The Soar Tackle Lowdown: VDE G5 Groundbait Guide
Marcel Van Den Eynde G5 is a legendary mix with a pedigree like no other. Designed by the 5-time World Champion Alan Scotthorne (the "G5" stands for those 5 Gold Medals), this is a fine-textured groundbait that has a very popular following with silverfish anglers across the UK.
The Alan Scotthorne Legacy
What makes G5 special isn't just the formula—it's the pedigree. Alan Scotthorne is a 5-time World Champion, and this groundbait was developed to his exact specifications. When you're using G5, you're using a mix that's been proven at the highest level of competition.
The "Versitle" concept came from a need for a single base mix that could be adapted to any venue, any flow, any condition. Rather than carrying 10 different groundbaits, you carry G5 and a few key partners (Turbo, Leam) and you're ready for anything.
The "Versatile" Mix
G5 is loved because it's so "versatile"—on its own, it's a fantastic, roach and skimmer mix, but its fanstically easily to adjusted for different venues and flows.
Sticker mix / Slow the Breakdown
Add VDE Turbo. Turbo is the classic binder for G5. For venues like the Trent when you'd need a little more bind to the mix but keeping it aimed at Roach and Skimmers, adding Turbo will help bind the mix together, making it perfect for balling in.
To Add Weight
Add Black Leam. Unlike Turbo, Leam doesn't bind the mix; it purely adds weight to get the bait to the bottom while actually helping the groundbait break open once it's there.
My Simple G5 Mixes
1. For Summer Flows (Low Flow)
When there is very little to no flow whether I'm on the River Soar or simular, and it's looking like a Roach kind of day. I like a 50/50 mix of G5 and VDE Super Black. Both are fine mixes that break up beautifully to create a nice feed area. The Super Black adds a touch of activity and that classic Aniseed aroma that Roach and Dace love. If I'm thinking more Skimmers I like to swop the Super Black for Super Cup this adds more of a sweetness to the mix.
2. For Medium / Pacier Flows (e.g., The Trent)
For venues with a little more pace about them like the River Trent, you may need to tighten the mix up. A 50/50 mix of G5 and VDE Turbo is the classic "starting point." If you need to slow the breakdown even further for deeper water or a stronger tow, simply increase the ratio of Turbo.
3. For Deep Water (e.g. Stainforth Canal)
If you're fishing a deeper waters may be with quite a bit of two, you can combine all three. Mix G5 and Turbo to get the bind, and then add Black Leam for the extra weight. This ensures your feed hits the deck exactly where you want it but still breaks open to create that feed area.
Tactical Mixing Guide
| Venue / Condition | The Mix | The Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Still Water / Low Flow | G5 + Super Black or G5 + Super Cup | Super Black more active = Roach and Dace. Super Cup sweeter = Skimmers |
| Medium Flow (Trent) | 50/50 G5 & Turbo | Binds the mix to withstand the flow. |
| Deep / Fast Water | G5 + Turbo + Leam | Weight from the Leam, bind from the Turbo. |
My Top Tip: The Riddle
Because G5 is a fine-textured mix, and mixes quite easily with out the use of a riddle but its of benefit to run it through riddle to make sure theres no dry spots with in the mix. More important if your mixing with Turbo to make sure both groundbaits are throughly mixed together.
When adding leam always make up your main mix first E.G straight G5 or G5 Turbo. You could effectively split your mix in to two now, one with out leam and one with. I is important to add leam to the mix through a riddle, then mix together. You may find that you will need to add a little more water.
The process: (straight G5)
- Mix thoroughly – Add water gradually and ensure even mixing
- Stand time – Let it stand for 5-10 minutes to absorb fully
- Riddle it – Pass through a groundbait riddle to aerate and break up any lumps
- Final check – Should be fluffy and light, not dense or heavy
Following these simple steps help make a massive difference to how the groundbait performs on the day.
Session Planning with G5
Before you head out / mixing, consider:
- Water flow – Still/Slow = neat; medium / deep = add Turbo; + Leam
- Target species – Roach love aniseed (Super Black); Skimmers prefer sweet (Supercup)
- Venue depth – Shallow = lighter mix; deep = add weight with Leam
A short list
Find G5 and the other mixes mention above through th links below:
- Van Den Eynde G5 Groundbait (2kg)
- Van Den Eynde Turbo Groundbait
- Van Den Eynde Black Leam
- Van Den Eynde Super Black
- Van Den Eynde Supercup Natural
Need help dialing in your G5 mix for the Trent or Soar? Get in touch—we're always happy to share what's working on the local rivers.