Caseinate Buoyancy and Sink Control

Bottom baits vs hookbaits — keeping it on the deck

Start here

Direct answer

Caseinates (sodium/calcium caseinate) can change how a bait hydrates and traps air and can make a bait behave “lighter” — especially if you push them high or the base is already light.

You control it with:

  • sensible inclusion rates,
  • structure caseins,
  • and density balance.

Quick Start

If your “bottom bait” sinks slow or sits too light:

  • Reduce caseinate % next test batch
  • Add a little structure control (acid/rennet)
  • Check your rolling/boil/dry consistency

Step-by-step

  1. Do a sink test in a bucket of water
  2. Time the drop and watch how it sits
  3. If it’s slow/light, adjust caseinate first (not everything)
  4. Use structure casein to tighten the bait’s backbone
  5. Re-test before changing anything else

Do this / Avoid this

Do this

  • Keep sodium caseinate especially “sensible” in bottom baits
  • Use calcium caseinate for more controlled function, if you need a caseinate

Avoid this

  • Pushing caseinates high and then trying to fix buoyancy with random additives

Common mistakes

  • Confusing “caseinate function” with “casein structure”
  • Forgetting that the rest of the base matters (very light bases amplify buoyancy)

Michigan Notes

If you fish light weed and clear patches, a bait that sits wrong can get moved or masked by weed. You want predictable bottom behavior.

FAQ

Is buoyancy always bad?
No — it’s great for wafters/popups. It’s only a problem when you’re trying to make a true bottom bait.

Which caseinate is safer for bottom baits?
Many anglers find calcium easier to manage — but you still test and keep it sensible.

Next Steps

  • Casein guide: PASTE_URL_HERE
  • Dough troubleshooting: PASTE_URL_HERE