Bait

Black boilies containing fermented shrimp, pre-digested fish protein, micro sea snails and ‘Ninja’ additive. RRP: £6. 99 per kiloContact: 01491 834911 or www. blakesbaits.

Gloopy extract of tiger nut, perfect for boosting particles or groundbaits. It’s PVA-friendly too. RRP: £5. 00 per 250mlContact: 01793 333900 or www.

I tend to make my food up in advance, freeze it in single portions and then get them as I need them. However, on several occasions I have been short of grub and have used these instead. They’re surprisingly good quality and pretty tasty – much better, in fact, than most ready meals. The Chicken Tikka Masala is a particular favourite, and the meat actually tastes like chicken too! My only gripe would be that the portions are a bit on the small side, but they’re probably perfect for people with average appetites, unlike me.

Visual, high-leakage, slow-sinking hook baits. Available as dumbbells or round in various sizes and flavoursRRP: £5. 99Contact: 01430 448322 Website: www. stickybaits.

A sweet and creamy food bait with a yeasty undertone and sandy-brown colour. RRP: £9. 99 per kiloContact: 01963 362234 Website: www. ccmoore.

A bulk mix of assorted-quality boilies in numerous shapes, flavours and sizes, perfect for baiting up. RRP: £32 for 10kgContact: 01202 487922 Website: www. kentparticles. co.

Martin Locke’s Solar Tackle has been producing top-quality bait for many years. In fact, the company celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2012 and its most notable products are undoubtedly the hook baits. There have been some absolute classics through the years, including Winter Secret, Club Mix, Bunspice & Aniseed and many more. In recent years, the Jacko Pops, Dairy Cream & Fresh Pineapple, Top Banana and Quench have proven hugely successful and, even more recently, some newer varieties have entered the range.