David Springall- - tiger nut feature part 1

CARP-BAIT MASTERCLASS DAVE SPRINGALL
Words: Dave Springall Pics: Jason Umney
In this two-part series DAVE SPRINGALL
reveals everything you need to know about
tiger nuts, arguably one of the best carp baits
of all time.
T
iger nuts are one of the most
devastating carp-catching baits of
all time but you rarely read any
articles about them in magazines these
days. This is mainly due to the fact
that lots of fisheries ban them and if
they are prepared incorrectly they can
have a detrimental effect on the carp’s
wellbeing. If you have never used them
as part of your campaign then, quite
frankly, you could well be missing out
in a big way.
So what exactly makes them
a great bait for carp fishing?
Everyone has their own ideas
as to why they seem to work
so well wherever you take
them and I’m going to share my
opinions and beliefs concerning this
all-time classic bait.
Firstly, as with almost any angling
situation, it’s usually good to try
something different from the tactics
and bait that carp see on a daily basis.
Generally
speaking, if you take a
walk around your local
pond and look at what most of the
anglers are doing, you will often see
a mass of boilies, pellets and spod
mixes. Although they are great baits,
something a little different may be a
better choice if the lake receives a lot
of angler pressure. Baits and tactics
that rarely get used often single out the
bigger or craftier carp in the lake, just
because they are a little bit different. I
think I am right in saying that during
his time on Burghfield, Terry Hearn
caught nearly every fish in the lake
over big beds of boilies, but finally
snared the mighty Burghfield Common
on a tiger nut fished in the margin.
This is a prime example of what can be
achieved when using nuts.
rp
ted for lots of ca
Dave has accoun
.
rig
n
ma
ow
nut sn
using this tiger-
ANGLER FILE DAVE SPRINGALL
AGE: 34
OCCUPATION: Personal
trainer
UK PB: 45lb 10oz
SPONSORS: Dynamite Baits,
Diem, Atomic Tackle, Greys
and Chub
Dave uses tiger nuts
wherever possible. He
loves adding them to
his spod mix.
76 TOTAL CARP
P76-81_TC_07_Master.indd 1
03/06/2011 11:58
CARP-BAIT MASTERCLASS DAVE SPRINGALL
Words: Dave Springall Pics: Jason Umney
In this two-part series DAVE SPRINGALL
reveals everything you need to know about
tiger nuts, arguably one of the best carp baits
of all time.
T
iger nuts are one of the most
devastating carp-catching baits of
all time but you rarely read any
articles about them in magazines these
days. This is mainly due to the fact
that lots of fisheries ban them and if
they are prepared incorrectly they can
have a detrimental effect on the carp’s
wellbeing. If you have never used them
as part of your campaign then, quite
frankly, you could well be missing out
in a big way.
So what exactly makes them
a great bait for carp fishing?
Everyone has their own ideas
as to why they seem to work
so well wherever you take
them and I’m going to share my
opinions and beliefs concerning this
all-time classic bait.
Firstly, as with almost any angling
situation, it’s usually good to try
something different from the tactics
and bait that carp see on a daily basis.
Generally
speaking, if you take a
walk around your local
pond and look at what most of the
anglers are doing, you will often see
a mass of boilies, pellets and spod
mixes. Although they are great baits,
something a little different may be a
better choice if the lake receives a lot
of angler pressure. Baits and tactics
that rarely get used often single out the
bigger or craftier carp in the lake, just
because they are a little bit different. I
think I am right in saying that during
his time on Burghfield, Terry Hearn
caught nearly every fish in the lake
over big beds of boilies, but finally
snared the mighty Burghfield Common
on a tiger nut fished in the margin.
This is a prime example of what can be
achieved when using nuts.
rp
ted for lots of ca
Dave has accoun
.
rig
n
ma
ow
nut sn
using this tiger-
ANGLER FILE DAVE SPRINGALL
AGE: 34
OCCUPATION: Personal
trainer
UK PB: 45lb 10oz
SPONSORS: Dynamite Baits,
Diem, Atomic Tackle, Greys
and Chub
Dave uses tiger nuts
wherever possible. He
loves adding them to
his spod mix.
76 TOTAL CARP
P76-81_TC_07_Master.indd 1
03/06/2011 11:58
CARP-BAIT MASTERCLASS DAVE SPRINGALL
Words: Dave Springall Pics: Jason Umney
In this two-part series DAVE SPRINGALL
reveals everything you need to know about
tiger nuts, arguably one of the best carp baits
of all time.
