Tried & Tested: Baitbox Pike Bomber System - 09/02/2010
Deputy editor Steve Martin takes a closer look at the predator feeder system designed to pull in fish from all quarters.
When predator fishing, especially for pike, I like to prime a few swims with some cut-up chunks of bait fish like mackerel and sprats. This is easy to do if I’m targeting drop-offs and shelves close in, but it’s not so simple when I have to cast out any distance into open water. Enter the Baitbox Pike Bomber system, designed by top pike expert John ‘Watto’ Watson, which in all essence is a large blockend feeder that you fill with frozen mashed fish. The feeder is fished the same way you would normally fish a deadbait with a lead. The casting weight is the frozen Pike Bomb, which is inserted into the feeder. This lets you cast 40 yards with ease. If you need a little extra weight the feeder comes supplied with three 14g weights, and if that’s not enough you can buy the 14g leads separately in packs of three.
The Pike Bombs, which go into the feeder, come in three flavours – Blood & Oil, Smelt XXX and Fish Frenzy. These come ready frozen, in packs of 12 and once in the water they melt and break down to create an oily carpet of particles. In stillwaters this produces an attractive cloud and in flowing waters a flavoursome bait trail.
There are a few dos and don’ts I’ve discovered you need to be aware of when using the Pike Bomber set-up. The Pike Bombs are surrounded with a sleeve, which needs to be removed before loading into the feeder. If this isn’t removed it slows the melting process and not all of the feed escapes the feeder. If the Pike Bombs aren’t kept really cold they will melt into a terrible mush in your bait bag, so get yourself a cool bag and plenty of ice blocks. This will ensure you keep the blocks solid for your day on the bank.
On the bank, I found the system easy to use, but when it was really cold I did struggle to unscrew the top of the feeder. A dry towel soon solved the problem, though. Give it a try. I fished two rigs during my session, one with the Pike Bomber and the other a straight lead set-up. I managed a few runs, all on the Pike Bomber rig, but failed to get a positive take.
Baitbox Pike Bomber System
- Pike Bomber – RRP: £2.99
- Pike Bomber weights – RRP: £1.65
- Pike Bombs – RRP: £2.99
- Contact: 01472 348404
