New here? Start with Boilie School BS-01. Particles are powerful, but they must be prepared safely.
Why particles still matter in boilie fishing
Particles are natural, cheap, and extremely effective because they:
- create prolonged feeding (carp search for every grain),
- build confidence quickly,
- pair perfectly with boilies as a “backbone.”
Safety first: undercooked particles can harm fish
This is non-negotiable. Some particles must be properly soaked and cooked. If you’re unsure, don’t use them until you learn the prep method.
The core particle list (Michigan-friendly)
Maize (corn)
- Reliable, cheap, great bulk bait.
- Best when fully hydrated and cooked until kernels are soft.
Wheat
- Brilliant for keeping carp grubbing.
- Easy to prep and mixes well with maize.
Hemp
- One of the best “hold them there” seeds.
- Cook until many seeds split and show the white shoot.
Tiger nuts
- Highly attractive, selective, and great for big fish.
- Require long soak and thorough cook; often best when allowed to ferment slightly in their own sugars.
Barley / mixed grains
- Great texture and a steady feed signal.
Simple “starter particle mix” (bank-friendly)
A safe, effective base:
- Maize + wheat as the bulk
- A smaller amount of hemp for attraction
- Optional tigers for selectivity
Keep it simple until you learn how each ingredient behaves in your specific water.
How to prep particles (the repeatable method)
- Soak (enough time that grains fully hydrate).
- Boil until soft and safe.
- Cool in the cooking water to keep sugars and attractors.
- Store properly (cool, sealed, and used in time).
If you want more attraction, use safe add-ins like a small amount of salt, a fermented note, or a bait liquid—don’t rely on raw/unsafe prep.
When particles beat boilies
- When carp are in heavy “grazing” mode
- When you need to hold them for hours
- When you’re building a new area with little pressure
When boilies beat particles
- Nuisance fish pressure is high
- You need selectivity
- You want a bait that stays on for long soaks
How to pair particles with boilies
A solid approach:
- Particles create the feeding response.
- Boilies create the backbone and the selectivity.
- Hookbait matches the boilie family, with a small edge (wafter/pop-up).
Storage and spoilage (practical)
- If it smells rotten, don’t use it.
- Fermented sweet/sour is normal for some mixes—putrid is not.
- Keep it cold when possible and don’t store for long in heat.
Next reading: Liquids & Glugs