T
iger nuts are one of the most
devastating carp-catching baits of
all time but you rarely read any
articles about them in magazines these
days. This is mainly due to the fact
that lots of fisheries ban them and if
they are prepared incorrectly they can
have a detrimental effect on the carp’s
wellbeing. If you have never used them
as part of your campaign then, quite
frankly, you could well be missing out
in a big way.
So what exactly makes them
a great bait for carp fishing?
Everyone has their own ideas
as to why they seem to work
so well wherever you take
them and I’m going to share my
opinions and beliefs concerning this
all-time classic bait.
Firstly, as with almost any angling
situation, it’s usually good to try
something different from the tactics
and bait that carp see on a daily basis.
Generally
speaking, if you take a
walk around your local
pond and look at what most of the
anglers are doing, you will often see
a mass of boilies, pellets and spod
mixes. Although they are great baits,
something a little different may be a
better choice if the lake receives a lot
of angler pressure. Baits and tactics
that rarely get used often single out the
bigger or craftier carp in the lake, just
because they are a little bit different. I
think I am right in saying that during
his time on Burghfield, Terry Hearn
caught nearly every fish in the lake
over big beds of boilies, but finally
snared the mighty Burghfield Common
on a tiger nut fished in the margin.
This is a prime example of what can be
achieved when using nuts.
rp
ted for lots of ca
Dave has accoun
.
rig
n
ma
ow
nut sn
using this tiger-
ANGLER FILE DAVE SPRINGALL
AGE: 34
OCCUPATION: Personal
trainer
UK PB: 45lb 10oz
SPONSORS: Dynamite Baits,
Diem, Atomic Tackle, Greys
and Chub
Dave uses tiger nuts
wherever possible. He
loves adding them to
his spod mix.
76 TOTAL CARP
P76-81_TC_07_Master.indd 1
03/06/2011 11:58
CARP-BAIT MASTERCLASS DAVE SPRINGALL
There’s a lot of controversy
surrounding tiger nuts and the
effects they can have on carp if
prepared incorrectly. Fortunately,
there are loads of pre-prepared
variations available. They are
convenient, but more importantly
they are safe.
TOTAL CARP 77
P76-81_TC_07_Master.indd 2
03/06/2011 11:58
CARP-BAIT MASTERCLASS DAVE SPRINGALL
STEP-BY-STEP HOW TO TIE DAVE’S TIGER-NUT RIG
1
Here are the bits that you will
need to tie Dave’s favourite tigernut rig.
5
Tie a loop in the end of the hook
link so that you can attach it to a
quick-change clip.
3
2
Strip four inches of coating from
the length of coated braid and tie
a simple loop knot.
Dave ties the hook link to the hook
like this. He uses two overhand
knots around the shank...
7
6
A small blob of putty on the hook
link will ensure that the hook stays
pinned to the bottom.
Another massive advantage is that
pest and nuisance species rarely seem
to show an interest in tigers. So, if
you’re receiving unwanted attention
from tench, bream and other critters,
then the nut approach could well be
the one for you.
Many anglers believe that carp love
nuts because they like crunching them,
much like they do a snail shell I guess.
I’m not so sure. However, one thing
I do know is that nuts of all types
are absolutely bursting with aminos
and proteins. These are the building
blocks of any good food source and
it is something that all good boilie
manufacturers add to their base mixes
4
8
A whole tiger nut fished in
conjunction with a trimmed-down
nut works well for Dave.
in abundance, whether it be through
fishmeals or milk proteins. Taking this
into consideration, I’m sure that the
high levels of proteins and goodness in
the nuts play a major role in attracting
the carp. For me, versatility plays a
great role when choosing which bait to
use and tiger nuts certainly tick a great
deal of boxes.
You can do almost anything with
a tiger nut that you can with a more
conventional boilie approach. You can
use them in PVA bags, add them to
spod mix or catapult them in. However,
ensure that you don’t get confused
when changing from boilies to tigers
because it is all pretty much the same.
... and then attaches the hook
with a knotless knot. The overhand
knots act like a blow-back ring.
The finished rig looks like this.
If tiger nuts are allowed on the
venue you’re fishing, try them!
There are two main things that need
to be taken into consideration before
you even think about introducing tiger
nuts into the lake in any capacity. The
first being the rules on your chosen
venue. Make sure you check them
thoroughly for nut restrictions because
a number of lakes will not allow the
use of nuts of any description. If you
are in any way unsure it’s always best
to ask a bailiff. Which leads nicely to
the second consideration.
Many lakes ban nuts for one main
reason; if they haven’t been properly
prepared before introducing them
into the lake the results can be truly
catastrophic for the carp. If they are
As he does with
boilies, Dave likes to
catapult a scattering
of tigers around his
hook bait.
