Southern match star Dickie Carr gives his verdict on his favourite tench groundbait

Expo has been my favourite grounbait for tench for more than a decade. It all started in the early days of Willow Park. Thiswas, and still is, a venue dominated by large shoals of tench and to a lesser extent, crucian carp.

The method was to use fairly large quantities of groundbait, feeding small firm balls very regularly. The first time I visited Willow, the locals told me that red groundbait was definitely best. With this in mind, I decided that I would try Expo and really could not believe how good it was for tench.

Expo is a sweet grounbait that is easy to mix to a firm texture and will go down to the bottom with one good squeeze. It contains a lot of molasses which gives it it's sweet aroma and I would certainly recommend taking a bag of Expo if you are going tench fishing.

IDEAL USES
Stillwater fisheries of reasonable depth, i.e. 6ft or more, with a good head of bream, carp and tench. It's bright crimson colour is attractive to all these species. Expo works very well used by itself and is a particularly good mix for days when there's a need to put plenty of groundbait and loose offerings into the water. It's a well proven groundbait with a consistancy which allows it to introduced by hand or through a feeder.

PROVEN RECIPE SUGGESTIONS
1. For shallow still waters: 1 part Expo, 1 part Special, with 2 parts Vijer. The Special and Vijer lightens the mix and gives a cloud effect.

2. For deeper stillwaters: 2 parts Expo, 1 part Secret. Thse two are very similar in texture and mix together well. For deeper waters where the bait needs to get to the bottom befor breaking up.

3. For rivers: 2 parts Expo, 1 part Natuur. Works well for feeder work on rivers. To introduce by hand in balls then use 2parts Expo, 1 part Turbo+. Whre big bream are present Brasem or Vanille can be added to enhance all these mixes.

4. For eels and catfish: 1 part Expo, 1 part Bloedmeal. This is a mix recommended for use when scavenger species are the target.

MIXING INSTRUCTIONS
1. For best results, place groundbait and additives in a round mixing bowl.

2. Blend the dry ingredients thoroughly befor adding water.

3. Add water slowly whilst vigorously stirring the mix together. This procedure is made easier with a sponge, which allows even distribution of water.

4. The use of a round groundbait bowl means there are no corners to trap and leave dry groundbait.

5. When the mix begins to appear adequately dampened set it aside for 5-10 minutes.

6. You should find after 10 minutes the mix will require a little more water before it's ready for use.

7. If you are using damp leam add it to the mixture now, and not earlier.