract carp and hook it, all in one offering without chumming. Packbait does just that, it attracts and catches the carp in a timely manner. It is very important to be efficient in the act of catching because time is money when you're fishing in a high stakes paylake circuit, a minute, even seconds can be the difference between a pocket full of cash at the end of the night or a loss of hundreds of dollars. With hundreds or thousands of dollars on the line a lake must establish a set of rules and enforce them to insure that the playing field is even and everything is fair and friendly. Word spreads quickly in paylake country and fishermen will and do inform one another if a lake is run in an unprofessional manner, this often results in a loss of fishermen to enter programs.

OPERATION

To begin with, each paylake operates in somewhat of a different manner. It can be a very confusing event for someone who may have never fished at a paylake before. It is also confusing for most natives because each privately owned lake makes up its own rules and programs. Lakes in the western part of North Carolina tend to be run differently than the lakes to their east.

To break this down, we will explain how the two areas are somewhat different from one another. Paylakes tend to vary in size and number of fisherman. Lakes range from the size of a tennis court to the size of a football field. The Western lakes are usually shoulder to shoulder while their Eastern brothers are generally larger, providing each fishermen with a larger “peg.” Each peg is marked off by a number, these numbers are very important not only because it shows the fishermen his casting boundaries, but because it's also used as a way to designate the area where the fisherman will be setting up and fishing according to the number he has pulled from the draw, or “drawed out." The term “drawed out” is basically a game of pure chance.

Before a tournament begins all of the fishermen gather around and draw poker chips with a number on it from a bucket. Once everybody has received a poker chip with a number on it, poker chips are randomly drawn from another bucket and announced by the owner or lake manager. If your number happens to be the first one drawn out of the bucket you get the opportunity to pick any spot on the lake to fish at, if you're the second person to be drawn out you get to be the second person to choose the spot on the lake you want to fish. The drawing of numbers continues until the last person gets 'drawn' out. Ideally you want to be the first to be drawn out so you can fish the spot you want based on your experience, word of mouth or other information that you may have.

*Map of a typical Paylake, showing spots/pegs/swims with center dividing rope*

Paylaking is a game of chance in a sense. Once everyone has been drawn out and pegged the paylakers are given a few minutes to get their gear and baits organized and set up, no fishing is allowed at this time. After a short period of time a buzzer will sound off over a loud speaker informing the fishermen that the tournament has now began and everyone can start casting out. Once fishermen have cast out their rods, IT’S ON! The fishermen not only compete to catch fish but also compete with each other by playing either offense or defense. A paylake fisherman must use baiting strategies, bait, and knowledge to outwit his neighbors in order to be successful. To be successful you must also react to how the fish are biting. Paylakers concentrate and zone in on their fishing at these lakes because their hard earned money is on the line. We will explain how paylakes payout and run as a business.

+ Winning Paylakes and Payouts

Paylakes often have several ways to win money and prizes. Depending on the lake you could be a winner by catching the biggest fish of the night, combined weight, or by catching the largest fish of a time period. Usually time periods last 15, 30, or 60 minutes depending on the programs that a lake runs on a particular day. Lakes in North Carolina run programs that will pay out as listed below.

Examples of ways to win Jugs - A lake may establish a jug by choosing a weight. For example 27lb 7oz, 19.lb 5oz or 17lb 1oz you pay a certain fee to enter the chance at hitting a jug, it may cost $5, $7, or $10 to enter. If you happen to catch a fish that weighs the exact weight of the jug you then win the money that has been contributed to the jug from the fishermen who did not catch a fish that was the exact weight of a jug fish. These jugs often build up hundreds or even thousands of dollars before they hit. Most lakes include the cost of entering jugs into their overall price to fish in their programs.

Floating jugs - When the weight of a jug fish changes daily. An angler can hit the floating jug by catching a fish that weighs the exact weight of the floating jug.