78 TOTAL CARP
P76-81_TC_07_Master.indd 3
03/06/2011 11:58
CARP-BAIT MASTERCLASS DAVE SPRINGALL
not prepared correctly, or they are not
used in sensible quantities, the carp
can become severely bloated. This has
led to tiger nuts receiving mixed press
over the last few years and they have
even been blamed for a number of bigfish deaths.
This being said, I don’t want to delve
too deeply into the hours of soaking
and boiling required to safely prepare
a batch of tigers. In short, it’s really not
worth the risk or hassle when you can
simply buy a tin or jar from your local
tackle shop and be 100 per cent certain
that they are prepared correctly and
ready to use.
The comprehensive range of
tigers on offer from Dynamite
Baits are unique in that they are
all prepared and boiled in their
own juices and are sealed and sold
in the very packaging that they
are cooked in. This is a massive
advantage because the nuts will
retain all of their natural sugars
and attractors, so it’s actually
advantageous to buy them straight
off the shelf. You will also stand
a much better chance of being
allowed to use them if the fishery
officials are confident that they are
safe and properly prepared.
Carp simply
love them.
Small PVA bags of
tigers are ideal for
nicking a quick bite.
80 TOTAL CARP
P76-81_TC_07_Master.indd 4
03/06/2011 11:59
... the result is
this 20lb-plus finperfect mirror.
CARP-BAIT MASTERCLASS DAVE SPRINGALL
Dave slides the
net under another
tiger-nut victim...
The proper use of tigers is practically certain to produce a bite on almost any lake.
For example Churchgate Lakes in
Essex, where this article was shot,
only allows the use of nuts that are
properly prepared by the manufacturer
to exacting standards. If for the abovementioned reasons your venue does
prohibit the use of tigers then all may
still not be lost. The Monster Tiger Nut
range from Dynamite is also a great
carp catcher. The boilies, stick mix,
pellets, dips and additives all contain
real tiger nuts, tiger-nut flour and tigernut milk, enabling you to get as close
to using the real thing as possible.
Any of these products can be used
alongside the actual nuts too and are
sure to bring superb results.
Tigers are probably one of the most
instant baits you will come across. It
If tiger nuts are banned,
Dynamite’s Tiger Nut
boilies are a great
alternative.
won’t really matter if a lake is, or has
been, dominated by certain bait or
boilie because the proper use of tigers
is practically certain to produce a bite
on almost any lake. For this reason, I
always take tigers and tiger-nut-based
products with me when fishing a lake
for the first time. They are always such
a consistent performer and I don’t
think there is a carp in the land that
doesn’t absolutely love them. Knowing
this gives me one less thing to worry
about when approaching somewhere
new. If the rules had permitted me to
use them on more of the lakes I have
fished in recent years, I would without
doubt have caught a lot more carp!
They really are that good.
If you do find that tiger nuts are
banned on your chosen pit then I
can definitely recommend the tigernut boilie approach. When using the
15mm or 18mm Monster Tiger Nut
freezer baits, get them out of the
freezer a couple of days before you
plan on using them. After a day or two
you will notice that just before the
baits begin to go off they become very
sticky indeed. It’s at this point where
the boilies are at their most lethal. The
stickiness is all of the natural sugars
and milk starting to leak from the bait
as it begins to ferment. The attraction
that this gives off will prove irresistible
to the carp and can be used either
on the hair, with PVA or as freebies
over your chosen area. From recent
experience, I would also strongly
recommend that you do not wash
these baits out prior to your session in
any way. A massive quantity of the real
tiger-nut milk will usually be lost after
long periods in the water, thus greatly
reducing your chances of instant
attraction and a quick bite.
That’s where this baiting approach
really comes into its own. It is the
ultimate tactic for a quick bite and
you won’t believe just how good they
are until you actually start to use
them. Due to the less widespread use
of tigers, even on waters where they
are permitted, I’m am certain that
the carp are much less wary of them
and will pick them up more readily
than a boilie. The more common
boilie, although also very nutritious,
may spell danger to a carp that has
been caught on the bait on numerous
occasions.
Look out for my feature in next
month’s magazine where I will reveal
my favourite tiger-nut rigs, tactics and
an incredibly effective PVA-bag mix.
TOTAL CARP 81
P76-81_TC_07_Master.indd 5
03/06/2011 11:59
CARP-BAIT MASTERCLASS DAVE SPRINGALL
There’s a lot of controversy
surrounding tiger nuts and the
effects they can have on carp if
prepared incorrectly. Fortunately,
there are loads of pre-prepared
variations available. They are
convenient, but more importantly
they are safe.
