A Guide to Making Buffalo Fish Bait

Buffalo fish share some characteristics with carp and is also known as a panfish. It's not a very popular fish because it fights when caught on the line and isn't readily found. In some parts of the country, including Memphis, it's a popular choice in restaurants because it's easier to catch in those areas. One of the best ways to catch buffalo fish involves making your own bait, which is also known as boilies.

You'll Need

1 c. Semolina
½ c. ground rice
¼ cup Soya flour
Dye (optional)
1 tsp. artificial sweetener
4 eggs
Powdered flavorings (optional)
Large pot
Water

Combine one cup semolina with ½ cup of ground rice and ½ cup Soya flour in a bowl and mix until thoroughly combined. Then add a small amount of dye powder to the mixture, if you want a colored dye. The dye will turn darker when cooked so add less than you think that you need. Store this until ready to mix the other ingredients.

Add the four eggs to a separate bowl and mix. Then add the artificial sweetener and any powdered flavorings you prefer. Buffalo fish prefer sweeter flavors, especially those found in nature such as berry flavorings. Look for those without sugar or omit the artificial sweetener.

Pour one cup of the dry mixture into the egg mixture and combine. Set the bowl aside and let rest for 5-10 minutes, which lets the flavors combine. Then add half the remaining dry mixture and mix again. Add the rest of the dry ingredients and mix with your hands when it becomes too thick for your spoon.

Roll the mixture into small balls, roughly the size of your thumb. Some prefer using a sausage maker that creates long tubes, but using your hands works just as well. Those who use a sausage maker sometimes cut the finished buffalo fish bait into smaller pieces once cooked.

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add your bait directly to the water and cook for two minutes. Then remove the pieces and set on paper towels until dry. Keep the bait in the freezer until the next time you fish.

If you can't find ground rice, make your own by pouring dry rice into a blender and pulsing until finely chopped. It should resemble flour. Remember that it takes more than ½ cup of dry rice to make ½ cup rice ground rice.