Often overshadowed by hemp, corn, and tiger nuts, tares are one of the most underrated baits in carp fishing. They’re subtle, natural, and deadly—especially on clear waters, shy fish, or in the margins.
What Are Tares?
Tares are the seeds of the vetch plant (related to peas). They’re small, dark, and oval-shaped—visually similar to hemp but slightly larger.
In the right context, they’re absolute dynamite for carp, particularly in fine particle mixes and margin work.
What You’ll Need
- Raw, dried black tares (available at bait shops or online particle suppliers)
- Clean water
- A saucepan or large boiler
- Optional: sugar, liquid flavours, spices (aniseed is a traditional favourite)
Step 1: Soak (12–24 Hours)
Ratio: 1 part tares to 3 parts water
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Rinse the tares thoroughly to remove dust or debris.
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Cover with cold water in a large container.
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Add extras if you like:
- 1 tablespoon of sugar per kilo (to aid fermentation)
- A dash of aniseed oil or liquid (a classic, proven carp attractor)
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Soak for 12 to 24 hours. They’ll begin to soften and swell slightly.
Top Tip: Don’t skip the soak—dry tares are rock-hard and unusable.
Step 2: Boil (10–15 Minutes)
- Pour the soaked tares and water into a pan.
- Bring to a rolling boil and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Stir occasionally. When they’re soft but not mushy, they’re done.
- You’ll notice the skins begin to split slightly—this is perfect!
Texture Test: Pinch one between your fingers—it should give, but still hold shape.
Step 3: Cool & Optional Ferment (1–2 Days)
- Let the tares cool in their own liquid.
- Store in an airtight bucket for 1–2 days at room temperature if you want a little fermentation.
- The liquid may turn slightly cloudy or sweet-smelling—ideal!
Unlike tiger nuts or maize, tares don’t need heavy fermentation to be effective. But a mild “rest” boosts attraction.
Storage Tips
- Fridge: 5–7 days in a sealed tub
- Freezer: Freeze in bags with their cooking liquid—perfect for prepping in bulk
How to Fish with Tares
- Loosefeed: Ideal as part of a fine particle mix (great with hemp, micro corn, crushed nuts)
- Margin fishing: A small handful near reeds, pads, or under trees is stealth gold
- Hookbait: Too small for standard carp rigs, but deadly on match gear or with artificial imitations
Use tares to create confidence in the swim—carp associate them with natural food and low risk.
Why Tares Work for Carp
- Small & natural – Carp feed confidently over them without caution.
- Visually subtle – Perfect for spooky fish or clear water.
- Keeps carp feeding – They can’t fill up quickly, so they stay grubbing longer.
- Great over silt or clean gravel – Minimal disturbance, natural presentation.
They’re also brilliant when pre-baited in the same spot for a few days—building fish confidence without triggering alarm bells.
Summary
Tares are a humble bait with huge potential—especially for margin work, tricky day-ticket lakes, or when fish are feeding shy. Cheap, easy to prepare, and perfect for drawing fish in without overfeeding.
Add them to your baiting strategy You won’t regret it.