Ok. So, you are considering making your own baits and do not know where to start. Yes, it’s a minefield which is why it is so much easier to walk into your local tackle shop or click a mouse and buy it online. But I reckon you’re missing a trick. If you want an edge, get into bait making, we suggest that you start with these two bait additives below. And remember. Its Quality Not Quantity. A little goes a long way. Half a teaspoon of each in a 1 kilo batch is more than enough. Trust me on this point. L-Cysteine L-Cysteine. (Semi Essential Amino. The difference between essential and non-essential amino acids: Nonessential amino acids can be made by the Carps body, while essential amino acids cannot be made by the Carps body, so the Carp must get them from their diet. Carp must have all of the amino acids, so the carps body can build the wide variety of proteins it needs). It is a scientifically proven carp pulling amino. L-cysteine belongs among the top 1% of Amino additives for carp. L- cysteine is one of the most stimulatory amino acids for carp and should be used in a warm water fishing situation, water of around 20 degrees C is about right. (Buy a water thermometer from your garden centre, it’s not rocket science). L-cysteine is a semi-essential, sulphur containing amino acid. It is necessary for the synthesis of the anti-oxidant tripeptide; glutathione. So, what does it do, and why do carp need it?

It supports the immune system and metabolic process as a component of protein synthesis. It is found naturally in mussels, cray fish, water snails, shrimps to name a few. Solubility: soluble in water, which is important obviously. Citric Acid Citric Acid is NOT an Amino Acid. Carp like it, a lot! No, it does not contain amino acids nor is citric acid an amino acid. Citric acid is a 6-carbon biomolecule. Amino acids are molecules that have an amino functional group on the carbon α to (adjacent to) the carbon in a carboxylic acid functional group. Basically, and in layman’s terms, these are the building blocks for proteins and can be used for many reactions within cells. As citric acid does not contain any amino groups (or any nitrogen atoms), it cannot be an amino acid and also cannot contain any. It is however a highly stimulatory additive for carp, it makes bait more acidic / sourer which makes it stand out in water from the surroundings. What’s it tastes like? (You know that addictive white granular - sugary substance that you get on your Kids ‘Haribo’ Jelly Sweets. Yes, that’s Citric Acid). What is its function in carp. It is a natural antioxidant, it helps fight disease, aids cellular health cleans and fights cancers. Solubility: soluble in water. See; (Taste Sensitivity of Common Carp Cyprinus Carpio to Free Amino Acids and Classical Taste Substances. A. O. Kasumyan, A. M. Kh. Morsi. Moscow State University, Biological Faculty, Vorob’evy Gory, Moscow, 119899 Russia. Received October 30, 1995). Hope this helps Tight Lines.