Derby - For example “Toms lake” runs a $10 derby and the contest lasts 8 hrs. There would be a entry fee of $80 that would equal out to $10 an hour, hence the name “$10 derby.” If for example there are 50 fishermen all paying in $80 each, you would then have the chance to win $400 each hour of the tournament, excited yet? All of this cash available for winning and you may still have a chance at hitting a jug or floater, likely doubling, maybe even tripling your cash money reward!

Spots - Some lakes run programs called “spots.” For example: there are 20 fishermen and they each pay in $50, equaling $1000. To be a winner you must catch at least one of the 20 biggest throughout the night, the more big fish you catch, the more money you make.

Now that we have explained some of the programs from a seemingly endless list of paylake payout methods, you may feel as if you're capable of trying your hand for some BIG MONEY. I would encourage anyone who has never fished a paylake or competition before to begin at a small, inexpensive laid back lake to try your hand at paylaking and get the feel for things before fishing against the seasoned veterans.

Before you step foot on the banks of a paylake have a talk with both the owner and local fisherman to get an idea of what bait(s) the fish are biting on and where they're biting. It is also a good idea to thoroughly read over the lake's rules and to make sure there are a set of well established rules on the lake you plan to fish so the owner or management cannot change rules or regulations as they go. Most lakes have rules that look something like this:

no floating baits
no chumming or baiting holes
no snagging fish
no holding fish, weigh before baiting
no treble hooks
no dragging/kicking/dropping fish
no loud or vulgar language
no littering
no illegal drugs
no open view alcohol

PAYLAKE TACKLE

Now that you know some information on how paylakes are managed and operate, we will get down to the what, why, and how the fishermen of these small lakes tackle the carp within a time pressured environment.

RODS

Paylake fishermen usually prefer a rod that varies in the lengths of 7ft - 11ft. The rods should be 'medium heavy' or 'heavy' in action. The reason the paylakers prefer the stiffer action rods is due to the 'shoulder to shoulder' environment in which they fish. A stiff rod is needed in order to keep hooked fish from swimming sideways into your neighbor's lines; if the fish does however swim into your neighbor's lines... he may not be so 'neighborly'. The other importance of having a stiff action rod is to literally 'winch' fish in as in the paylake world... time is money.

Below we will list just a few of the popular rods that paylakers use. Most of these rods are telescopic meaning they contract or collapse down to about a foot long for easy storage purposes:

BPS Graphite series
BPS Bionic blades
BPS Extremes
Browning Medallion
Berkley Lightning rods
Abu Garcia veritas’

Most of the rods listed average $50 to $60 with the BPS extreme costing around $100Most of these rods are nothing more than heavy action bass rods.

Reels

Ask any paylake fisherman what brand of reel he prefers and it will be none other than the Abu Garcia. Abu started out as a small watchmaking company in Sweden in 1921. World War II caused a sharp decline in business and Abu began to focus on making precision fishing reels. In 1952 Abu introduced the world famous 'Ambassadeur' series. The 'Ambassadeur' still remains very popular in the paylake scene of today. The reels are known for their extreme reliability and precision in skilled hands. Besides being reliable Abu Garcia reels are often preferred for a couple of reasons. Most models come with a “line out alarm” or “clicker” as it’s commonly called. When the clicker is engaged the fish can run freely without any tension. Once the clicker begins to sing the angler can grab the rod and set the hook. Clickers are useful for night fishing, sleeping, or being at a distance from your rods.

Line

Paylake guys usually use a line with a 12-20lb breaking strain. Mono is preferred over braid due to the cheaper cost. The color of the line doesn't seem to have any effect on the bite to these hungry carp. Many of the local paylakers tend to like 'Hi-Viz' or 'High Visibility' line in either orange or yellow. 'Hi-Viz' line is easy to see and picks up on small bites that may otherwise be missed. Sufix, Stren and Berkley are favored brands.

