FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT PELLETS

1

ALL PELLETS ORIGINATE FROM FISH FARMING, NOT ANGLING All pellets come from aquaculture, whether salmon, koi or other species were the original target. “Drilled” versions were first produced to stop large pellets going mouldy in storage, while also rendering them easier for fish like juvenile halibut to break down. “Palatants” are also added to make them extra attractive to fish.

2

NOT ALL SPECIES OF FISH CAN HANDLE PELLETS EQUALLY

Just like other animals, fish have quite variable digestive abilities. Carp have quite a long digestive tract and can extract a lot of nutrition from every pellet, while roach and other species can have a tougher job, although pellets have evolved to suit coarse fish besides salmonoids.

3

STRONG STUFF!

The reek of pellets is one reason they’re so good, but spare a thought for those who process vast quantities of these super concentrated fish foods! Factories invest millions in extractor systems to mitigate the smell, while employees often resemble spacemen, such is the protective clothing required to cope with the processing environment.

4

OIL BE DAMNED? The most contentious ingredient in pellets is fishmeal. It takes around 7kg of oily fish to create just 1kg of the stuff, raising sustainability issues. Thankfully, low oil pellets are now the norm, with ingredients like sunflower oil often replacing fish derivatives.

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LAWS OF ATTRACTION

While pellets have an impressive shelf life, they do slowly start to lose attraction. Baits no older than a year or two are not only more appealing, but more nutritious for fish.