TOTAL CARP 77
P76-81_TC_07_Master.indd 2
03/06/2011 11:58
CARP-BAIT MASTERCLASS DAVE SPRINGALL
STEP-BY-STEP HOW TO TIE DAVE’S TIGER-NUT RIG
1
Here are the bits that you will
need to tie Dave’s favourite tigernut rig.
5
Tie a loop in the end of the hook
link so that you can attach it to a
quick-change clip.
3
2
Strip four inches of coating from
the length of coated braid and tie
a simple loop knot.
Dave ties the hook link to the hook
like this. He uses two overhand
knots around the shank...
7
6
A small blob of putty on the hook
link will ensure that the hook stays
pinned to the bottom.
Another massive advantage is that
pest and nuisance species rarely seem
to show an interest in tigers. So, if
you’re receiving unwanted attention
from tench, bream and other critters,
then the nut approach could well be
the one for you.
Many anglers believe that carp love
nuts because they like crunching them,
much like they do a snail shell I guess.
I’m not so sure. However, one thing
I do know is that nuts of all types
are absolutely bursting with aminos
and proteins. These are the building
blocks of any good food source and
it is something that all good boilie
manufacturers add to their base mixes
4
8
A whole tiger nut fished in
conjunction with a trimmed-down
nut works well for Dave.
in abundance, whether it be through
fishmeals or milk proteins. Taking this
into consideration, I’m sure that the
high levels of proteins and goodness in
the nuts play a major role in attracting
the carp. For me, versatility plays a
great role when choosing which bait to
use and tiger nuts certainly tick a great
deal of boxes.
You can do almost anything with
a tiger nut that you can with a more
conventional boilie approach. You can
use them in PVA bags, add them to
spod mix or catapult them in. However,
ensure that you don’t get confused
when changing from boilies to tigers
because it is all pretty much the same.
... and then attaches the hook
with a knotless knot. The overhand
knots act like a blow-back ring.
The finished rig looks like this.
If tiger nuts are allowed on the
venue you’re fishing, try them!
There are two main things that need
to be taken into consideration before
you even think about introducing tiger
nuts into the lake in any capacity. The
first being the rules on your chosen
venue. Make sure you check them
thoroughly for nut restrictions because
a number of lakes will not allow the
use of nuts of any description. If you
are in any way unsure it’s always best
to ask a bailiff. Which leads nicely to
the second consideration.
Many lakes ban nuts for one main
reason; if they haven’t been properly
prepared before introducing them
into the lake the results can be truly
catastrophic for the carp. If they are
As he does with
boilies, Dave likes to
catapult a scattering
of tigers around his
hook bait.
78 TOTAL CARP
P76-81_TC_07_Master.indd 3
03/06/2011 11:58
CARP-BAIT MASTERCLASS DAVE SPRINGALL
not prepared correctly, or they are not
used in sensible quantities, the carp
can become severely bloated. This has
led to tiger nuts receiving mixed press
over the last few years and they have
even been blamed for a number of bigfish deaths.
This being said, I don’t want to delve
too deeply into the hours of soaking
and boiling required to safely prepare
a batch of tigers. In short, it’s really not
worth the risk or hassle when you can
simply buy a tin or jar from your local
tackle shop and be 100 per cent certain
that they are prepared correctly and
ready to use.
The comprehensive range of
tigers on offer from Dynamite
Baits are unique in that they are
all prepared and boiled in their
own juices and are sealed and sold
in the very packaging that they
are cooked in. This is a massive
advantage because the nuts will
retain all of their natural sugars
and attractors, so it’s actually
advantageous to buy them straight
off the shelf. You will also stand
a much better chance of being
allowed to use them if the fishery
officials are confident that they are
safe and properly prepared.
Carp simply
love them.
Small PVA bags of
tigers are ideal for
nicking a quick bite.
80 TOTAL CARP
P76-81_TC_07_Master.indd 4
03/06/2011 11:59
... the result is
this 20lb-plus finperfect mirror.
CARP-BAIT MASTERCLASS DAVE SPRINGALL
Dave slides the
net under another
tiger-nut victim...
The proper use of tigers is practically certain to produce a bite on almost any lake.
For example Churchgate Lakes in
Essex, where this article was shot,
only allows the use of nuts that are
properly prepared by the manufacturer
to exacting standards. If for the abovementioned reasons your venue does
prohibit the use of tigers then all may
still not be lost. The Monster Tiger Nut
range from Dynamite is also a great
carp catcher. The boilies, stick mix,
pellets, dips and additives all contain
real tiger nuts, tiger-nut flour and tigernut milk, enabling you to get as close
to using the real thing as possible.
Any of these products can be used
alongside the actual nuts too and are
sure to bring superb results.
