Bait Binders Step by Step Guide for making Shrimp Bait and how to fish for shrimp:
Dave Gasque owner of Bait Binders has been an avid shrimp baiter most of his adult life. Because he loves fishing and shrimp, he has made some of the best shrimp bait in the world for people who like to shrimp for fun.
Dave is going to share with us how to shrimp in this section of the guide:
Before I or you start your shrimp journey, you must first make sure you have the right license to shell shrimp. So, please check your states natural resource department and see what is required before you start.
Since about 20 years ago, shrimp baiting has been around. Like all baiting or fishing, it has its own way of having fun.
1. Buy a bag of “The Original” Bait Binder just add water bait kit. When you buy my bait, all you have to do is add water to make bait balls, or you can do it the old-fashioned way:
It might take a while because you need to buy all of these things before you can start making your own shrimp bait.
You only need “The Original,” water, and a bucket to use Bait Binder.
1. First, mix water with The Original bait binder. Then, let the bait set for 20 minutes. Once it does you can begin making your bait balls. The balls should be pretty flat so they don’t roll with the tide when they reach the bottom.
2. ) You can use PVC piping as your pole. The pole is made of 1-inch PVC pipe, and a smaller metal pole is attached to the inside of the bottom half. In the soft, muddy areas between the tides, where you’re likely to find shrimp, this will help the pole stand up.
3. ) The last piece of equipment which is the most important is a cast net. I would recommend a cast net that you can throw comfortably. It’s all about what you are capable of throwing. Make sure that your net has a minimum mesh size of a ½-inch square (about 1-inch stretched).
4. ) Place the balls near each pole. You will use the pole as a guide and to see which way the current is flowing. This will help you set up your boat and cast your net to catch the most shrimp. Each pole needs to be placed about 25 yards apart from each other.
Ok, you have your shrimp bait placed near your poles, and a cast net ready to throw. Now it’s important that you start shrimp baiting when the tide is starting to come in. So check when low tide will be transitioning. You will use the current to your advantage.
Get your poles prepared before you get out on the water. Each one should have a circle of reflective tape no bigger than an inch across it and a number and tag that match the boat’s shrimp-baiting license, if your state requires one. Please click the link to watch a video on how to use Bait Binders “The Original” Shrimp Bait to catch shrimp.
Shrimping is a popular fishing technique used by anglers to catch bottom-dwelling fish and crustaceans. One of the keys to shrimping success is having irresistible bait that lures in your target catch. Making your own bait balls is an easy, affordable way to create a chum slick that drives fish and shrimp crazy!
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll teach you my top tips for crafting simple yet effective shrimp bait balls at home. We’ll cover:
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The best bait ball recipes and ingredients
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Step-by-step instructions for proper bait ball preparation
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Storage and handling methods to maximize freshness
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Strategies for deploying bait balls when shrimping
Equipped with these techniques, you’ll be catching huge hauls of shrimp and fish in no time! Let’s get started.
Choosing the Best Bait Ball Recipe
Bait balls typically contain a mix of attractants like fish meal, flour, and blood or fish oil. The combination of ingredients should create a firm yet crumbly ball that disperses well in water. Here are two of my go-to recipes
Shrimp and Fish Meal Bait Balls
- 1 cup fish meal
- 1⁄2 cup shrimp meal or finely chopped shrimp
- 1⁄4 cup cornmeal
- 1⁄4 cup flour
- 1 tbsp blood or fish oil
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- Water as needed
Sardine and Wheat Bait Balls
- 1 cup sardine meal
- 1⁄2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1⁄4 cup cornmeal
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp fish oil
- 1 tbsp dried kelp powder
- Water as needed
Tailor recipes to include locally available fish and shellfish meals. The key is providing a nutritional, greasy bait that flows freely.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Bait Balls
Follow these simple steps for perfectly shaped long-lasting bait balls
1. Blend Dry Ingredients
Mix all dry ingredients like meals, flours, and powders thoroughly in a large bowl. Break up any clumps.
