Elastic bait thread is a simple yet indispensable tool for anglers, designed to securely fasten natural baits to hooks, making them more durable for casting and resistant to being picked apart by smaller fish. It's particularly useful for soft baits or when presenting multiple bait pieces as a single, attractive offering.
What is Elastic Bait Thread?
Elastic bait thread, also known as bait elastic or bait cotton, is a fine, stretchy thread, typically made from a synthetic material like latex or a similar elastic polymer. It comes in various strengths and colors, often dispensed from a small spool. Unlike traditional fishing line, it's designed to grip bait without cutting it and can be easily torn or cut without needing knots.
Why Use Bait Thread?
Using elastic bait thread offers several advantages:
- Enhanced Bait Durability: Prevents soft baits (like prawns, squid, or soft fish fillets) from falling off during vigorous casts.
- Improved Presentation: Allows for the creation of compact, well-formed bait bundles that are appealing to target species.
- Reduced Bait Loss: Keeps bait firmly attached, even after multiple bites from smaller fish, increasing your chances of catching larger ones.
- Versatility: Ideal for a wide range of natural baits, from worms and mussels to fish chunks and soft plastics.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Elastic Bait Thread
Mastering bait elastic is straightforward and can significantly improve your bait presentation.
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Prepare Your Bait:
- Gather your chosen natural bait. This could be a single piece, or multiple pieces if you're creating a larger bundle.
- For creating a robust and appealing bait bundle, you might take a larger bait and strategically cut it. For instance, you can cut a larger piece of bait in half straight down the middle. Then, arrange multiple pieces – aiming for about four sections – tightly around your hook. The goal is to form a compact bait package, roughly the size of your thumb, which the elastic thread will then secure.
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Position Bait on the Hook:
- Place the prepared bait onto the hook. Ensure it covers the shank and point adequately.
- If using multiple pieces, arrange them closely around the hook shank or point, forming the desired shape for your presentation.
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Initiate Wrapping:
- Take the end of the elastic bait thread and hold it against the bait and hook.
- Start wrapping the thread over this tag end and the bait, making a few initial turns to secure the starting point. There's no need for a knot.
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Wrap and Secure:
- Continue wrapping the elastic thread firmly and evenly around the bait and hook.
- Work your way across the bait, ensuring all parts are tightly bound together and securely attached to the hook.
- Apply consistent tension. The elasticity of the thread will hold the bait in place without cutting it.
- When bundling multiple pieces to form a thumb-sized offering, ensure every segment is tightly integrated into the mass with the thread.
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Finish the Wrap:
- Once the bait is thoroughly secured and compact, simply tear or cut the thread. The tension from the wraps will hold the end in place without needing to tie a knot.
Pro Tips for Optimal Use
- Don't Overdo It: While you want a secure bait, excessive wrapping can make the bait look unnatural or too rigid, potentially deterring fish.
- Match Thread Strength: Use a lighter thread for smaller, more delicate baits and a stronger one for larger, heavier, or more aggressive baits.
- Strategic Placement: Concentrate wrapping efforts on areas where the bait is most likely to detach or where multiple pieces meet.
- Experiment: Different baits and fishing conditions may require slightly different wrapping techniques. Practice makes perfect!
Choosing the Right Bait Thread
Bait thread comes in various forms to suit different needs:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Strength | Thicker threads offer more grip for larger baits; thinner threads are more discreet. |
| Color | Clear or white is most common; some anglers prefer colored threads (e.g., red) to mimic blood. |
| Dispenser | Often comes on a small spool for easy dispensing and storage. |
Common Baits Benefiting from Elastic Thread
- Squid & Cuttlefish: Soft and often require extra security.
- Prawns & Shrimp: Easily fall off hooks, especially during casting.
- Fish Fillets/Strips: Soft flesh benefits from being bound to the hook.
- Worms (Sea Worms, Bloodworms): Can be bundled together for a larger presentation.
- Mussels & Cockles: Delicate and need to be secured to prevent them from breaking apart.
By incorporating elastic bait thread into your tackle box, you can significantly enhance your bait presentation, durability, and ultimately, your fishing success.