Tigers are probably one of the most
instant baits you will come across. It
If tiger nuts are banned,
Dynamite’s Tiger Nut
boilies are a great
alternative.
won’t really matter if a lake is, or has
been, dominated by certain bait or
boilie because the proper use of tigers
is practically certain to produce a bite
on almost any lake. For this reason, I
always take tigers and tiger-nut-based
products with me when fishing a lake
for the first time. They are always such
a consistent performer and I don’t
think there is a carp in the land that
doesn’t absolutely love them. Knowing
this gives me one less thing to worry
about when approaching somewhere
new. If the rules had permitted me to
use them on more of the lakes I have
fished in recent years, I would without
doubt have caught a lot more carp!
They really are that good.
If you do find that tiger nuts are
banned on your chosen pit then I
can definitely recommend the tigernut boilie approach. When using the
15mm or 18mm Monster Tiger Nut
freezer baits, get them out of the
freezer a couple of days before you
plan on using them. After a day or two
you will notice that just before the
baits begin to go off they become very
sticky indeed. It’s at this point where
the boilies are at their most lethal. The
stickiness is all of the natural sugars
and milk starting to leak from the bait
as it begins to ferment. The attraction
that this gives off will prove irresistible
to the carp and can be used either
on the hair, with PVA or as freebies
over your chosen area. From recent
experience, I would also strongly
recommend that you do not wash
these baits out prior to your session in
any way. A massive quantity of the real
tiger-nut milk will usually be lost after
long periods in the water, thus greatly
reducing your chances of instant
attraction and a quick bite.
That’s where this baiting approach
really comes into its own. It is the
ultimate tactic for a quick bite and
you won’t believe just how good they
are until you actually start to use
them. Due to the less widespread use
of tigers, even on waters where they
are permitted, I’m am certain that
the carp are much less wary of them
and will pick them up more readily
than a boilie. The more common
boilie, although also very nutritious,
may spell danger to a carp that has
been caught on the bait on numerous
occasions.
Look out for my feature in next
month’s magazine where I will reveal
my favourite tiger-nut rigs, tactics and
an incredibly effective PVA-bag mix.
TOTAL CARP 81
P76-81_TC_07_Master.indd 5
03/06/2011 11:59
CARP-BAIT MASTERCLASS DAVE SPRINGALL
Words: Dave Springall Pics: Jason Umney
In this two-part series DAVE SPRINGALL
reveals everything you need to know about
tiger nuts, arguably one of the best carp baits
of all time.
T
iger nuts are one of the most
devastating carp-catching baits of
all time but you rarely read any
articles about them in magazines these
days. This is mainly due to the fact
that lots of fisheries ban them and if
they are prepared incorrectly they can
have a detrimental effect on the carp’s
wellbeing. If you have never used them
as part of your campaign then, quite
frankly, you could well be missing out
in a big way.
So what exactly makes them
a great bait for carp fishing?
Everyone has their own ideas
as to why they seem to work
so well wherever you take
them and I’m going to share my
opinions and beliefs concerning this
all-time classic bait.
Firstly, as with almost any angling
situation, it’s usually good to try
something different from the tactics
and bait that carp see on a daily basis.
Generally
speaking, if you take a
walk around your local
pond and look at what most of the
anglers are doing, you will often see
a mass of boilies, pellets and spod
mixes. Although they are great baits,
something a little different may be a
better choice if the lake receives a lot
of angler pressure. Baits and tactics
that rarely get used often single out the
bigger or craftier carp in the lake, just
because they are a little bit different. I
think I am right in saying that during
his time on Burghfield, Terry Hearn
caught nearly every fish in the lake
over big beds of boilies, but finally
snared the mighty Burghfield Common
on a tiger nut fished in the margin.
This is a prime example of what can be
achieved when using nuts.
rp
ted for lots of ca
Dave has accoun
.
rig
n
ma
ow
nut sn
using this tiger-
ANGLER FILE DAVE SPRINGALL
AGE: 34
OCCUPATION: Personal
trainer
UK PB: 45lb 10oz
SPONSORS: Dynamite Baits,
Diem, Atomic Tackle, Greys
and Chub
Dave uses tiger nuts
wherever possible. He
loves adding them to
his spod mix.
76 TOTAL CARP
P76-81_TC_07_Master.indd 1
03/06/2011 11:58
CARP-BAIT MASTERCLASS DAVE SPRINGALL
There’s a lot of controversy
surrounding tiger nuts and the
effects they can have on carp if
prepared incorrectly. Fortunately,
there are loads of pre-prepared
variations available. They are
convenient, but more importantly
they are safe.
