TACKLE GUIDE
W AFTER is a term used to describe the small, often brightly-coloured and durable hookbaits with long shelf lives that are extremely popular with match anglers using flatbed-type Method and Hybrid feeders.
Semi-buoyant, they are designed to counteract the weight of the hook and fool more fish as they ‘waft’ enticingly when disturbed.
The size, shape, texture, flavour, colour and even buoyancy of wafters can vary, making choosing between them a bit of a headache for the angler. Although some baits have a better track record than others, ultimately it’s up to the fish to decide what they want on the day!
To help narrow down your search, here are our team’s favourite hookbaits and the best ways to present them.
RINGERS CHOCOLATE ORANGE WAFTERS
WHAT’S IN THE TUB: The iconic and award-winning Ringers Chocolate Orange Wafter in 10mm, 6mm and Mini sizes has an amazing aroma and bright orange colour, ideal for use in murky water conditions.
OUR FAVOURITE: The 6mm size balances well with a size 12 Guru QM1 hook. This combination has arguably caught more match carp than any other.
Price: £5.59
FEEDERLAND WAFTERS
WHAT’S IN THE TUB: Made from a combination of high-quality ingredients and new additives that will help fish find and recognise this bait as an essential nutrient.
Each tub contains a mixture of barrel and round baits, available in 6mm and Micro sizes.
The three flavour/colour combinations are a sweet and creamy yellow, a spicy and sweet white, and a fruity pink.
OUR FAVOURITE: The micros sit perfectly on a size 18, and the fruity pink has proved the downfall of plenty of skimmers and F1s.
Price: £4.99, www.feederland.co.uk
DYNAMITE BAITS MINI WOWSERS
WHAT’S IN THE TUB: Five Hi-Viz colours, each with its own unique flavour, designed to really stand out from the crowd. Each bait is packed with attractive oils and is now available as 3mm mini-baits in smaller jars.
OUR FAVOURITE: Tiny baits are now being used more and more for big fish! These mini versions of the highly popular originals are perfect for targeting fish that have wised up to big stand-out baits.
Price: £2.99, www.dynamitebaits.com
SONUBAITS BAND’UMS
WHAT’S IN THE TUB: These quality hookbaits remain very popular with anglers targeting carp, bream and F1. They are available as Sinkers and semi-buoyant Wafters in an eye-watering selection of colours, flavours and sizes.
OUR FAVOURITE: The original pineapple Band’ums we used a decade ago were great, but have slowly been replaced by Banoffee as our No1 in both Sinker and Wafter versions.
A range of shades and colours in each tub ensures that you are always able to offer something a little different on the hook to the previous cast, if you need to keep the fish gues
