For anglers looking to up their coarse fishing game, one underrated but incredibly effective bait is hempseed. While it might not look like much, this tiny seed holds a powerful secret: fish love it. Whether you’re targeting roach, bream, chub, or carp, incorporating hemp into your baiting strategy can be a game-changer. In this blog, we’ll explore why hemp is so effective, how to prepare it, and how best to use it in your fishing sessions.

Why Use Hemp for Fishing?

Hempseed is a natural bait that many fish species find irresistible. When cooked properly, hemp splits open to reveal a small white sprout, mimicking the appearance of insect larvae or other natural food items. This visual appeal, combined with the natural oils and rich aroma the seed releases into the water, makes it a highly effective attractor.

Fish are drawn to the slick of oil and scent trail hemp produces, and since the seeds are small and not particularly filling, they encourage prolonged feeding. This means fish will often stay in your swim longer, feeding confidently—giving you more chances to catch.

How to Prepare Hempseed for Fishing

Using hemp effectively begins with proper preparation. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

  1. Soak the seeds in cold water for 12–24 hours.
  2. Boil them for about 15–20 minutes, or until you see the seeds start to split and show a white shoot.
  3. Cool them in the same water to retain their natural oils and attractants.
  4. Optional: Add a flavour enhancer or spice like chili flakes for extra attraction.

Store it in a sealed container, and you’re good to go. Cooked hemp can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.

How to Use Hemp While Fishing

While hemp isn’t typically used directly on the hook due to its small size and soft texture, it plays a vital role in baiting strategies:

1. Loose Feeding

Use a catapult, bait dropper, or pole pot to spread cooked hemp around your swim. This works wonders in drawing fish in and holding them there.

2. As Part of a Groundbait Mix

Mix hemp with groundbait, pellets, crushed corn, or other particles. This creates a rich and enticing bait carpet on the bottom of your swim.

3. Match Hook Baits to Hemp

Even though hemp itself is hard to hook, you can use similar-sized baits that mimic it. Casters, tares, and even imitation plastic hemp are all good choices for hook baits.

4. Target Species

  • Roach and bream are especially fond of hemp.
  • Chub and barbel also respond well to hemp-rich baiting strategies in rivers.
  • Carp, while often going for larger baits, will confidently feed over a bed of hemp.

Final Thoughts

Fishing with hemp is a subtle yet incredibly effective method that appeals to a wide range of freshwater species. It may not be flashy, but its natural oils, scent, and appearance make it a powerful part of any angler’s arsenal. If you’ve never tried it before, give hemp a go on your next trip—you might just unlock a whole new level of success on the bank.