Gelatin for making soft baits?

[IceholeFisherman]

Did a short search. Found nothing. Has anyone tried to use unflavored gelatin to make soft baits? Additives such as cod oil, oil of anise, or even pureed minnows for flavor. The pureed minnows would even leave scales floating around in the water.

I am going to try it, but I don't think gelatin alone will be resilient enough. What can I add to the gelatin to keep it from tearing apart so easily?  Starch maybe?

I'm probably just reinventing Gulp bait here, but it would be very cost effective if I can come up with a formula.  And would be a great way to recycle all of your unused minnows.

Any ideas?

[iowapackfan]

Never made soft bait before but after reading your post, it kinda got my curiosity up.  Your idea of adding starch might help, but I was wondering what it is they put in things like gummi bears to give it that consistency. Friend of mine owns a local bait shop and so far all his dead minnows are feeding local cat pop. I'll have to keep an eye on this, good luck with your experimenting.

[Bucket Rump]

I believe plastisol is used to make a lot of soft baits - maybe try someplace like Jann's Netcraft to find some.

[silverado23]

Double or triple the gelatin. Let them air dry for several days.  Sugar or cornmeal could be helpful in increasing bulk and adding a bit of flexibility.  You might try to find a recipe for gummy worms or fruit gels candy as a starting point.

[IceholeFisherman]

I think glycerin/glycerol is used for sweetener and "plasticiser" in gummy bears. Will look into that .

[lefty2053]

Go to youtube and type in Dough bait. There are several ways to make it for different species.

[IceholeFisherman]

I believe plastisol is used to make a lot of soft baits - maybe try someplace like Jann's Netcraft to find some.

I thought about that. Wanted to make something biodegradable and will dissipate scent into the water. Maybe a small portion of plastisol added to the gelatin will make it hold together better. I will try some. I live near Jans Netcraft. Think I will stroll in when I get a chance.

[Bucket Rump]

Maybe you're on to it with adding the glycerin - corn syrup might work, too.  Here's a link I found that might give you some direction...

http://www.instructables.com/id/Using-gelatin-for-moulds-and-prosthetics/

[IceholeFisherman]

Seen that too. Not sure if fish have a sweet tooth!
Not sure that plastisol will mix or not. Might be able to emulsify it though.

[silverado23]

Mixing plastisol with gelatin will most likely result in a mess and waste. 

You could mix plastisol with small amounts of cod oil or oil of anise etc for flavored plastic baits.

[silverado23]

Try starting with a gummy recipe and then use you flavorings or minnows for added

Not sure how well this recipe would work for you  but the instructions for molding worms should be good. I would add a 2nd packet of unflavored gelatin for added durability. I would also allow them to air dry a day or so.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Bowl-of-Worms-Anyone/

[IceholeFisherman]

Cool. I will give it a shot after Christmas.

One more thought.... what about the water absorbent crystals used for gardening. I also seen them for kids to play with.

[fishermantim]

I'd say before you start a major project try and see if you can successfully add a scented oil to gelatin.
What if the gelatin won't set up when mixed with oil?
Maybe you can get a water based scent to add, since gelatin will eventually dissolve in water, the scent would dissolve too.

Good topic, and great suggestions!

[WYIfish]

Auntie fished for trophy sized carp in the grand river of MI when I was a kid. She mixed corn meal and strawberry jello to form dough balls. They stayed on the hook for an hour or so, maybe oil would stay in something like that.  The stawberry smell was pretty good and the fish liked it.

[IceholeFisherman]

Auntie fished for trophy sized carp in the grand river of MI when I was a kid. She mixed corn meal and strawberry jello to form dough balls. They stayed on the hook for an hour or so, maybe oil would stay in something like that.  The stawberry smell was pretty good and the fish liked it.

My Grandpa had a similar recipe with corn meal, and oil of anise.

[river_scum]

i think you have an interesting idea.

 
my carp bait is crushed wheaties sweet taters and strawberry jello.