Glugs: Make Your Own?

By Clint Walker

I’m an angler who often wonders how to get a little bit more out of what I’m doing, the baits that I’m using, and the way I present them. Much has been made of the benefits of dips, glugs and bait sprays, but have you ever tried to make your own?

I’ve found that the biggest problem is where to start and what to start with! I’ve bought glycerine and various other ‘carriers’ in the past, hoping it would provide the neutral base to accept any flavours or scents I could think of to attract fish. I know that many anglers swear by various flavours, and I like messing about in the kitchen when it comes to baits (think Muppet Chef!) so finding a ‘base’ has proved a thankless task. However, as a result of some work I’ve done with Devon based bait company Pallatrax, I discovered a purpose made neutral glug in their catalogue, so it’s time for some experimental fun!

If I’m honest, the glug base is very sticky, so I like to add a couple of spoonfuls to some boiling water to make it work a little better, or even microwave it for a few seconds. The hot water also makes it easier to absorb the flavour. I’ve struggled at times to get the mix just ‘right’, but once you get the idea of just what amounts of glug and water are needed to reach the correct consistency, then you’re well on the way to designing your own individual bait additives!

What flavours can go into the glug? Anything really, take a trip to your local supermarket (or better still Asian supermarket) and the only limits are your imagination! There are many different products sold in tackle shops too; aminos, betaine, all of these can be added to your glug.

Obviously, you can’t chop up a pineapple or a mackerel and sling it into your mixture then expect perfect results. The fun with this is all in the making; remember cookery lessons as a kid? Well, it’s a bit like that! (It is if you’ve seen my kitchen when I’ve finished!).  For my fishing, I like to use lot of ‘fishy’ flavours; my local Chinese market does a mean line in squid sauce which is ideal for introducing into the glug in small amounts. Powdered ingredients are a very good way of creating something new, although it’s best to pre-mix with the boiling water before adding to your blend to ensure an even distribution of flavour. How about infusing an essence? Why not try a freshly peeled clove of garlic, left to sit for a day or two within your experiment? Or vanilla pods? Or chilli seeds? The possibilities are endless!

The neutral glug supplied is also colourless which opens up a whole new range of things to consider. Again, powdered additions will cause a tint or hue, but liquid food colourings can be used to supplement any combination you choose. How about an electric blue tuna/chilli/scopex dip with stripes in? Or a Willy Wonka choco/toffee/milk glug in pink? Maybe even a squid/mackerel/marmite solution in camouflage?

Only you have the answer, but it’s good fun trying to find a combination that gives you the edge over everyone else, so why not get the kids involved and see what you can come up with?

Neutral glug is available at www.pallatrax.co.uk or at all good stockists, priced at £4.95

This feature is sponsored by Pallatrax