Fishing Soft Pellets Over Micro Pellets on Commercial Fisheries: A Winning Combo for Big Weights

In the world of commercial carp fishing, bait choice can make or break your session. While banded hard pellets and corn still catch plenty of fish, there’s a growing trend among match and pleasure anglers alike—fishing soft pellets over micro pellets. It’s a subtle but deadly method, especially when the fish are pressured, the water’s clear, or the temperatures are on the drop.

Here’s why this combo works so well, and how to get the best from it.

🎯 Why Soft Pellets?

Soft hooker pellets, usually 4mm or 6mm, have a few major advantages:

Natural Feel: Soft pellets mimic the texture of micros on the deck, so wary carp and F1s will pick them up confidently.
Neutral Buoyancy: They often hover slightly or sink slower than hard pellets, making them easier for fish to suck in.
Subtle Presentation: Perfect for finicky fish in tough conditions—especially in colder months or on heavily pressured venues.

🍽️ Why Feed Micros?

Micro pellets (1–2mm) are a brilliant feed option because they:

Create a carpet of attraction: Micros break down slowly, releasing oils and scent while keeping fish rooting around.
Hold fish without overfeeding: They’re small, so you can feed confidently without the risk of filling fish up too quickly.
Perfect match for soft pellets: Since you’re feeding micros, your soft pellet matches the feed perfectly in appearance and scent.

🎣 The Setup

Pole Fishing is where this method shines the most, particularly in the 6–13m range.

Elastic: Choose a soft hollow (e.g. size 8–10 for F1s, 10–12 for carp).
Line: 0.13–0.15mm main line to a 0.11–0.13mm hooklength.
Hooks: Light wide-gape hooks (size 16–18) are ideal for holding a soft pellet without tearing it.
Rig: Use a strung-out bulk with small droppers for a slow fall, or a bulk+dropper setup for colder days.

🧂 Feeding Strategy

Start with a small pinch or two of micros, cupped or fed via a small pot on the pole tip.
Keep feeding little and often—every 3–5 minutes if you’re not getting bites.
On colder days, cut the micros with inert groundbait or fishmeal to reduce feed but maintain attraction.

🪱 Hookbait Tips

Use expander pellets pumped with water or flavored versions straight from the tub.
A 4mm soft pellet is great for F1s; a 6mm for bigger carp.
In winter, try matching the pellet color to the micros (natural or dark), while in summer, a white or bright hooker can be a standout option.

🧠 Top Tips for Success

Match your feed – consistency in pellet brand and flavor helps.
Don’t overfeed – especially in winter. You’re creating a “grazing” spot, not a banquet.
Watch your float – soft pellet bites can be subtle; a delicate float with a fine bristle helps spot them.
Use a side tray pellet pump – prepare expanders on the bank to get them perfectly soft but durable.
Swap baits if bites fade – try corn, dead maggots, or meat if the pellet slows down.

🎣 Final Thoughts

Fishing soft pellets over micros might seem like a small tweak, but on pressured commercial fisheries, it can be a real edge. It’s especially effective when bites are hard to come by or when you’re looking to pick off better-stamp fish without feeding heavily.

So next time you’re gearing up for your local commercial, leave the banded 8mms in the bag for a while, and give softs over micros a proper go—you might just bag your best weight yet.

Tight lines! If you’ve got a go-to soft pellet or a top tip for feeding micros, share it in the comments below—we’d love to hear your thoughts!