DIY PowerBait Lures: Catch More Trout with These Tips

What is Berkley PowerBait?

PowerBait is a brand of soft, moldable fishing baits made by Berkley. It’s most famous for its dough form used for trout fishing, but it comes in various other shapes and formulas.  The key to PowerBait’s success is Berkley’s proprietary scent and flavor blend. It’s designed to attract fish and make them hold onto the bait far longer than regular plastics, giving you more time to set the hook.

Many anglers use PowerBait with standard presentations such as float fishing or bottom fishing, but the ability to mold PowerBait into lure shapes is the new tactic that is highly effective.

Create Your Own PowerBait Lures

PowerBait is more than just little floating eggs. Anglers, especially in Europe, have discovered you can turn that iconic dough into some seriously effective lure alternatives. Let’s break down some popular shapes and how to make your own!

The Ducky

This classic PowerBait shape is designed to mimic a spinner lure.

1. Molding: Take a chunk of PowerBait dough (often two colors are combined) and mold it onto a small hook so it completely covers the hook.
2. Shape: Flatten and roll the dough, giving it a long, slightly rounded shape. Pinch one end to make it a bit more streamlined. This should give it a general ‘teardrop’ or duck-like silhouette.
3. Action: When retrieved, the shape causes the PowerBait Ducky to spin and wobble through the water, giving it a similar action to an inline spinner lure.

Here is a video example on how to create the PowerBait Ducky.

The Worm

The simplest yet highly effective way to use PowerBait.

1. Take a piece of dough.
2. Roll it out into a thin worm shape, ensuring it covers the hook entirely.
3. This can be fished on a simple jig head, under a float, or even with just a split-shot weight for a finesse presentation.

The Grub

Gives a different baitfish profile than the Ducky or Worm.

1. Start with a larger piece of PowerBait dough.
2. Shape it into an oval, fatter in the middle and tapering towards the back.
3. Slightly flatten the underside and push the hook through so it sits straight.
4. When jigged through the water, this should have a subtle wiggle and darting motion.

Get Creative!

These are just starting points. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Try creating:

• Minnow shapes
• Insect imitations
• Creature baits (small crawfish, etc.)

Rigging Options

• Jig heads: A classic way to fish PowerBait. The jig head’s weight allows for casting distance and helps to control depth, along with adding lifelike jigging action.
• Split-Shot Rigs: A simple split-shot above your molded PowerBait offers a finesse presentation, allowing the bait to move more naturally with the current.
• Carolina Rig: A sliding weight, bead, and swivel above your PowerBait lets you bottom fish while keeping the bait slightly off the lake or river floor with natural movement.
• Under a Float: A float can help control depth and provide subtle twitches to your molded PowerBait for attracting attention.
• As a Lure:  You can cast a PowerBait and retrieve it slowly as you would an inline spinner.  Make sure to use a quality ball bearing swivel to minimize line twist.

Retrieval Methods

• Steady Retrieve: Simply casting and reeling in at a consistent speed can work, especially with shapes like the Ducky that offer inherent action.
• Jigging: Lifting the rod tip and letting the bait flutter down on a semi-slack line is very effective, especially in deeper water. Experiment with fast lifts and slow drops or a more subtle twitching method.
• Dead sticking: Sometimes just letting your PowerBait sit on the bottom with minimal movement can attract curious fish drawn in by the scent.

SUMMARY

PowerBait is a successful bait to catch Trout as it uses a scent attractant to entire fish.  You can maximize your use of PowerBait by creating your own DIY lures to impart action in addition to the scents to make it more effective.  Some additional tips include:

• Color Choices: Match the hatch with natural colors if possible, or use bright colors for low visibility or to trigger reaction strikes.
• Fresh Bait: PowerBait can dry out, lose its’ scent and become less effective. Keep it fresh and moldable.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment! The beauty of PowerBait is its versatility. Play around with shapes, colors, and retrieves to discover what works best in your area.

Please send pictures of your fishing success.  You can contact me by email at [email protected].

Tight lines …  Captain P.