The hemp is a bait that never goes out of fashion in the world of sport fishing, especially in carpfishing and feeder. This small black seed, rich in natural oils, is capable of triggering a real feeding frenzy in fish, which is why it has become a key ingredient in many baits! Its versatility and attractive power make it an irreplaceable ally for any angler who wants to increase his catches.
Let's discover together how to prepare and make the best use of hemp for amazing results in our fishing sessions!
A GRAIN OF HISTORY
The hemp seed, native to Central Asia, comes from the plant Cannabis Sativa, closely related to hops and figs. The cultivation of this plant is due to its extraordinary amount of fiber, as much as four times that of other trees. Prior to the 20th century, more than 75 percent of paper production came from hemp processing itself. The seeds, on the other hand, were used as livestock feed, fuel for lamps and for polishing, thanks to the oil that was extracted from them.
A SEED WITH A THOUSAND PROPERTIES
You know the saying "good wine is in the small barrel"? Well, this proverb perfectly reflects the potential contained in the small hemp seed, which some fishermen even call "black gold." Rich in linoleic acid, these seeds are true natural antioxidants.Their oil, green in color and with a delicate nutty flavor, is a concentrate of attractants, minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, calcium and iron, as well as being a rich source of vitamins of the B and E groups.
The protein level is really very high for it is a vegetable seed, not to mention the richness of polyunsaturated oil: we are talking about a product rich in protein and essential fatty acids in proportions hardly found elsewhere! Some data reveal the extraordinary wealth of properties of hemp seeds: protein around 30%, essential fatty acids (omega 3 and 6) at 45-50% and carbohydrates at 7-9%: it is no coincidence that in most shot-fishing pastures and bird mash, hemp seeds are always present.
Unfortunately, however, these seeds are slightly delicate to handle and store: to get the maximum yield from them, it is best to choose seeds that are as fresh as possible, recognizable by the pleasant nutty scent mixed with freshly cut grass. Conversely, if they turn out to be dry, too light, and without aroma, alas, they are sure to be old!
HEMP SEED PREPARATION
Preparation of the seeds requires a prior soaking of about 48 hours, varying according to the outside temperature: in summer, with the scorching heat, less time will be needed. Before cooking, it is a good idea to change the water, as the seeds go rancid quickly. When cooking, it is preferable not to use too high temperatures so as not to deteriorate the nutrients present and not to exceed 15 to 20 minutes.
Warning: cooked seeds do not keep for long, so it is preferable to use them in the short term.
A little trick I personally adopt to prolong storage is to prepare corn, tiger nuts and hemp separately, store everything in a bucket and mix the mixture with two or three cans of chickpeas, adding water until it covers the level of the grains by at least three fingers. It is important to fill the bucket to the brim so that no air remains inside. The stabilizers in the chickpea boxes will do the rest of the work, allowing us to use the grain mixture even after quite some time.
The hemp seeds are certainly a terrific ingredient to include in our grain mixes, but that is not the only way they can be used in carp fishing. The flour, preferably coarse flour obtained from their grinding, is a real trump card for making methods and stick mixes. Another ingredient derived from hemp that you absolutely must try is oil, greenish in color and with a delicate fragrance, useful both for making boiles, thanks to its well-known properties, and for wetting your method and spod mix.
RECIPE
INGREDIENTS
- 2 kg fish boils (14 mm)
- 1 kg fish pellets (3 mm)
- 1 kg hemp pellets
- 0.5 kg ground hemp
- hemp oil
- betaine
PROCEDURE
- Mix the cooked grains with a little cooking water.
- Add the hemp oil and liquid betaine.
- Mix everything well and let it sit for 24 hours.
The mixture should absorb all the attractants that the ingredients will release into the water, so as to create a super stimulating mat for the fish you will need to catch.