TOTAL CARP 77
P76-81_TC_07_Master.indd 2
03/06/2011 11:58
CARP-BAIT MASTERCLASS DAVE SPRINGALL
STEP-BY-STEP HOW TO TIE DAVE’S TIGER-NUT RIG
1
Here are the bits that you will
need to tie Dave’s favourite tigernut rig.
5
Tie a loop in the end of the hook
link so that you can attach it to a
quick-change clip.
3
2
Strip four inches of coating from
the length of coated braid and tie
a simple loop knot.
Dave ties the hook link to the hook
like this. He uses two overhand
knots around the shank...
7
6
A small blob of putty on the hook
link will ensure that the hook stays
pinned to the bottom.
Another massive advantage is that
pest and nuisance species rarely seem
to show an interest in tigers. So, if
you’re receiving unwanted attention
from tench, bream and other critters,
then the nut approach could well be
the one for you.
Many anglers believe that carp love
nuts because they like crunching them,
much like they do a snail shell I guess.
I’m not so sure. However, one thing
I do know is that nuts of all types
are absolutely bursting with aminos
and proteins. These are the building
blocks of any good food source and
it is something that all good boilie
manufacturers add to their base mixes
4
8
A whole tiger nut fished in
conjunction with a trimmed-down
nut works well for Dave.
in abundance, whether it be through
fishmeals or milk proteins. Taking this
into consideration, I’m sure that the
high levels of proteins and goodness in
the nuts play a major role in attracting
the carp. For me, versatility plays a
great role when choosing which bait to
use and tiger nuts certainly tick a great
deal of boxes.
You can do almost anything with
a tiger nut that you can with a more
conventional boilie approach. You can
use them in PVA bags, add them to
spod mix or catapult them in. However,
ensure that you don’t get confused
when changing from boilies to tigers
because it is all pretty much the same.
... and then attaches the hook
with a knotless knot. The overhand
knots act like a blow-back ring.
The finished rig looks like this.
If tiger nuts are allowed on the
venue you’re fishing, try them!
There are two main things that need
to be taken into consideration before
you even think about introducing tiger
nuts into the lake in any capacity. The
first being the rules on your chosen
venue. Make sure you check them
thoroughly for nut restrictions because
a number of lakes will not allow the
use of nuts of any description. If you
are in any way unsure it’s always best
to ask a bailiff. Which leads nicely to
the second consideration.
Many lakes ban nuts for one main
reason; if they haven’t been properly
prepared before introducing them
into the lake the results can be truly
catastrophic for the carp. If they are
As he does with
boilies, Dave likes to
catapult a scattering
of tigers around his
hook bait.
78 TOTAL CARP
P76-81_TC_07_Master.indd 3
03/06/2011 11:58
CARP-BAIT MASTERCLASS DAVE SPRINGALL
not prepared correctly, or they are not
used in sensible quantities, the carp
can become severely bloated. This has
led to tiger nuts receiving mixed press
over the last few years and they have
even been blamed for a number of bigfish deaths.
This being said, I don’t want to delve
too deeply into the hours of soaking
and boiling required to safely prepare
a batch of tigers. In short, it’s really not
worth the risk or hassle when you can
simply buy a tin or jar from your local
tackle shop and be 100 per cent certain
that they are prepared correctly and
ready to use.
The comprehensive range of
tigers on offer from Dynamite
Baits are unique in that they are
all prepared and boiled in their
own juices and are sealed and sold
in the very packaging that they
are cooked in. This is a massive
advantage because the nuts will
retain all of their natural sugars
and attractors, so it’s actually
advantageous to buy them straight
off the shelf. You will also stand
a much better chance of being
allowed to use them if the fishery
officials are confident that they are
safe and properly prepared.
Carp simply
love them.
Small PVA bags of
tigers are ideal for
nicking a quick bite.
80 TOTAL CARP
P76-81_TC_07_Master.indd 4
03/06/2011 11:59
... the result is
this 20lb-plus finperfect mirror.
CARP-BAIT MASTERCLASS DAVE SPRINGALL
Dave slides the
net under another
tiger-nut victim...
The proper use of tigers is practically certain to produce a bite on almost any lake.
For example Churchgate Lakes in
Essex, where this article was shot,
only allows the use of nuts that are
properly prepared by the manufacturer
to exacting standards. If for the abovementioned reasons your venue does
prohibit the use of tigers then all may
still not be lost. The Monster Tiger Nut
range from Dynamite is also a great
carp catcher. The boilies, stick mix,
pellets, dips and additives all contain
real tiger nuts, tiger-nut flour and tigernut milk, enabling you to get as close
to using the real thing as possible.
Any of these products can be used
alongside the actual nuts too and are
sure to bring superb results.
