GOLD MEDAL GROUNDBAITS
SPECIAL CANAL MIX
One carefully developed groundbait designed to attract a variety of canal fish.
Developed by Clive Branson — Former World Angling Champion
A Groundbait Developed for Canal Anglers
Gold Medal Special Canal Mix was originally developed at the request of a fellow canal angler who wanted one groundbait capable of attracting several different species.
Canal fishing presents its own challenges. During a single session, anglers may be targeting roach, perch, gudgeon and skimmers, sometimes all from the same swim.
Rather than carrying several different groundbaits, the idea was to produce one versatile mixture incorporating ingredients associated with a range of coarse fish.
The result was Special Canal Mix, a distinctive blend of black crumb, aniseed, garlic, blood-derived ingredients and fishmeal.
I’ve used this blend myself with excellent results, and it has also proved popular with other canal anglers.
Five Ingredients Working Together
Each component has been selected to contribute something different to the finished groundbait.
- Black crumb: Provides a dark base, particularly useful when you want to avoid creating a bright feeding area.
- Aniseed: A traditional aromatic ingredient often associated with roach fishing.
- Garlic: Adds a distinctive scent to the mixture.
- Blood-derived ingredients: Introduce an alternative source of attraction, particularly interesting when targeting perch and other species.
- Fishmeal: Contributes fish-derived proteins and is a familiar ingredient in many bream and skimmer groundbaits.
Combining these ingredients produces a versatile groundbait that can be adapted to different canal fishing situations.
Which Fish Is It Designed For?
- Roach: The dark crumb and aniseed make it worth trying when targeting roach.
- Perch: Blood-derived ingredients add another dimension to the attraction.
- Gudgeon: Fine particles and careful feeding can help when targeting smaller canal fish.
- Skimmers: Fishmeal contributes to a mixture suitable for experimenting with when targeting small bream.
It’s particularly useful when you’re unsure which species will make up your catch and want a single groundbait to start your session.
How to Prepare Special Canal Mix
- Place the dry mix in a bowl: Start with the quantity of groundbait you expect to need.
- Add a little water: Introduce moisture gradually while stirring the mixture.
- Mix lightly: Allow the groundbait to absorb the water without making it unnecessarily heavy.
- Riddle the mixture: Pass it through a groundbait riddle to remove lumps and produce a light, fluffy texture.
- Feed your swim: Form suitable-sized balls and introduce them carefully, topping up when the fishing conditions require it.
CHAMPION’S TIP: On canals, the amount you feed can be just as important as the groundbait itself. Start cautiously, watch how the fish respond and adjust your feeding rather than introducing too much at once.
Developed from Practical Fishing Experience
One of the things I’ve always enjoyed about developing groundbaits is experimenting with different ingredients and discovering how they work together.
Special Canal Mix began with a simple request from another angler, but it became a useful addition to the Gold Medal range.
It is designed to offer a practical option for both pleasure fishing and match fishing, especially when a canal contains a mixture of species.
Clive Branson
Former World Angling Champion
GOLD MEDAL SPECIAL CANAL MIX
5 × 1 kg Bags — 5 kg Total
£24.98 inclusive of postage
Developed for roach, perch, gudgeon and skimmers.
Ideal for canal fishing and worth trying on stillwaters.
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Developed by Clive Branson
Former World Angling Champion
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