Tiger Nuts vs Corn vs Hemp: Which One to Use for Michigan Carp (and When)
If you only used three particle baits for Michigan carp, you could catch for years with corn, hemp, and tiger nuts. The problem is most anglers use the right bait at the wrong time — or feed it in the wrong way.
This guide is a simple decision system you can use on the bank.
Start here if you’re new to particles: Particles 101 (Safe Prep, Storage & How Much to Feed)
Core guides: Fishing for Carp With Corn • Hemp for Carp Fishing • Tiger Nuts for Carp Fishing • Simple Particle Mixes (Michigan)
Quick Answer (if you just want the pick)
- Choose corn when you want the most reliable bites for the least effort.
- Choose hemp when fish are pressured and you need to keep them feeding on the spot.
- Choose tiger nuts when you want selectivity and a “big fish lean.”
If you’re unsure: start with corn + a little hemp. It’s the most reliable Michigan workhorse.
The “decision rule” I use on the bank
- Need quick bites? → Corn
- Fish are present but cautious/pressured? → Corn + Hemp
- Lots of liners/nuisance activity or you want bigger fish? → Corn + Tigers (or Tigers as hookbait)
- Short session, need a tight zone fast? → Packbait + Corn (optional tigers)
Related: Michigan Packbait Method (Flat Lead, Corn & Tigers — Spring)
Corn: the workhorse (most bites, simplest system)
What corn is best at
- Fast attraction and consistent bites
- Beginner-friendly (canned sweetcorn is ready to fish)
- Building a feeding response in summer
When corn is the best choice
- You’re learning a new lake or new swim
- You want consistent action and simple baiting
- You’re fishing a short session and need quick feedback
When corn can fail
- You overfeed it in spring (the classic mistake)
- You scatter it everywhere instead of building one spot
Full guide: Fishing for Carp With Corn
Hemp: the “pin-down” bait (keeps carp feeding longer)
What hemp is best at
- Keeping fish on the spot (heads down, grubbing)
- Pressured / clear water where natural baits shine
- Making a little bait fish like a lot (because carp search harder)
When hemp is the best choice
- Carp are in the area but won’t properly commit
- You’re getting signs but not converting bites
- You want a safer “control” approach in spring (still feed light)
How to use hemp properly
- Use hemp as an enhancer: 10–20% hemp in a corn mix.
- Cook it until it splits (that’s the sign it’s done).
Full guide: Hemp for Carp Fishing
Tiger nuts: selectivity + confidence (big fish lean)
What tiger nuts are best at
- Selectivity (fewer “messy” bites in some waters)
- Hookbait strength (tiger hookbait over corn/hemp can be deadly)
- Pressured lakes where carp have seen endless corn
When tigers are the best choice
- You want a bigger-fish lean and cleaner takes
- The lake is pressured and fish are cautious
- You want a hookbait that stays solid and consistent
Important tiger nut rule
Tigers must be prepared properly: soak → boil → rest. Don’t shortcut it.
Full guide: Tiger Nuts for Carp Fishing
The best combos (simple and proven)
Combo 1: Corn + Hemp (default Michigan setup)
- 80–90% corn
- 10–20% hemp
Great for new waters, short sessions, and spring control fishing.
Combo 2: Corn + Tigers (selective upgrade)
- 70–85% corn
- 15–30% tigers (whole or chopped)
Great when you want selectivity and a “big fish” lean.
Combo 3: Packbait + Corn (tight spot fast)
When you want a compact feeding patch that builds with every cast.
Related: Michigan Packbait Method
More mixes: Simple Particle Mixes (Michigan)
Season shortcuts (Michigan Edition)
Early spring / cold fronts
- Start with corn + a little hemp
- Feed small amounts and top up only after signs/bites
Summer peak
- Corn becomes the bulk feed
- Hemp keeps them pinned
- Tigers are a great selective hookbait
Fall transition
- Carp often feed harder — but don’t assume you can dump bait everywhere
- Use corn as base, hemp to pin, tigers to select
Safety + amounts: Particles 101
Rig pairing (keep it basic)
- Start here: Hair Rig for Carp Fishing
- Corn: corn stack or balanced corn
- Hemp mixes: fish a visible hookbait over the top (corn/tiger/wafter)
- Tigers: tiger or corked tiger
FAQ
Do I need tiger nuts to catch big carp?
No. Big carp eat corn all the time. Tigers just help with selectivity and confidence, especially on pressured lakes.
Can I use hemp on its own?
You can, but it’s usually better as an enhancer in a corn mix. Hemp shines because it makes carp search harder for longer.
If I could only carry one bait?
Canned sweetcorn. It’s simple, reliable, and catches everywhere.