Tigers are probably one of the most
instant baits you will come across. It
If tiger nuts are banned,
Dynamite’s Tiger Nut
boilies are a great
alternative.
won’t really matter if a lake is, or has
been, dominated by certain bait or
boilie because the proper use of tigers
is practically certain to produce a bite
on almost any lake. For this reason, I
always take tigers and tiger-nut-based
products with me when fishing a lake
for the first time. They are always such
a consistent performer and I don’t
think there is a carp in the land that
doesn’t absolutely love them. Knowing
this gives me one less thing to worry
about when approaching somewhere
new. If the rules had permitted me to
use them on more of the lakes I have
fished in recent years, I would without
doubt have caught a lot more carp!
They really are that good.
If you do find that tiger nuts are
banned on your chosen pit then I
can definitely recommend the tigernut boilie approach. When using the
15mm or 18mm Monster Tiger Nut
freezer baits, get them out of the
freezer a couple of days before you
plan on using them. After a day or two
you will notice that just before the
baits begin to go off they become very
sticky indeed. It’s at this point where
the boilies are at their most lethal. The
stickiness is all of the natural sugars
and milk starting to leak from the bait
as it begins to ferment. The attraction
that this gives off will prove irresistible
to the carp and can be used either
on the hair, with PVA or as freebies
over your chosen area. From recent
experience, I would also strongly
recommend that you do not wash
these baits out prior to your session in
any way. A massive quantity of the real
tiger-nut milk will usually be lost after
long periods in the water, thus greatly
reducing your chances of instant
attraction and a quick bite.
That’s where this baiting approach
really comes into its own. It is the
ultimate tactic for a quick bite and
you won’t believe just how good they
are until you actually start to use
them. Due to the less widespread use
of tigers, even on waters where they
are permitted, I’m am certain that
the carp are much less wary of them
and will pick them up more readily
than a boilie. The more common
boilie, although also very nutritious,
may spell danger to a carp that has
been caught on the bait on numerous
occasions.
Look out for my feature in next
month’s magazine where I will reveal
my favourite tiger-nut rigs, tactics and
an incredibly effective PVA-bag mix.
TOTAL CARP 81
P76-81_TC_07_Master.indd 5
03/06/2011 11:59
CARP-BAIT MASTERCLASS DAVE SPRINGALL
There’s a lot of controversy
surrounding tiger nuts and the
effects they can have on carp if
prepared incorrectly. Fortunately,
there are loads of pre-prepared
variations available. They are
convenient, but more importantly
they are safe.
TOTAL CARP 77
P76-81_TC_07_Master.indd 2
03/06/2011 11:58
CARP-BAIT MASTERCLASS DAVE SPRINGALL
STEP-BY-STEP HOW TO TIE DAVE’S TIGER-NUT RIG
1
Here are the bits that you will
need to tie Dave’s favourite tigernut rig.
5
Tie a loop in the end of the hook
link so that you can attach it to a
quick-change clip.
3
2
Strip four inches of coating from
the length of coated braid and tie
a simple loop knot.
Dave ties the hook link to the hook
like this. He uses two overhand
knots around the shank...
7
6
A small blob of putty on the hook
link will ensure that the hook stays
pinned to the bottom.
Another massive advantage is that
pest and nuisance species rarely seem
to show an interest in tigers. So, if
you’re receiving unwanted attention
from tench, bream and other critters,
then the nut approach could well be
the one for you.
Many anglers believe that carp love
nuts because they like crunching them,
much like they do a snail shell I guess.
I’m not so sure. However, one thing
I do know is that nuts of all types
are absolutely bursting with aminos
and proteins. These are the building
blocks of any good food source and
it is something that all good boilie
manufacturers add to their base mixes
4
8
A whole tiger nut fished in
conjunction with a trimmed-down
nut works well for Dave.
in abundance, whether it be through
fishmeals or milk proteins. Taking this
into consideration, I’m sure that the
high levels of proteins and goodness in
the nuts play a major role in attracting
the carp. For me, versatility plays a
great role when choosing which bait to
use and tiger nuts certainly tick a great
deal of boxes.
You can do almost anything with
a tiger nut that you can with a more
conventional boilie approach. You can
use them in PVA bags, add them to
spod mix or catapult them in. However,
ensure that you don’t get confused
when changing from boilies to tigers
because it is all pretty much the same.
... and then attaches the hook
with a knotless knot. The overhand
knots act like a blow-back ring.
The finished rig looks like this.
If tiger nuts are allowed on the
venue you’re fishing, try them!
There are two main things that need
to be taken into consideration before
you even think about introducing tiger
nuts into the lake in any capacity. The
first being the rules on your chosen
venue. Make sure you check them
thoroughly for nut restrictions because
a number of lakes will not allow the
use of nuts of any description. If you
are in any way unsure it’s always best
to ask a bailiff. Which leads nicely to
the second consideration.
