If there's one trick that changed the game in carp fishing, it's definitely the introduction of PVA , polyvinyl alcohol. I still remember the first stringers made of that thick, plasticky PVA that sometimes wouldn't even dissolve! Crazy stuff. Fortunately, the world has evolved, and today water-soluble bags are your most trusted ally for successful fishing, especially when it comes to the carp fishing "bombetta."
But what exactly is a solid PVA bag , or "bombetta"? Simple: a PVA bag containing your hookbait, lead, and an ultra-concentrated groundbait. Once in the water, the bag dissolves, leaving your bait perfectly presented in a small bed of bait, irresistible to carp. It's a deadly method that allows you to fish with surgical precision even in the most difficult spots, where weed and debris would make a standard presentation impossible. You can cast them on weed, mud, gravel... it doesn't matter, your presentation will always be perfect!
The Evolution of PVA Bags: Say Goodbye to Old Nightmares!
The first PVA bags were a real nightmare: they'd melt even with the humidity in the air, break at the slightest breath of wind, or leave behind annoying residue. It was like dealing with dynamite, not fishing! Fortunately, the industry has made great strides. Today, products like Korda Solidz PVA Bags They're from another planet. They're sturdy, easy to open and fill, can withstand the most powerful throw, and, once in the water, dissolve quickly without leaving a trace.
A heartfelt tip: if you're fishing in deep water or at extreme distances, use the "Slow Melt" versions or, alternatively, double up on the bags. The important thing is that your bomb reaches the bottom intact.
What to Put in Your Bombshell: The Perfect Getaway Mix!
The beauty of a water-soluble bag is that you can put almost anything in it... as long as it's dry! No water, please, otherwise your bag will dissolve before you even open the bait. You can use pellets, chopped boilies, corn, and hemp (if well salted or oiled, PVA doesn't dissolve in salt water!).
The goal is to create an irresistible "bite", so choose small baits that allow you to compact your bomb well:
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2mm or 4mm pellets : perfect for creating a food carpet.
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Crumbled boilies : a timeless classic that creates a great attraction.
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Seeds and grains : if treated properly, they are an additional weapon.
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Specific groundbaits for PVA bags : the famous "PVA bag mixes" are designed to dissolve quickly and spread attraction.
And don't forget the liquids! Feel free to inject your favorite additives, like Goo Korda , directly into the sealed bag (did you know there are special syringes like this one , instead of stealing them from your grandpa's drawer?). Solidz PVA Bags They're sturdy and will hold up without a problem. A little trick: always poke one or two small holes in the bag with the tip of your scissors. This allows air to escape and prevents your bomb from floating or rolling away once it hits the bottom.
The Perfect Rig for Your "Bombetta": Short, Compact, Lethal!
When it comes to rigs for PVA bags , the key is compactness . Your hooklink should be short, even just 7-10 cm, and made with a soft braid like Korda Super Natural or Dark Matter . The idea is that the carp, sucking in your "bombshell", will find the hook and lead immediately. The less room it has to move, the less likely it will be to spit out the hookbait.
An inline lead is essential for this technique. I recommend the Nash Flat Pear inline . They've been specially designed: they have a flat shape that fits perfectly with the bomb and a design that guarantees a super-effective hook-up, transferring all the force of the lead to the hook at the moment of the bite. If you're fishing in very dirty spots, consider using an inline drop-off to release the lead at the start.
As for the hook, aim for a smaller size than usual, such as a size 6 or 8. The hook must be proportionate to the bait and the bite you are offering. Many "match anglers" swear by the Korda Longshank or, for maximum simplicity, you can opt for the Solidz PVA Rig Wide Gape , ready to use and deadly. A small kicker or heat-shrink tube on the hook will help it rotate and get a solid grip on the carp's lip.
The Winning Trigger: Small, Lively, and Always in the Right Place
The bait in your bomb should be small and often balanced or buoyant. The goal is for it to be easily sucked up along with the groundbait. We're not looking for a single 20mm boilie here, but something that blends in with the pile of food.
The best choices are:
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Small pop-ups : they rise slightly from the bottom, making them highly visible.
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Wafters : a perfect compromise between floating and sinking.
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Dumbbell : cylindrical lures, excellent for compact presentations.
