Why Hemp and Tares Works So Well
Hemp seed has been one of the most effective coarse fishing attractants for generations. Its strong, distinctive oil releases into the water almost immediately, creating a scent corridor that draws roach and chub from considerable distances. Tares — small, dark pea-like seeds — make the perfect hookbait to complement a hemp groundbait, closely resembling a hemp seed in appearance but large enough to mount on a hook.
Together, they form one of the most productive river fishing combinations there is. This recipe explains how to prepare both from scratch and combine them into an effective groundbait mix.
Preparing Your Hemp
Raw hemp seed must be cooked before use — raw hemp releases little scent and is too hard for fish to digest. Here's how to prepare it:
- Soak overnight: Place your hemp seed in a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Leave to soak for 12–24 hours. The seeds will absorb water and begin to soften.
- Boil: Drain and refill with fresh cold water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The seeds are ready when they start to split and a small white shoot appears — this is the trigger that makes hemp so attractive to fish.
- Cool and drain: Spread on a tray or drain in a colander. Reserve the dark cooking liquid — it's liquid gold for your groundbait mix.
Tip: Cook a large batch and freeze in portions. Hemp keeps well frozen and defrosts quickly on session morning.
Preparing Your Tares
- Place tares in a saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil.
- Simmer for 25–35 minutes until soft but not mushy — they should hold their shape on a hook.
- Remove from heat, add a small pinch of bicarbonate of soda to darken them (matching hemp colour), and leave to cool in the water.
- Store in the cooking liquid in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Mixing the Groundbait
This groundbait mix works best as a foundation for loose hemp feeding in a river swim. The base keeps particles together on the cast and controls how quickly they disperse in flow.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of prepared hemp seed (plus 4–5 tablespoons of hemp cooking liquid)
- 1 cup of dark brown breadcrumbs or brown crumb mix
- Half a cup of bread mash (squeezed dry)
- A handful of casters (optional but highly effective)
- A teaspoon of aniseed powder or liquid (roach love aniseed)
Method
- Combine the breadcrumbs and bread mash in a bowl. Work together until uniform.
- Add the hemp seed and mix through so the seeds are evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the hemp cooking liquid a tablespoon at a time, mixing between each addition. You're looking for a mix that holds together when squeezed but crumbles when pressure is released.
- Add the casters and aniseed, folding in gently to avoid crushing the casters.
- Leave to rest for 5 minutes before testing the consistency and adjusting if needed.
How to Fish the Hemp and Tares Method
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Introduce 6–8 balls of groundbait upstream of your float line to establish the swim |
| 2 | Begin loose feeding a small pinch of hemp every 2–3 minutes as fish arrive |
| 3 | Mount a single tare on a size 12–14 fine-wire hook through the skin |
| 4 | Run your float through the hemp line, slightly overdepth so the tare trips along the bottom |
| 5 | Strike at any check or dip in the float — roach bites on hemp/tares are often lightning fast |
When to Use This Mix
Hemp and tares performs best from mid-summer through to autumn, when river levels are low and clear. Roach are particularly responsive in these conditions, and chub will often move confidently into the hemp trail. Avoid this mix in coloured, flood-condition water — opt for stronger-smelling baits like cheese paste or worm in those conditions instead.
Invest the time in preparing good hemp, and this recipe will reward you with some of the most exciting float fishing you'll experience in freshwater.