Raw Fishing Grains

Raw grains have always been the foundation of the most effective baiting, especially when targeting carp and grass carp. Their naturalness, simplicity, and the ability to prepare them in various ways create an advantage that ready-made products can't match. Raw fishing grains allow you to create mixes perfectly tailored to fishing conditions, seasons, and the angler's individual strategy. They are also the most economical choice – which is why both beginners and experienced carp anglers reach for them so readily.

In this subcategory, you'll find all raw grains requiring preparation before use: corn, wheat, lupin, field bean, pea, hemp, rapeseed, and chickpea. They are available both as single-ingredient packs and as mixes combining different sizes, colors, and types of grains. Package weights range from 700 g up to 25 kg sacks, allowing you to select the right quantity for short or extended fishing sessions.

Why are raw grains still the most effective bait?

Carp and grass carp feed on both small fauna and flora, including plants found in their natural habitats. Because grains are a natural product, they generally do not arouse suspicion in fish and perform well in heavily pressured waters where carp avoid boilies or pellets.

Another advantage is the possibility to create your own compositions. You can freely mix, grind, flavor, ferment, and color the grains – making each bait unique and truly "yours." This is a huge advantage over ready-made products, which come with fixed recipes and limit experimentation.

Preparing raw grains – the key to their effectiveness

Although raw grains are natural and economical, they require proper preparation to be safe and attractive for fish. This process is simple but relies on several fundamental principles.

Soaking – the first step

Grains are best soaked from several hours up to 48 hours.
Examples:

• hemp – just a few hours of soaking,
• wheat – 6–12 hours,
• corn – up to 1–2 days,
• field bean – similar to corn, requires long soaking.

Soaked grains cook faster and soften more evenly during cooking.

Cooking – different times for different grains

After soaking, grains should be cooked:

• hemp and wheat: about 30–45 minutes,
• rapeseed and chickpea: about 45–60 minutes,
• pea and lupin: from 1 to 2 hours,
• corn and field bean: 1–2 hours, depending on soaking time.

Undercooked grain can be hard to digest and, in extreme cases, dangerous for fish, especially in cold water. It's better to overcook than undercook – cracked, overcooked grain breaks down faster in water and is more easily taken by smaller coarse fish, yet it remains completely safe for them.

Fermentation and flavoring – full freedom for the angler

After soaking or cooking, natural fermentation processes can begin, enhancing the aroma and attractiveness of the bait. Grains can also be flavored:

• during soaking,
• after cooking,
• once cooled, together with boosters or enhancers.

This stage often determines the uniqueness of the bait.

Use of grains in carp fishing

Grains are primarily used for mass baiting but also work excellently as an ingredient in:

• spod mixes,
• mixes with loose bait,
• mixes with pellets,
• mixes with boilies,
• homemade boilies recipes.

This is one of the best baiting methods for large carp and grass carp – these fish love corn, lupin, hemp, and wheat in almost any form. Depending on the chosen grain, you can also attract other species of coarse fish, which often helps build activity in the fishing spot that also draws carp interested in the bait.

Raw grains vs. ready-made products – full control and economy

Compared to ready-made grains, raw ones provide full control over every preparation stage. You can create bait perfectly suited to the specific fishing location. They are also much cheaper – which is why many carp anglers use them in large quantities for long-lasting and heavy baiting.

Key advantages of raw grains include:

• very low price per kilogram of bait,
• ability to prepare according to fishing conditions,
• possibility to create your own mixes,
• larger quantities for a lower price,
• full control over aromas, fermentation, and consistency.

Many carp anglers consider preparing their own grains an integral part of their passion – a part that brings satisfaction and directly impacts their results.

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

How to prepare raw grains for carp?

First, soak them (from a few to several dozen hours), then cook until soft. Cooking time depends on the grain type.

Do you need to cook corn for fish?

Yes. Raw corn is hard and difficult to digest, so it must be cooked to be safe for fish.

How long to cook lupin for fish?

Lupin requires long soaking and cooking for up to 2 hours until it is soft and easily digestible.

Are all raw fishing grains prepared the same way?

The principle is similar – soak, cook, optionally ferment. Soaking and cooking times depend on the grain type.

Do all raw grains need soaking before cooking?

Usually yes, although grains like hemp or rapeseed can be cooked without soaking, but this will extend the cooking time somewhat.

How to recognize properly cooked grain for fishing?

Recognizing properly prepared grain differs by type. Most carp fishing grains, such as corn, should be soft and easy to crush with fingers but not completely falling apart. Hemp should turn very dark and "release" a white sprout. For rapeseed, it's easiest to recognize proper cooking by its color change to burgundy and the soft yellow flesh inside.

Can grains be cooked without prior soaking?

Yes, but cooking takes significantly longer, and some grains may cook unevenly.

Can cooked grains be stored for several days?

Yes, provided they are kept in an airtight container in a cool place. Heavy salting can also help extend their usability.

Can raw grains be flavored after preparation?

Yes – this is a good moment to add boosters, molasses, or natural attractors.

Can all fishing grains be cooked together?

Only those with similar cooking times (e.g., hemp with wheat). Corn and rapeseed require separate preparation.

Are raw grains suitable for winter fishing?

Yes, but they should be very soft and offered in smaller amounts, as fish digest food more slowly. It's also advisable to use grains that are more digestible. Hemp is ideal for winter fishing.

Are ground raw grains suitable for spod mixes?

Yes – they are a great addition to loose mixes and enhance their activity on the bottom.