Rigs

A paylake rig uses either a 'wide bend' hook or an 'octopus hook'. The leaders are most often tied on by a knotless knot and are 'double stranded' giving them a stiff-rig type action especially when tied with a thick diameter mono in 17 or 20lb test monofilament. There are some paylakers who tie leaders with braided line, however this can result in many more lost fish due to the 'no stretch' and supple presentation that braided line is known for. Additionally, braided line also lacks the stiff 'springy - type' action that monofilament exhibits. A true paylake rig needs to have a stiff material hook-link in order to assure the carp has minimal chance of blowing the hook bait out, which results in a fish that you don't catch and money that cannot be collected.

+ HOW TO TIE A PAYLAKE RIG

A paylake rig requires a three way swivel and two leaders 2-5 inches in length. The double hook rig has been used for years by paylakers.

If you don't feel that a 'two hook' rig is your thing then you can adjust it by replacing the three way swivel with a barrel swivel and add one leader instead two. The fish will benefit from a one hook rig simply because there's no extra hook thrashing around to harm the fish while playing it. Secondly your fingers and hands will thank you once you have the carp on the bank. The reason behind this is because it can 'get ugly' with an extra hook dangling around while you're trying to unhook a wild carp full of energy. If you do in fact plan to use two hooks use caution and hook the dangling hook into a hole in your netting while you free the other hook from the mouth of the fish.

Leads/Sinkers

The majority of Paylake fishermen use 'Egg' or 'No Roll' sinkers in ⅛ - 1 oz in weight. A 'no roll' lead sticks to the bottom and tends to stay right where it lands, unlike egg sinkers that can 'roll'. The flat lead flutters as it sinks which assists in the breaking of your pack-bait allowing the fish to get to your hook-bait quicker. When money is on the line any edge will help.

Rod stands

Rod stands are very simple, quick, and easy to use as opposed to a modern 'rod pod'. Paylake rod stands typically last for years. The very first rod stands were made out of old bicycle wheels that were cut in half to make a 'U' shape. The wheels, once cut in half, were notched out on each side so the rod had a place to rest. The 'half of a wheel' was then welded to a 1-2ft piece of steel which was used to stick into the ground holding the rod 'up' off of the ground. Stands have since evolved and now come in many shapes, sizes, colors and materials including stainless steel, which is a 'premium' set. Stands are available in fixed, or adjustable versions.

Adjustable stands allow you to fish with your rod tips pointed in the air or down towards the water, which can be useful in certain situations. Fixed stands that do not adjust are cheaper and less versatile. Modern stands have a foot peg at the bottom which comes in handy when the user needs to push the stand into the ground. The top of the stand has a cupped reel seat which keeps the rod from being jerked off of the stand during a violent take.

Click images below to enlarge

ALARMS / INDICATORS

Fishermen use various styles of alarms and bite indicators to know when the carp are 'around their hooks' and bait pile. Most alarms are electric and battery powered. Others are in the form of a bobbin/bobber that is used to 'catch the eye' rather than making a sound.

BITE INDICATORS

Bite Indicators

The most commonly used form of bite indication seems to be a small plastic bobber. Small plastic bobbers can be taken apart and 'gutted' of everything except the small spring inside. You can then insert a paper clip on the inside of the bobber and then use the bobber to clip onto your line 'in between ' your guides. The bobber will then dangle whilst the angler is waiting on a run from a fish. When a run occurs the bobber will raise up against the rod.

Many paylakers use the bobber technique whilst others will use a small piece of play dough or modeling clay as a bite indicator.

The play dough should be molded around the line in between the water and the rod tip, this enables the paylaker to see every single bump, peck, and blowout while the carp are feeding over the bait. It really gives an edge and allows the paylaker to pick up on things that might have otherwise been missed.

The European tackle company Solar tackle recently introduced a new item called the “line biter” which does the same exact thing play dough or modeling clay does.

