The Soar Tackle Lowdown: VDE Secret Groundbait Mixing Guide
Van Den Eynde Secret is another favourite of mine. It's a heavy / sticky, fine-textured mix built for one thing: getting your bait to the deck and holding it there. Whether you're on a deep stretch of the Soar, Trent or a slow-moving drain, Secret is classic go to.
The Target Species Switch
The real magic happens when you blend Secret with a secondary mix to adjust the mechanics and the scent. Depending on what's in front of you, I recommend a 50/50 split:
For Skimmers & Bream (The Sweet Approach)
Mix VDE Secret with VDE Supercup. This is a soft, sweet-smelling, low-feed bait. It makes the Secret less sticky and creates a mix that breaks down beautifully for skimmers.
The Supercup brings a gentle, attractive cloud to the swim without overfeeding, while Secret provides the weight and binding to get your feed exactly where you want it on the bottom.
For Roach & Dace (The Active Approach)
I like to switch to VDE Super Black. This is also a low-feed bait based on Supercup, but it's slightly more active and less sweet. It features that classic aniseed and coriander scent that roach and dace find irresistible.
Super Black adds movement and that distinctive dark colour that works brilliantly in clearer water or when targeting silver fish on rivers and drains.
Tactical Adjustments
Balling In
This 50/50 combo is a top choice for balling in over a running pole line. You get a firm ball that survives the throw and the depth, but the secondary mix ensures it doesn't sit like a brick on the bottom.
The key is creating a bed of feed that holds fish in your swim without creating a carpet they can hoover through quickly. Secret provides the foundation, while your secondary mix (Supercup or Super Black) controls the breakdown rate.
The Flow Factor
If the river has a bit of a flow to it, tilt your mix to 60% Secret for extra weight and stickiness. This ensures your feed stays put and doesn't get washed downstream before it reaches the bottom.
If it's nearly at a standstill, go 60% on your secondary mix (Supercup or Super Black) to keep the bed of bait softer and more active. In slower water, you want more breakdown and attraction, less binding.
Top Tip: Secret is Thirsty!
Mix it in stages and let it stand for a good 5 minutes between each addition of water this allows the mix to fully absorb the water. This is crucial—if you rush it, you'll end up with a mix that is either to dry or it’ll be like concrete and never breakdown.
Riddle your mix between each wetting, a groundbait whisk does make life easier.
Quick Mixing Guide: Deep & Slow Venues
| Venue Condition | Secret (Binding/Weight) | Secondary Mix | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Still / Sluggish | 40% | 60% | Softer, more active mix; breaks down quickly. |
| Standard Deep/Slow | 50% | 50% | The "Soar Tackle" balance for most sessions. |
| Pacey / More Flow | 60% | 40% | Extra binding & weight to hold the pole line. |
Session Planning
Before you head out, think about:
- Target species – Bream/skimmers = Supercup blend; Roach/dace = Super Black blend
- Venue depth – Deeper water needs more Secret for weight and stickiness
- Flow rate – More flow = more Secret; less flow = more secondary mix
- Water clarity – Super Black works brilliantly in clear water
Shop the Range
Get everything you need for your next session:
- Van Den Eynde Secret Groundbait
- Van Den Eynde Supercup Natural Groundbait
- Van Den Eynde Super Black Groundbait
Got questions about mixing groundbait for your local venue? Drop us a message—we're always happy to help you dial in the perfect blend.
Don't forget to check out my YouTube channel for lots more hints and tips