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Use garlic to catch more carp | Mark Holmes

How to use garlic and spices on your baits to catch more carp...

by James Furness |

Published on10th October 2025 at 4.44pm

Mark Holmes believes strongly in making your approach different to that of the angler next to you. Otherwise, ‘edges’ just become about location. The problem with that, on many waters, is that you simply can’t get near the carp because of the presence of other anglers.

"I always chuckle at all the hype about being mobile and moving onto showing fish… try that on Bluebell, Linear, Farlows, Sandhurst or Embryo waters and see how far you get!"

"Even if you’re lucky enough to get into a swim with fish showing in front of you, all the commotion of setting up, marker work, baiting up and casting out will often send any carp in the swim packing."

"Therefore my approach has always been to draw the carp to my swim with my bait, rather than chase them."

FINDING THE BEST FEATURES IN YOUR SWIM CAN MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE.

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Boost those baits

I have written previously about how you must target the olfactory system of carp, as this will get them actively looking for food. A golden rule in cooler conditions is to keep the carp interested but not necessarily full up.

That is the main reason why fenugreek, garlic, chilli, cayenne pepper, turmeric, paprika and indeed all the old-established spice extracts work so well in colder weather. The important part to remember is to create a bespoke food trigger that’s relative to just your bait. You can do this by the amount and type of spices you use.

HERE IS AN EXPERT GUIDE TO FLAVOURING YOUR BAITS...

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In many ways, it’s like baking a cake. If you were to mix different spices at different quantities, you can create your own signature attractor. Those who have followed me over the years know that I use vast quantities of garlic.

Not only is it packed with oleoresins, it also assists carp in making the protective mucus that acts as an ointment to its skin. Along with liver, garlic is my number one attractor. By using various types – powder, paste and oil – I cover all the applications that are needed. By adding garlic essential oil to liquid boosters, hookbait glugs and any additional baits (pop-ups and wafters etc) I know that my baiting applications are all working as they should.

Solubility is affected by the viscosity of your liquid. By using thicker liquids such as syrups you can get them to sink quickly. I’m looking for something that leaks from the bottom of the lakebed upwards, rather than from the surface of the lake downwards. Either way, the important thing to focus on is to make your solubility approach as bespoke as it can be.

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