*Rods with bite indicators placed on the lines.*

Various bite indicating bobbers and modeling clay.

ELECTRIC ALARMS

Electronic Alarms

Alarms used by paylakers are relatively simple compared to the modern European type of alarm. Most of the American alarms are battery powered and are triggered by the tension of a running fish against the 'arm' of the alarm. Paylake alarms are hooked onto the middle bar of the rod stand. Once the rod is cast and the reel is in the stand the line is then placed on the 'opposite' side of the arm or 'straw' that extends out of the top of the alarm. Once a carp takes the bait and runs the pressure of the line against the straw moves it which in turn presses a trigger on the inside of the alarm sounding the alarm off. Alarms come in many different tones, volumes, and styles.

A short video showing three common Pay lake alarm units...

Landing Nets

Ed Cumings and Ranger nets are probably the most popular nets among paylakers in the South of the USA. They are very reliable nets and paylakers generally prefer them over the more expensive European models with finer mesh. Many of the paylake nets are actually made for very large salmon and catfish and so are very strong. The 8ft handle also helps when fishing tall banks that some paylakes have.

Cumings Knotted Nylon Net

Large Meshed Net

+ READ MORE ABOUT LANDING NETS

There are two options available when it comes to handles. A circular option and a a hexagon option. The hexagonal handle model may cost a little more but is generally a much more reliable handle. A few of the wildwater fishermen in North America have also taken a liking to the paylake nets because of their durability in comparison with some of the more expensive european nets. The downside to the knotted nylon American nets is that they sometimes become extremely knotted and can damage the fish. The knotted nylon nets are also very difficult to remove a hook from and will cause SEVERE damage to fish. Broken tails, deep cuts, and serious scale removal due to the rough texture of this style netting is inevitableand and very disturbing to witness.

How can we solve this problem?

This problem can be solved by simply switching out our old knotted nylon nets with a more fish friendly knotless mesh. By doing so we are not only being respectful to the fish but also the owners of the paylake. They are hard working people and do their best to ensure that the fishermen have a great experience at their lakes. They spend thousands of dollars on fish each year and so we as anglers should do all that we can to help in the preservation of the fish.

By switching to knotless mesh we can insure every fish is released back to the lake in one piece with minimal damage. We understand that this topic may be unpopular in the paylake community but that’s okay. We don't intend to change the minds of those who have been paylaking for a long period of time; we do however hope to be part of a movement to positively influence the minds of those who have yet to begin fishing for carp in paylakes... While the changeover to knotless mesh may not happen overnight, it can and most likely will over time if we encourage young anglers to use equipment that's safe for the fish. Many Paylakers have never seen any of the “euro carp care” equipment. When it is used at a a paylake anglers will ask questions about the gear and where it can be purchased. They are impressed by it. It's not that paylakers want nothing to do with carp care, in many cases they're not even aware that carp care exists.

Carp Caddy/Carrying device

A carp caddy or fish 'tote' as it's often called is a cylinder tube made to carry fish from an anglers peg to be weighed and then released. The totes are made of either plastic or aluminum. Carp caddy’s without proper padding however can be very detrimental to the health of a fish. The caddy is designed to carry a fish head first, meaning you place the carp head first into the tube. You should never attempt to place a carp in the caddy tail first. If a carp is placed into the caddy tail first it will result in a broken tail, broken spine or both. This isn’t something that will heal over time. In the heat of summer, a caddy should always be dunked in the water before carrying a fish, the water cools the caddy down so the fish does not burn.

Paylakers often use gas or electric powered scooters to go to and from the weigh station to save time and reduce unnecessary stress on the fish. The fishermen attach adapters that hold the carp caddy upright on the back of the scooters. Roads used to travel around the lakes can be rocky, uneven and bumpy. Many fishermen place a piece of thick foam in the bottom of the caddy to keep the fish from bruising its head while traveling. Weigh slings are a better alternative when used.

