The Soar Tackle Lowdown: VDE Special Groundbait Guide
Van Den Eynde Special is likely the most versatile groundbait in the entire VDE range. Since we're in the depths of winter, this is your primary tool for when the water is cold, clear, and the fish are being incredibly finicky.
The Lowdown on Special
Special is a very fine, light-coloured mix with almost zero food value. It's designed to attract through scent and a visual cloud without giving the fish anything to actually eat. Although it's fine it feels alittle bit sand-like when you mix it, and you’ll be surprised just how much water it takes on giving it quite a bit of weight.
The Gin-Clear Canal Tactic
When the canal is "gin clear" and the going is tough, a "slop" mix can be a winner. Over-wet Special until it's an only just holds together.
The Cloud Approach
Flick a thumbnail-sized bit of slop on your shortline or pot it in while fishing up and down the slope. This creates a vertical cloud that hangs in the water. The idea being is you’re not feeding the fish; you're fishing through this cloud in the hope of picking off any small silvers on squats.
Another little trick I use is to mix it with some of our Mole Hill soil, ths gives the soil a little more weight and gives you a silty cloud. Add a pinch of finely chopped dendies to this soil mix, and cup it in flat (not a ball) Get it right and it'll almost bob on the surface then quickly sink spreading little bits of worm on its way down. This is good for the toughest winter conditions when your looking for that one bonus Perch or Skimmer.
The Carpet Cloud
For slightly deeper water or if the canal is towing, Special is the perfect for adjusting the break down while keeping enough weight to get it through the tow. By varying the amount you add to a more sticky ground bait like Turbo or Secret, you can time the breakdown so it starts just before it hits the bottom. This creates a "carpet cloud"—a localised area of fine, attractive particles that isn't a solid lump that could bury its self into the silt or roll away down a slope.
Can be used efffectively on deeper canals when you don't want to be using leams.
Soar Tackle Tactical Winter Mixes
The Winter Canal Classic
(Don’t discount this for your lakes and commercials)
Mix Special 50/50 with Supercup. The Supercup adds a touch more binding allowing you to add a few squats to the mix, with the sweetness to hold any bonus skimmers.
This is a great combination when the water temperature drops below 8°C and the fish are being ultra-cautious. Read my complete Supercup guide for more winter mixing strategies.
The Finesse "Adjuster"
If you're using a sticky heavy mix like Secret, by adding Special you can fine-tune the break up times. It helps ensure that ball starts to open up the moment it nears the deck.
Start with a 70/30 Secret to Special ratio and adjust based on how quickly you want the breakdown. More Special = faster breakdown and lighter feed. See my Secret mixing guide for more blending ratios.
Winter Mixing Guide
| Method | Consistency | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Slop | Very Wet | Creates a vertical cloud for silvers on squats in clear water. |
| The "Carpet Cloud" | Vary ratios | Breaks the ball just before the deck to create a fine carpet. |
| Silty Cloud | Soft | Bonus fish soil and choppy cloud |
Top Tip: The Staged Mixing Approach
Special is a "thirsty" groundbait and can take a bit of practice in getting it right. Even when making a slop, add water in stages to ensure the fine particles are fully saturated. This ensures the cloud hangs exactly where you want it rather than just dispersing instantly.
The three-stage process:
- Initial dampening – Add water gradually and mix thoroughly
- Stand time – Let it stand for 5 - 10 minutes to absorb fully
- Final adjustment – Add more water if making slop, or assess firmness for balling in
Session Planning for Winter
Before you head out in the colder months, consider:
- Water clarity – Gin-clear water = Try slop approach
- Target species – Roach and small silvers love the light approach; skimmers try a touch of Supercup
- Venue depth – Shallow canals = vertical cloud; deeper water = carpet cloud technique
- Water temperature – Below 8°C, keep it ultra-light with minimal feed value
Shop the Range
Get your winter groundbait essentials:
- Van Den Eynde Special Groundbait
- Van Den Eynde Supercup Natural Groundbait
- Van Den Eynde Secret Groundbait
- Soar Baits Mole Hill Soil
Need help dialing in your winter groundbait strategy? Get in touch—we're always happy to share what's working on the Soar and local canals.
Also don't forget to check out my YouTube channel for more hints and tricks