2. Beat Wet Ingredients
Whisk together wet ingredients like eggs, oils, and water in a separate small bowl.
3. Add Wet to Dry
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Use your hands to combine everything into a firm, moist dough.
4. Knead the Dough
Knead vigorously for 2-3 minutes until fully incorporated. The dough should be moist but not sticky. Add more flour or water as needed.
5. Pinch Off Small Balls
Pinch off pieces of dough about 1 inch in diameter. Roll into compact balls between your palms.
6. Arrange Balls on a Baking Sheet
Place finished balls on a baking sheet without touching. Freeze for 30 minutes to help them hold shape.
7. Store in Airtight Container
Once frozen, transfer to an airtight plastic container or bag. Store in the freezer until ready to use.
Follow basic kitchen safety and sanitize hands, bowls, utensils, and surfaces when prepping bait.
Maximize Freshness With Proper Storage
To extend the shelf life of your homemade bait balls:
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Always store in the freezer. The cold temperature prevents premature spoiling.
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Limit air exposure by using an airtight container or vacuum sealing bags.
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Label bags with recipe and date made for easy identification.
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For maximum freshness, use within 2-3 months. Discard any balls with mold or foul odors.
Proper freezing and thawing is also important. Always thaw bait balls overnight in the fridge instead of on the counter. Bring along a small cooler if fishing straight from the freezer.
Strategic Tips for Deploying Bait Balls
To get the most out of your shrimp bait balls:
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Use a bait cage or bag to contain balls and create a concentrated scent cloud. Perforated plastic or wire cages work great.
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Target moving tidal currents which help disperse the chum slick over a larger area.
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Add balls gradually instead of dumping a large amount at once. This creates a steady, lasting scent trail.
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Alternate different bait ball recipes and flavors to appeal to a variety of species.
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Consider adding live bait like small crabs or shrimp for added movement and attraction.
Be sure to follow all local regulations on bait usage. Now get ready to reel in amazing catches with your homemade shrimp bait balls!
Frequently Asked Questions About Making Bait Balls
What is the best way to deploy bait balls when shrimping?
For shrimping, the best deployment method is using a fine mesh bait bag or cage. Lower it just above the seafloor in areas shrimp congregate. Add balls gradually so the concentrated scent flows out steadily to attract shrimp.
How big should I make shrimp bait balls?
Aim for balls around 1 inch in diameter, similar to the size of a grape. This allows for easy handling and dispersal in the water. Smaller balls may dissolve too quickly before attracting fish.
Can I use the same bait ball recipe for both shrimp and fish?
You can use shrimp bait balls to attract bottom-feeding fish like croaker, spot, and drum. Tailor recipes with added fish, crab, or clam meal. Alternate balls with different recipes to attract an assortment of species.
How long will homemade bait balls last in the freezer?
Properly frozen bait balls will maintain peak freshness for 2-3 months when stored in an airtight container. Label bags with recipe and date for easy tracking. Discard any balls that look or smell bad.
Should I add preservatives to my bait ball recipe?
Preservatives aren’t necessary if you follow proper storage by freezing balls right away and using within 2-3 months. The cold temperature prevents spoiling. Simply avoid adding ingredients that accelerate spoiling.
Key Takeaways for Making Your Own Shrimp Bait Balls
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Use recipes with fish meal, flour, eggs, and attractants like shrimp or blood meal.
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Knead a firm, moist dough and pinch off 1-inch balls. Freeze balls for at least 30 minutes before storing.
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For freshness, keep frozen in airtight bags and use within 2-3 months.
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Deploy balls in tidal currents using bait bags or cages for a steady chum trail.
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Alternate different bait to attract various bottom-feeding fish and shrimp.
With the right recipes and techniques, it’s simple to churn out amazing bait balls at home. The reward is successful shrimping and fishing trips! Hopefully this guide gave you all the knowledge needed to start crafting your own.