Baits and definitions of bait terms

The difference between 'packbait', 'method mix', and 'ground bait' has been argued and debated by many paylakers over the years; however if all three are studied, regarding their individual makeup, it is clear that they are not 'one and the same.'

There is however agreement on what exactly a traditional 'Packbait' is... and what it is not.

We will clarify the difference between the three terms and why 'packbait' is so efficient in a competitive setting at a paylake. This is the reason for its popularity.

It is important to note that 'method mix' and 'ground bait' are universally known angling terms whereas 'Packbait' is a traditional American term and is unique to the paylake history of the USA.

+ BAIT TERMS

PACKBAIT
Packbait is designed to break down in 5 mins or less. Packbait is a very simplistic approach as opposed to method due to the fact that it contains less “unneeded” food items. Packbait usually consist of a wetter, binder, and breaker. Nothing more.

GROUNDBAIT
Groundbait is a ball of bait/attractant that completely breaks down and virtually 'disappears', meaning it disperses into the water column leaving nothing more than a scent trail and large cloud of small dust sized particles around the area of your hookbait.

METHOD
Method is a ball of bait often larger than a ball of packbait. Method balls differ from packbait because a ball of method takes a considerably longer time to breakdown and disintegrate. A 'Method mix' contains multiple food items, sometimes food items that may hurt your catch rate by filling the fish before it has the chance to find your hook bait. Method balls also have a slower breakdown with an average of 15-30mins, up to 45mins. The intention is to provide a carpet of bait in order to keep the fish occupied longer. A method mix/ball is a mixture of packbait and groundbait together as it contains the particles and grains of a packbait along with the clouding/feeding frenzy effect of groundbait. It should be the ideal combination, however due to its longer break down time it is not ideal for use in the Paylake.

BINDERS
A binder is the heart and soul of a great packbait, without a good base that binds correctly you’re left with a base that has no “stick” to it and will not pack around your hook or lead which ultimately defeats the purpose of a packbait. A good mixture should break in 2-5 mins. Ideally no sooner and no longer. The idea is to create a mixture that's well proportioned and contains a binder, breaker, and wetter.

List of Binders

Instant grits
Soybean meal (both binder and breaker)
Panko
Ground white bread
Calf manna
All purpose flour
Cooked cracked corn
Instant oats
Bread crumbs
Powdered molasses
Cake mixes
Cookie mixes
Chicken laying mash
Ground cereals
Cotton

WETTERS
A wetter’s primary purpose is to simply to expand, or soften the binding particles or grains of your binders by filling them with moisture therefore making them “stick” together. In the case that a packbait is too wet it will not withstand a heavy heave towards the spot you intend to cast to and will fall off during the cast. A good casting consistency is still not a guarantee of the correct moisture content. A packbait’s consistency should be perfectly balanced. It can cast well and still not break if wetted too much rendering it useless. Knowing how much water to add to create the perfect balance comes through experience, an experienced paylaker can tell simply by the feel of the bait as he packs it.

List of Wetters

Creamed style corn
Lake water
Soda (carbonated drinks)
Fruit juices
Pudding
Baby food
Karo syrup
Molasses
Maple syrup
Alcoholic beverages
Ketchup
Eggs
Vinegar
Chocolate/Strawberry syrup
Agave nectar
Cottage cheese
Milk
Snow cone syrups
Apple sauce
Flavorings and boosters
Liquid deer attractants

