Milk Protein Decision Tree for Boilies

How to choose caseins + whey powders without guessing

Start here

Direct answer

Pick milk proteins by job, not by hype.

  • Caseins = structure and control (how long the bait stays “right” in the water)
  • Whey = fast signal + paste feel (how quickly the bait starts working, and how it rolls)

You don’t need ten powders. You need a clear plan.

Quick Start

Answer these 5 questions first:

  1. Bottom bait or hookbait?
  2. Water temp range today? (Use the temp article.)
  3. Session length? (few hours vs overnight vs multi-day)
  4. Nuisance pressure? (crays, turtles, panfish pecking)
  5. Milk budget? (If you cap at ~30% milk powders in 1 kg dry, stick to it.)

Step-by-step decision tree

Step 1 — choose your “structure casein”

  • Need longer water time / nuisance resistance → Acid or rennet casein
  • Need a more workable “structure” feel → test rennet if acid feels chalky/brittle

Step 2 — choose your “function caseinate”

  • Want a tidy, controllable milk function → Calcium caseinate
  • Want stronger caseinate effect (but keep it sensible) → Sodium caseinate
    (Use unflavored versions only.)

Step 3 — choose one main whey

  • Most anglers: WPC-80 as the workhorse
  • Budget/milkier: WPC-34/35

Step 4 — add ONE tool (only if needed)

  • Need faster “start working” in cold water / short sessions → WPH (low inclusion)
  • Need harder baits through the core / throwing-stick toughness → Whey gel (low, tested)
  • Need max protein density per gram → WPI (modest)

Step 5 — check your milk budget

If you’re keeping milk powders around ~30% total, don’t “creep” past it by accident. That’s how paste goes weird.

Do this / Avoid this

Do this

  • Build a 2–3 powder casein module + 1 main whey
  • Keep changes one at a time while testing

Avoid this

  • Swapping powders gram-for-gram and expecting the same bait
  • Flavored whey tubs or “protein shake” ingredient lists

Common mistakes

  • Buying powders without checking if protein is dry basis vs as-is
  • Treating WPH like a bulk protein (it’s a tool, not a filler)
  • Using too much “hardener” and ending up with a bait carp don’t want to crunch

Michigan Notes

Michigan water swings are real. If the bait is too soft in warm water, you usually need more structure control (acid/rennet) rather than just “more boil time” and hoping.

FAQ

Do I need both caseinate types?
No. Many anglers run calcium as the main caseinate and only add sodium if they know exactly why.

Do I need whey gel?
Only if you need extra toughness. If your bait already holds up, skip it.

What’s the best starting combo?
Casein module (function + structure) plus one main whey. Keep it simple.

Next Steps

  • Casein guide: PASTE_URL_HERE
  • Whey guide: PASTE_URL_HERE
  • Solubility vs Water Time: PASTE_URL_HERE
  • Troubleshooting dough problems: PASTE_URL_HERE