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Fake corn or plastic kernels : Shrimp-resistant and visually very attractive, like the Korda Carpela Pop-Up Corn IB Yellow Fake Baits .
Often, a bright color can make all the difference, creating a visual “hot spot” within your baiting spot.
How to Make the Perfect PVA Bomb: Valentino's Step-by-Step Guide
Now let's get down to business: how do you make a real "bombetta" that won't let you down at the most crucial moment? Valentino D'Intino , with years of experience on the banks, has refined the technique and reveals the fundamental steps for creating flawless solid PVA bags .
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Base of Mix : Place an inch or two of your pellet or groundbait mix at the bottom of the bag Korda Solidz PVA Bags .
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Rig Placement : Lower the rig with the lead first, making sure the bait protrudes slightly from the top edge of the bag. The lead should be positioned on one side to ensure a proper landing on the seabed.
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Lead Coverage : Add more mix until the lead is completely covered.
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Hookbait Placement : Place your hookbait on the opposite side of the lead, never underneath! This ensures it's always free to be picked up by the carp.
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Final Fill : Fill the bag with the rest of the mix, completely covering the hook and leader. Don't overfill, though!
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Compacting and Sealing : Gather the open corners of the bag and begin twisting, tapping the base and top of the bag against the palm of your hand to remove air and compact the whole thing. The tighter it is, the better for throwing and sinking.
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Professional Sealing : Instead of the "lick" that often doesn't hold, use some Kwik Melt PVA Tape Wrap it around the twisted end and tie two simple knots to secure. Then, pull the bottom corners and glue them to the base of the bag. Modern PVA is very strong, so don't be afraid to pull!
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The Air Hole : Once you've trimmed off the excess PVA, make a small hole with scissors near the hookbait. This is essential for letting air out and preventing the bomb from rolling or floating.
Tension is key! A tight bowler flies further, is more accurate, and sinks faster, ensuring it lands exactly where you want it.
Prepare Your Bombs Ahead: Save Precious Time!
A true carp angler knows that time on the bank is precious. Don't waste vital minutes preparing your bomb after every catch or recast! Always prepare a good supply of bags in advance. I assure you, the convenience of having everything ready will encourage you to recast more often and with greater confidence, even after a "win."
For an efficient preparation and storage system, consider using a Korda PVA Container System . It allows you to keep everything in order, protected from humidity and within easy reach. For connection to the main line, a good PVA-specific leader , such as the Solidz PVA Leaders Korda , it's ideal: they attach and detach in an instant, "loop-to-loop".
Equipment Specifications for PVA Bag Fishing: Don't Get Caught Unprepared
You don't need fancy equipment, but a sturdy and reliable setup will. A well-filled bomb can weigh quite a bit, so your rod must be able to handle it. We're talking about rods with a higher test curve , perhaps 3.5 lb or 4 lb, which will allow you to cast powerfully and accurately. High-test curve rods will help you push these bombs out efficiently.
Line is also crucial. If you're casting heavy bombs, a minimum of 0.35mm is a must, or a thinner nylon line with a tapered shock leader . This will prevent unpleasant "cracks" that leave rigs and leads in the water, a real disaster for the environment and the poor carp.
Valentino's Opinion: The Bowler Hat, Not Just a Trick!
For me, the PVA bomb is much more than just a fad or a trick to use every now and then. It's a fishing philosophy, a guarantee of impeccable presentation. I've seen hundreds of times how even the most suspicious carp can't resist that small, concentrated morsel of delicacy. It's allowed me to pull big fish out of seemingly empty spots, simply because I was 100% sure my bait was there, ready to be sucked in, without tangles or debris. It's the peace of mind that gives you the certainty you're fishing at your best, in any conditions.
There's nothing worse than wrapping your rig and seeing the hook stuck or covered in weed. With the bombetta , this problem disappears. And the ease with which modern products, like Korda water-soluble bags and Carpela's specific accessories, can be used makes this technique accessible to everyone, from beginners to veterans. Try it and believe it: your catches will increase dramatically!
Come on, it's time to make your first real "Bowler"!
Now you have all the tips and secrets to master the PVA "bombetta" technique. All you have to do is put these tips into practice and choose the right products from our catalogue. Carpela PVA Products and get ready to maximize your departures !