Why PAYLAKERS believe packbait is superior to BOTH method and groundbait

Is there really that much of a difference between them? Yes...there is. Paylake anglers will not make make money or catch fish if their bait is not capable of performing in the correct manner, in the right amount of time. Method mix tends to break down slowly and contains multiple base mixtures, while packbait contains one base mix only. Method anglers often add a variety of different chopped boilies, pellets, nuts, and seeds to their mixtures. For lack of a better term a method mix contains “everything but the kitchen sink” assuming that more is better and more attractive. Paylakers use 1 base mixture ingredient instead of multiple to attract the carp instead of filling the carp’s belly with unnecessary added ingredients. Packbait is designed in such a manner that certain mixtures and certain ingredients appeal to the fish based upon the nutritional needs of the fish throughout the different seasons of the year. For example, a carp craves a fattening starchy meal in the cold winter while it desires a much less filling meal in the heat of the summer. If a carp wants one particular substance, why add other needless items it doesn't really want at the time? The hookbait needs to act as the “cherry on top” meaning the most attractive desirable item in the pile of broken down particles, which we will discuss later. Another great thing about fishing packbait with a traditional paylake rig is that you're able to legally use it in states that may consider fishing a with a ball of bait “chumming” most states define chumming as “placing ANY material in the water, other than a hook while angling.” When fishing with a paylake rig you're technically abiding by the law.

Pickups/Lifters/Hookbaits

Pickup - Bottom bait that the carp finds while digging through the pile of packbait, a pickup does not float, It lays on the bottom and has very little or no buoyancy.

+ LIFTER

A lifter is a buoyant object that many paylakers use inside of their packbait as a hookbait, The object must float in order to be considered a lifter.

There’s often confusion on the difference between a pickup and a lifter. While similar, both have very different uses and purposes. A ball of packbait is packed around the pickup/lifter (hookbait) as the ball of packbait breaks apart and dissolves in the water the hookbait which is typically a buoyant object explodes out of the center if the bait pile and rides just above the top of the broken down packbait. The theory is that the carp will target the largest piece of food item (hookbait) first before devouring on the broken down pile of grains and particles. Carp are somewhat greedy opportunist.

+ HOOKBAITS

COMMONLY USED HOOKBAITS

wood beads
plastic beads
rubber worms
corn pops cereal
kix cereal
arrowhead mills corn puffs

The items listed above are just a few of the endless pickups/lifters that paylakers use as hookbaits. Arrowhead mills puffs and kix cereal seem to be a popular option among the majority of paylakers in North Carolina. Many Paylakers like to use Kix cereal when fishing paylakes and corn puffs more so when fishing wildwater.

Below is an explanation on how to condition kix cereal in order to make them more resistant to nuisance fish as well as water. By conditioning them you will toughen the outside of them, in turn extending the time your hookbait can stay in the water.

KIX'S PREPERATION

1 box of Kix breakfast cereal
1 large bowl
1 large baking sheet or tin foil

Begin by pouring half a box of Kix cereal into a large bowl, slowly add a little water via a spray bottle to the Kix, just enough to dampen them. As you add the water to the Kix turn the bowl so the water is covering the entire contents of the bowl, not just in one area alone. After wetting the Kix lightly begin to stir the cereal with your hand. You’ll begin to notice the Kix shrinking in size. At this time place them on the baking sheet and allow them to dry fully, as they dry they will shrink a little more. Let them dry for 2-3 hours. Once they’ve fully dried pick them apart and place inside of a sealable plastic container or ziploc bag. If kept in a cool dry place they can last well over a year without going bad. Once you decide to hit the bank for some fishing you'll have to find a way to soften the Kix up from their rock hard drying state. Place a handful into a small plastic container, add a few drops of water or liquid attractant/flavoring and stir. Give them 15-20 mins to “re-hydrate”, Remember too little is always better than too much when applying liquid, once added it can not be taken out, if too little you can always add more.

Note: The same can be done to the Arrowhead Mills' Corn Puff cereal, I find the smaller, shrunken puffs very suitable for hook baits as they also last longer and stay on the hook well. These smaller baits are particularly suited for the smaller mouths of the various Buffalo species.

You really want your pickup/lifter to be the “cherry on top”... it should really compliment your packbait. Without a good hookbait your packbait is virtually pointless. The packbait calls and holds the carp into your swim while the hookbait actually catches the carp.

