How to Make Carp Bait

This is a simple carp bait recipe that costs under $10. Not only that, this bait recipe is simple and only uses 3 ingredients! I’ve been using this recipe for over 3 years now and just about every time I go out to the lake I catch a carp. I first found this recipe on YouTube from the user Catfish and Carp, you can check out his video HERE.

Here’s exactly what you’ll need.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of sweet corn
• 8 oz panko bread crumbs
• 3 oz strawberry Jello 3 oz of strawberry Jello mix (or any flavor you prefer)
• (Optional) Flavor additives such as krill or strawberry extract

Instructions:

1. Drain the corn
   Pour the liquid from the corn can into a separate bowl — don’t throw it away, you’ll use it later.

2. Combine the dry stuff
   In a big mixing bowl or bait bucket, add the panko breadcrumbs and Jello mix. Stir it up so the color and flavor are spread evenly through the crumbs.

3. Add the drained corn
   Dump the corn kernels into the breadcrumb and Jello mix. Stir until everything is evenly combined.

4. Add the corn juice
   Slowly pour in the corn juice you saved earlier. Stir again until the mixture sticks together like a soft, crumbly dough — not too dry, not too wet. You want it to pack around a method feeder or ball up in your hand without falling apart.

Important:
Be careful with how wet or dry your mix gets. If your packbait is too wet, it’ll turn to mush and won’t stick around your hook. If it’s too dry, it won’t bind properly and will fall apart before hitting the bottom.

Fixes:

• Too wet? Add a little more panko breadcrumbs a bit at a time until the texture firms up.

• Too dry? Add small splashes of the corn juice or a bit of water and mix again until it packs together like a sticky, crumbly dough.

Tips for Using It:

• Press it firmly around a method feeder, inline weight, or just pack it around your hook bait (especially if you're using a piece of corn or a fake kernel).

• Let it break down slowly in the water, creating a sweet, colorful cloud that draws carp in.

• Store any leftover bait in a sealed container in the fridge for a few days.

Why It Works:

Carp love sweet, fruity flavors and small particle baits. The corn adds color and scent, the Jello gives it a sugary kick, and the panko gives the bait structure so it breaks apart just right in the water.

This carp was caught using this recipe! I’ve also caught rainbow trout and catfish using this also.