Fizzing deadbaits

[red110kev]

Been reading up on t’interweb about giving deadbaits an attractive fizz by using alka seltzer or steradent tablets. (This also raises the question of whether it is feasable to introduce roughly ground up tablets to groundbait to give the same effect).

I thought I might give it ago this season and bought some Boots own brand “steradent” tablets (cheap) as they state they fizz for about 10 minutes.
However, I tried a sample in a mug which turned the water a pale blue colour.

This got me thinking… as well as giving off carbon dioxide bubbles (attractive) don’t they also give off other chemicals as a by-product of the fizzing action which may be a deterrant or even harmful to the fish?

As my chemistry is fairly c**p, does anyone out there know if these types of tablets are safe to use or if there’s any other alternative (preferably cheap) other than the expensive fizzing groundbaits?

Kev.

[fishypaul]

hi kev,welcome to the forum, interesting idea,i for one think a fizzing deadbait might frighten the fish more then attract but maybe if it gives a deadbait some life it may just work,
i know nothing of chemistry , if you give it a try i would be interested in your findings

[mithrandir]

Ordinary bicarbonate of soda, or baking powder will fizz ( pack it tight so not all at once)

It only releases carbon Dioxide so is harmless. Steradent will have nasty chemicals in it, so I would avoid it.

[red110kev]

Thanks for the replies chaps.

I don’t think this method would give off any scent or movement attraction, I can only think the bubbles given off might appeal to the Pike’s vibratory senses.

I agree that steradent would be a no no. Someone on another forum put me onto Boots effervescent vitamin C type tablets (which might be better for normal groundbait).

I’ve seen Alka Seltzer etc mentioned a few times on various forums and just wondered if some sort of fizzing attraction with deadbaits would be worth trying…. (or maybe it would be a waste of time).

I’m still in two minds on this one.