...E per esca le mummie (Mommies as baits)

In this occasion we are not going to speak about the classic trout baits, al least we are not going to speak about baits preserved with natural methods. On the contrary we will analyse the lyophilised or so called boiled or “mummified” baits. They do not represent a real novelty as for a few times many trout fishers have started to use bait boxes. At they beginning they were used in lakes and pits, but now they are gaining momentum also among stream fishers. I never wanted to talk about them before because I found them suitable for competitive fishing but not for the amateurish one. When they came on the market, their quality did not seem to be very high and they seemed not to be able to compare favourably their natural living sisters. Nevertheless after a test period, we can affirm that they are really noteworthy under every point of view. They are classic trout baits (moths, white caimans, flour moths) but they undergo a particular treatment to make them very attractive, baiting resistant and more long lasting. They are obviously died, but they are similar to the natural living ones and they are called “mommies”. Also FIPSAS considers them natural and it authorises their use also during competitions (except for the non- natural coloured ones). Apart from their utility in the competitive activity, I was quite surprised by their value both when I tried them personally and during the making of the service with Mr. Orlandi. I was extremely surprised when after having hooked some baits I saw a wonderful brown trout hauling in. I can say that these baits should be tested for many reasons. First of all they do not deteriorate with passing time, they do not need particular devices to be preserved, they are very bright in the water and they well attract trout. Natural baits are more suitable for wild trout while coloured baits are more suitable for ready to fishing trout. The rotatory movement of the bait can be easier thanks to caimans and flour moths. The price is the same of the natural living baits so the relationship between quality and price is favourable. Baitings are similar to the normal baits’ ones. A possible alternative is a mixed baiting with natural living baits and mommies. You can choose the best solutions for your fishing. Certainly you have many possibilities to have your own way. And as all novelties, you have to test them with all proper curiosity knowing that you can be surprised exactly as I was.