HOW DO I MAXIMIZE THE ATTRACTION OF MY HOOKBAIT?

Some paylakers prefer to use oils when boosting pickups/lifters. Flavoring your hookbait will enhance its maximum potential, but let's first define oils, extracts, and flavorings.

Oils

Generally a VERY pure essence that contains pure oil, meaning no alcohol, water, or artificial flavors. Oils should be used in a sparing manner because a little goes a long way, a few drops can flavor pounds of bait. (Lorann oils are excellent)

Extracts

Usually a diluted oil. Such extracts are diluted with quite a few different additives. Alcohol is more often than not a large portion of the added ingredients. Most extracts include 20-25% pure oil with the remainder being water or alcohol.

Flavorings

Typically made from natural and artificial flavors because there are no oils available for the particular flavor. There are a few common “bulking” ingredients in which are added to flavorings. Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, and Water are often used. Sodium benzoate is used as a preservative. The more water and other bulking ingredients added to the mixture, the weaker and less pure it becomes, which in turn makes certain types of flavor ideal for packbait or method balls. There are very few manufacturers worldwide that make the actual flavorings that paylakers use. The distributors that carp anglers buy from, buy the flavorings in bulk from large manufactures and basically dilute them and add their own personal additives which they believe will enhance it, it is then branded and sold to the general public. Most flavorings come in a clear color and are then colored by the distributor. Many paylakers use this to their advantage when fishing. A paylaker may buy the same exact flavoring in various colors for example Red banana, Green strawberry, neither of the listed flavors should actually be those colors according to the fruit they are made to resemble. Paylake anglers will use this to throw their competition off. A color does not reflect the taste and or scent of anything, only a flavor alone can do this. By throwing off their competition they hold an advantage and continue to catch fish while their neighbors scratch their heads. Paylakers often use thousands of different flavors, combinations and brands. We would advise a beginner to research and choose wisely when looking to stock up on flavorings, as there is a great deal of misleading advertising available! A reputable brand will keep all the same combinations and levels flavoring exactly the same ensuring consistent results. Superior flavorings based out of Charlotte, NC is one example of a reputable flavoring Company. Superior is a food flavoring and is by law responsible for maintaining a consistent mixture of ingredients safe for both humans and animals. Over the years flavorings and flavoring companies have multiplied and have become of great importance to not only the carp fishing community but also the paylake community, without them paylaking wouldn't be the same.

Hookbaits

By conditioning and boosting your hookbait with flavors, oils, or extracts you create a pickup/lifter that either triggers a strike from the carp or a bite that results in repeated sucks, blows, and dropbacks. Once you start receiving screaming runs you know you're onto something as each and every type of pickup/lifter has a different buoyancy and shape. While none are alike they all serve the same general purpose, to trigger an aggressive run from the carp. In the case a carp is continuously bumping and dropping your hookbait without giving a solid run you then in turn know that you need to make small adjustments in order to achieve the type of run you’re looking for. Some call it “PUFFOLOGY”. A paylake fisherman must be able capable of making, flavoring, and altering his pickups/lifters quickly on the banks of a paylake in order to become an efficient angler. This means keeping all of the ingredients you may need on hand, often times bringing things you may never think you’ll need at all. Keeping all of the ingredients you need on hand means little if you don't have the knowledge and know how to put it all together. This part comes through trial, error, experience, and time spent on the bank.

PACKBAIT RECIPES

Note: Always add liquid flavoring additives to wetter, not dry ingredients. After mixing and during fishing, keep the mix in a sealed bucket or ziplock bag to stop it from drying out.

Packbait Seasons

Approximate times of year to use the various Packbaits:

Grits - early spring/late fall
Oats - late spring/ early fall
Rice - Late Spring/Early Summer
Millet - late summer
Chow - water temp above freezing but below 50 degrees
Bread/Panko - water temp below freezing 32 degrees

CREAM CORN RECIPES

CREAM CORN GRITS

24 oz instant grits
12 oz quick grits
1 can cream style corn

Mix all dry ingredients, add 1 whole can of cream corn, mix well. allow 10-15 mins to completely setup.

