Significance

• Make dough ball fishing bait from any flour. Rye works well as it has a strong aroma. Use enough water to make a stiff dough that will stay on the fish hook. Flours differ in absorbency and gluten content so experiment with whatever flours you have. Roll marble-sized balls and set them aside on a plate to await flavorings.
  
  

Types

• Flavoring the dough ball fishing bait involves working smelly substances into the individual dough balls to attract fish to bite. Flavorings may include clove oil, anise seeds, caraway seeds, tobacco, fish oil, oregano leaves, bits of hot dog, curry powder, cinnamon or tarragon leaves. Experiment with other strong flavors and aromas to see what works just as well to flavor the dough ball fishing bait.
  
  

Effects

• Weather conditions, water temperature, spawning season and time of day will all determine how long it will take to catch fish. Knowledge of good fishing holes will also have bearing on how many fish are caught. Dough ball fishing bait may be used any time of year and with all species--catfish and pike are especially fond of smelly fishing bait and will bite on it given the opportunity. Catfish will be slow to bite in cold weather. Tie the dough ball on the hook if necessary by wrapping sewing thread around it to make sure it stays in place.
  
  

Time Frame

• Dough ball fishing bait will last about a week in the refrigerator, however, you may want to store the flavored balls in zippered plastic bags in the freezer to extend their shelf-life and save work. In each bag, drip a few drops of clove oil to keep the dough balls smelling attractive to fish after defrosting.
  
  

Geography

• Geographic location will dictate year-round success using dough ball fishing bait. Tropical venues such as Florida are ideal for using this type of bait when fishing. Louisiana and Mississippi are other favorable locations for year-round success.