Many lakes ban nuts for one main
reason; if they haven’t been properly
prepared before introducing them
into the lake the results can be truly
catastrophic for the carp. If they are
As he does with
boilies, Dave likes to
catapult a scattering
of tigers around his
hook bait.
78 TOTAL CARP
P76-81_TC_07_Master.indd 3
03/06/2011 11:58
CARP-BAIT MASTERCLASS DAVE SPRINGALL
not prepared correctly, or they are not
used in sensible quantities, the carp
can become severely bloated. This has
led to tiger nuts receiving mixed press
over the last few years and they have
even been blamed for a number of bigfish deaths.
This being said, I don’t want to delve
too deeply into the hours of soaking
and boiling required to safely prepare
a batch of tigers. In short, it’s really not
worth the risk or hassle when you can
simply buy a tin or jar from your local
tackle shop and be 100 per cent certain
that they are prepared correctly and
ready to use.
The comprehensive range of
tigers on offer from Dynamite
Baits are unique in that they are
all prepared and boiled in their
own juices and are sealed and sold
in the very packaging that they
are cooked in. This is a massive
advantage because the nuts will
retain all of their natural sugars
and attractors, so it’s actually
advantageous to buy them straight
off the shelf. You will also stand
a much better chance of being
allowed to use them if the fishery
officials are confident that they are
safe and properly prepared.
Carp simply
love them.
Small PVA bags of
tigers are ideal for
nicking a quick bite.
80 TOTAL CARP
P76-81_TC_07_Master.indd 4
03/06/2011 11:59
... the result is
this 20lb-plus finperfect mirror.
CARP-BAIT MASTERCLASS DAVE SPRINGALL
Dave slides the
net under another
tiger-nut victim...
The proper use of tigers is practically certain to produce a bite on almost any lake.
For example Churchgate Lakes in
Essex, where this article was shot,
only allows the use of nuts that are
properly prepared by the manufacturer
to exacting standards. If for the abovementioned reasons your venue does
prohibit the use of tigers then all may
still not be lost. The Monster Tiger Nut
range from Dynamite is also a great
carp catcher. The boilies, stick mix,
pellets, dips and additives all contain
real tiger nuts, tiger-nut flour and tigernut milk, enabling you to get as close
to using the real thing as possible.
Any of these products can be used
alongside the actual nuts too and are
sure to bring superb results.
Tigers are probably one of the most
instant baits you will come across. It
If tiger nuts are banned,
Dynamite’s Tiger Nut
boilies are a great
alternative.
won’t really matter if a lake is, or has
been, dominated by certain bait or
boilie because the proper use of tigers
is practically certain to produce a bite
on almost any lake. For this reason, I
always take tigers and tiger-nut-based
products with me when fishing a lake
for the first time. They are always such
a consistent performer and I don’t
think there is a carp in the land that
doesn’t absolutely love them. Knowing
this gives me one less thing to worry
about when approaching somewhere
new. If the rules had permitted me to
use them on more of the lakes I have
fished in recent years, I would without
doubt have caught a lot more carp!
They really are that good.
If you do find that tiger nuts are
banned on your chosen pit then I
can definitely recommend the tigernut boilie approach. When using the
15mm or 18mm Monster Tiger Nut
freezer baits, get them out of the
freezer a couple of days before you
plan on using them. After a day or two
you will notice that just before the
baits begin to go off they become very
sticky indeed. It’s at this point where
the boilies are at their most lethal. The
stickiness is all of the natural sugars
and milk starting to leak from the bait
as it begins to ferment. The attraction
that this gives off will prove irresistible
to the carp and can be used either
on the hair, with PVA or as freebies
over your chosen area. From recent
experience, I would also strongly
recommend that you do not wash
these baits out prior to your session in
any way. A massive quantity of the real
tiger-nut milk will usually be lost after
long periods in the water, thus greatly
reducing your chances of instant
attraction and a quick bite.
That’s where this baiting approach
really comes into its own. It is the
ultimate tactic for a quick bite and
you won’t believe just how good they
are until you actually start to use
them. Due to the less widespread use
of tigers, even on waters where they
are permitted, I’m am certain that
the carp are much less wary of them
and will pick them up more readily
than a boilie. The more common
boilie, although also very nutritious,
may spell danger to a carp that has
been caught on the bait on numerous
occasions.
Look out for my feature in next
month’s magazine where I will reveal
my favourite tiger-nut rigs, tactics and
an incredibly effective PVA-bag mix.
TOTAL CARP 81
P76-81_TC_07_Master.indd 5
03/06/2011 11:59