Cream corn oats

3 lb’s steam rolled oats
1 can cream style corn

Add 1 whole can of cream style corn to oats, mix well and allow 30-60 mins to set up.

Cream corn rice

28oz instant white rice
½-1 can of cream style corn
½-1 cup of room temperature water

Add all ingredients together, mix well and allow 45-60 mins to set up.

Cream corn panko bread crumbs

1 lb panko bread crumbs
¼-½ can of cream style corn

Mix cream corn into panko bread crumbs and mix well, allow 15-30mins to set up. As it sets up it will become soft and fluffy. Keep in sealed bucket or Ziplock bag to keep from drying out prematurely.

Cream corn trout chow

3 lb #300 aquamax starter chow
1 can cream style corn
½ pack of snowcone powder (optional)

Add 1 whole can of cream corn, mix thoroughly and allow to set up overnight.

SYRUP RECIPES

Syrup grits

36 oz instant grits
18 oz quick grits
16 oz karo/bob white syrup (clear kind)
1 handful cracked corn/millet seed (optional)

Mix all dry ingredients, microwave syrup for 1-2 mins before adding to grits. Add 1 whole bottle of syrup to dry ingredients and allow to set up overnight.

Syrup oats

42oz *Instant* oats
2 cups wheat bran
16 oz karo/bob white syrup (clear kind)
2 packs of kool aid or snow cone powder (optional)

Mix dry ingredients together. Add 1 whole bottle of syrup and mix well. Allow 10-20 mins to set up.

Syrup millet

5 lbs millet seed
2 cups all purpose flour
2 cups wheat bran/soybean meal
16 oz karo/bob white syrup (clear kind)

Mix dry ingredients together. Microwave syrup for 1-2 mins, Mix all ingredients both wet and dry thoroughly. Allow to set up overnight.

RICE RECIPES

Forever rice

28 oz instant white rice
36 oz ketchup
1 cup kosher salt
1 cup powdered sugar

Mix all dry ingredients, add flavoring into the ketchup bottle and shake well. Add the ketchup into the rice and mix it all well. Keep lid on bucket, allow full 24 hrs to set up before using. This will of course make a red colored rice pack.

To make the Blue Pack in the photos below:

The blue rice below is "blue Hawaii" flavor. The rice is also a forever rice but it's forever rice made without ketchup (not many people know how to do this) the forever rice without ketchup is made by some of the really experienced pond bosses and bait shacks in North Carolina and people always wonder how they can make rice without it being red due to the ketchup which makes white instant rice red automatically before any flavoring is added. Blue Hawaii is a R&W flavoring. Blue Hawaii used to be available in silver bullet packs that are used to flavor crushed Ice smoothies etc., however it was discontinued.

Forever rice can be made:

28oz instant white rice
28oz water
1 cup sugar
1 cup salt

Get a large bowl and add sugar and salt then add in your water. Heat in the microwave until all the salt and sugar dissolve being careful not to boil the water. Once the water is good, pour it into the rice and add your flavoring at the same time. Mix well and put the lid on. Every 30 mins for the next 2 hours break apart the rice and stir it as it sets up to keep it fluffed up and from sticking together. This will last for weeks.

This traditional, American style of carp fishing goes back many generations and whether your primary style is Paylake, Fly-fishing or Euro, they're all gaining more acceptance in the United States each and every year! Each one growing, evolving and overlapping, with some very creative morphing happening between the styles. Keep an open mind, maybe something you've learned in one style will give you the "edge" on your water when employed within your approach?

We'll leave you with one last thought here: Regardless of each of our individual view points and carp angling style, our attentions should be focused on highlighting the importance of being respectful to this awesome sportfish and it's environment all across the United States.

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