GOLD MEDAL GROUNDBAITS
ORIGINAL OILY SEED MIX
A distinctive nut-and-seed groundbait with lively, rising-and-falling particles — developed from my experiences fishing with continental match anglers.
Developed by Clive Branson — Former World Angling Champion
A Groundbait with a Difference
Gold Medal Oily Seed Mix is one of my original groundbait formulations, developed from ideas and techniques I encountered while fishing with some of Europe’s leading match anglers.
Made using a special combination of crushed nuts, hemp and a low-cereal base, the mixture produces an unusual action when introduced into the water.
Fine, oil-rich particles are released from the groundbait, with some rising and others falling through the swim.
This creates a lively cloud of particles that can encourage fish to investigate and feed.
Oily Seed Mix is particularly suitable for roach, chub, dace, carp and other coarse fish, and it can be used on its own or added to conventional groundbaits.
The Secret Is in the Particle Action
What makes Oily Seed Mix different is the movement it can create beneath the surface.
- Oil-rich particles: Crushed nuts and seeds release fine particles into the water.
- Rising-and-falling movement: Particles with different buoyancies can move through the swim as the groundbait breaks down.
- Lively cloud effect: Creates visible activity around the feeding area.
- Low-cereal formulation: Designed to provide attraction without relying on large quantities of conventional cereal-based groundbait.
- Versatile application: Can be used as a complete groundbait or an additive.
The resulting action is particularly interesting when fish are feeding at different depths.
WATCH OILY SEED MIX IN ACTION
See the distinctive particle movement for yourself in this demonstration video.
How I Developed Oily Seed Mix
By Clive Branson — Former World Angling Champion
During the 1980s, I spent time fishing with the Waterqueen Match Group in France, where I had the opportunity to observe and learn from some outstanding continental anglers.
One of the things that particularly interested me was their use of special effervescent-style groundbaits.
These mixtures often contained crushed nuts, hemp and other seed-based ingredients that produced a lively cloud of particles in the water.
After heavy balling in, the activity created by these groundbaits could be remarkable, particularly when large shoals of roach moved into the swim.
I was fascinated by the way the oily particles rose and fell, creating movement long after the initial groundbait balls had broken apart.
It inspired me to experiment with my own formulation for British waters.
By combining crushed nuts, hemp and a carefully balanced low-cereal base, I developed what became my Gold Medal Oily Seed Mix.
Over the years, this mixture has helped me and other anglers build some excellent roach catches, particularly when introducing hemp on the hook once the swim has become active.
It’s a groundbait that grew directly from my experiences fishing alongside continental match anglers — and one that I’m particularly proud to have developed.
Ideal for Roach and Other Coarse Fish
Oily Seed Mix is suitable for several species and fishing situations.
- Roach: Particularly useful when experimenting with hemp fishing and regular feeding.
- Chub: Can be used in river groundbait approaches.
- Dace: The fine particle movement makes it worth trying when targeting feeding shoals.
- Carp: Can be used as part of a nut-and-seed-based feeding approach.
- Mixed coarse fish: Suitable for anglers wanting to add extra particle activity to their groundbait.
How to Prepare Oily Seed Mix
- Place the dry mix in a bowl: Start with the amount required for your session.
- Add water gradually: Introduce small quantities while mixing thoroughly.
- Check the consistency: Aim for a mixture that holds together when squeezed.
- Form small balls: Make golf-ball-sized portions for introducing by hand or pole cup.
- Introduce into your swim: Allow the groundbait to break apart and release its fine particles.
- For feeder fishing: Adjust the consistency to suit a swimfeeder or method feeder.
CHAMPION’S TIP: One of my favourite approaches with this mixture has been to build up the swim with groundbait and then experiment with hemp on the hook once the roach begin feeding confidently. The combination of fine oily particles and hemp can be particularly interesting when targeting larger shoals.
Use It on Its Own or as an Additive
Oily Seed Mix is versatile enough to be used in several ways.
- As a complete groundbait: Prepare and introduce directly into the swim.
- As a groundbait additive: Mix with other suitable groundbaits to introduce additional oily seed particles.
- For river fishing: Experiment with the binding and feeding rate to suit the current.
- For feeder fishing: Use in a suitable feeder when you want a different particle-release effect.
- For hemp fishing: Introduce groundbait to build the swim before experimenting with hemp as a hook bait.
The amount used will depend on your chosen groundbait, the fishing conditions and the feeding response of the fish.
An Original Gold Medal Formula
Some groundbaits are developed simply by combining familiar ingredients.
Others come from years of observation, experimentation and practical fishing experience.
Oily Seed Mix belongs to the second category.
Its formulation was inspired by the continental match fishing methods I encountered during the 1980s and adapted through my own fishing experiences.
It’s a product that reflects the thinking behind the Gold Medal Groundbaits range: practical ideas developed through time spent on the bank.
GOLD MEDAL OILY SEED MIX
5 × 1 kg Bags — 5 kg Total
Original nut-and-seed-based groundbait with lively particle action.
£24.98
INCLUDING POSTAGE
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Five 1 kg bags — £24.98 including postage.
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Gold Medal Groundbaits
Developed by Clive Branson
Former World Angling Champion
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