Jaw-Dropping Results: Starlo TESTS A Surprising Man-Made Bait

[@StarloGetsReel]

To get your sticky fingers on some Fishbites in Australia, go to: www.starlotackle.com To follow on Facebook, go to the Fishbites Australia page: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561509211638 To follow on Instagram, go to fishbites_australia Also, if you want to watch that earlier Fishbites field-test on carp that's mentioned in this episode, you'll find it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eF6tpHeapaaEetU

[@AndrewFishman]

The big advantage of those fish bites seems to be that it is no mess, no fuss.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Yep. And how well they stay on the hook.

[@AndrewFishman]

@@StarloGetsReel How well do you reckon they'd go with trout in the mountain lakes? They look like something a nice brown might like. Using a worm style hook to lay it flat with a double pin might be good too.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

A white and pink plastic on the other hook would be interesting. I'm cynical about these baits. Fishing is smelly. A video on dealing with that might be helpful.

[@fishbitesbrettburford5600]

@@AndrewFishman Try our Bloodworm scent in the lakes

[@AndrewFishman]

@@fishbitesbrettburford5600 Mate, ship them to Australia, I will definitely give them a go 😁👍

[@StarloGetsReel]

By the way, if you can't wait for this stuff to arrive in Australia, you CAN order it from Amazon Australia. Here's the link: amzn.to/3JWJTQo Also, if you want to watch that earlier Fishbites field-test on carp that's mentioned in this episode, you'll find it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eF6tpHeapaaEetU

[@ad905]

Great video! What would be interesting is two fishermen side by side, one on the fishbites and one on traditional bait. Sometimes, you get a bite that takes the bait off but you continue fishing unawares, if the fishbites stays on that well then you could win out simply by having bait on the hook for longer. 👍👍

[@Discoveryofstu]

I’m so glad I found you on the tube. after watching you as a kid and following your guides fishing the hunter river and and the brake waters around Newcastle I still love fishing every day (when I can) but just in Hervey Bay now.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Good stuff! Glad you're enjoying the content.

[@huntinfishin7214]

Very interesting, i would defintley be keen to give this stuff a go and see what other species like it,the durability of it is an advantage for sure, as usyal great episode

[@StarloGetsReel]

Cheers!

[@mariatheresaalcala7786]

Thanks for this video,iv'e read your articles for many,many years ,and they never disapoint. will try this sometime,seems to be great bait.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks for that! Yes, give it a go. It's interesting stuff.

[@33454262]

Hi Starlo as you mentioned not conclusive that it would always outfish bait but certainly welcome as an alternative. You used the half hitch to keep your bait straight. I use a small keeper hook as I find after a time the line displays a bit of memory and stays curled. Thanks for the video.

[@StarloGetsReel]

True enough. 👍

[@aceganter4478]

Yeah we need to try get some of that in Oz great for when the pickers are destroying your bait

[@StarloGetsReel]

Absolutely. 👍

[@gavinpalmer4434]

We Definitely need to get some in Australia I would love to test it out on some west aussie dhufish and tuskies. I hate dropping it 50-60 metres just to get one bite and thebait is gone

[@fishbitesbrettburford5600]

You won't ever have to worry about that with Fishbites. You can use these in conjunction with bait. If they steal the real bait they'll come back for the synthetic

[@ad905]

@@fishbitesbrettburford5600 yeh someone defo needs to get some over here. Would be handy to have a pack in the car at all times just in case.

[@danmurphy5889]

Hi Steve, would be interesting to try them on the trout, I bet the rainbows will love these just as much as powerbait

[@StarloGetsReel]

Absolutely!

[@peterrobins6000]

Definitely would be worth giving them a crack Steve & as in previous comments durable, no fuss or mess. Tight lines Pete 🎣

[@StarloGetsReel]

Absolutely.

[@mathewcampbell8479]

Pink and white with a bit of smell. Has to have Flathead written all over it. Mr Twisters in pink or white were the go to flathead plastic for ages. I still catch flathead on a paternoster with a pink jerkshad and a bit of scent. I really like to keep my boat bait-less too, so these are an interesting intermediary. I'd love to see a Snapper session vs a prawn...

[@StarloGetsReel]

Me too!

[@damien6997]

Great vid as always. Unfortunately we can't always pick the weather. Love your commitment Starlo....😊

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks 👍

[@chrisdoran7596]

Flathead fillets done in the weber Q are delicious.😀👌

[@StarloGetsReel]

For sure.

[@peterhipwell4632]

Excellent very interesting always got to willing to try something new

[@StarloGetsReel]

True.

[@rickcree9619]

If you can get some into the country I’m keen to give this ago. I predominantly fish the surf for bream and flathead on the NSW far north coast. Cheers

[@danielc114]

100% worth trying on that vid , would love to see how you go targeting different fish as well

[@StarloGetsReel]

Coming soon!

[@sativa9598]

Interesting they seem to do the job nicely. I personally would love to to try them out.

[@robertvelovski1192]

They look like they work. Would love to try them.

[@glennpage5507]

Great video mate , love fishing for Flathead off shore. Very interesting results seeing them on the fish bite bait . Hopefully we can get the bait in Australia soon. 👍🏻

[@StarloGetsReel]

I hope so too.

[@lindengreen725]

Love to be able to buy these locally. Keen to see how the Gummies like them.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Me too.

[@DennisFredericks-x2f]

I'd definitely be in for a few packs!

[@StarloGetsReel]

It's just been brought to my attention that you CAN order it direct from Amazon Australia! (Not cheap, although with it being so durable, probably not bad value.) Here's my link to it on there: amzn.to/3JWJTQo

[@Peshk__]

Thank you for trying them out. I've known about them for years but I've never bought a packet As the shipping was quite expensive

[@Peshk__]

Should also look into the alternative fish gum which apparently is a little better than the fish bites

[@StarloGetsReel]

Glad I could help!

[@surg71]

Very interesting stuff. I,d be interested in some.

[@deanwatt]

Well, well, well, found myself a cheap packet in the UK and it's in the post! Good one to keep in the boat and not have to worry about bait 👍 Tried putting a bit on a resin head and chucking it for bream? Might be a goer!

[@StarloGetsReel]

Good stuff! That's exactly how I caught those carp in the earlier video. I need to try it on bream... it'll work, I reckon.

[@mitchmcbride6053]

Awesome Starlo would love to give them a go on tje waters of Sydney and the central coast I’ll also try a similar rig for comparison

[@frisko3000]

A bit of pink or red rag covered in tuna oil or bait mush would be good too.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Sometimes, for sure. They have their days. Although when I'm getting half pilchards and peeled prawns back basically untouched after 5 minutes on the bottom, I know it's not an especially hot bite.

[@martyalcorn8990]

Good on ya mate, some more like this would be great. Comparisons, reviews. Works for me any way Thanks mate.

[@StarloGetsReel]

No problem 👍

[@shanewarmington2680]

Offshore flattie drifting. Perfect option to test this on, good sample size, would love to see it in other Aussie applications, seen vids where they cut it into fish and prawn shapes and slow troll them, how long does it last in the pack? Colours good at depth too, pink goes almost invisible and white to flash, would look very enticing.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Good call. Has a near indefinate shelf life if kept in pack and out of sunlight and heat, I believe.

[@hairyscary8511]

Very interesting product definitely worth giving a crack

[@StarloGetsReel]

It really is!

[@MrHilltop77]

Onya Starlo, braving the conditions for us.🙌 dig the Simms jacket, true garment for the fishing gods!🎣👊

[@StarloGetsReel]

That jacket has saved me from being very wet and cold a few times!

[@MrHilltop77]

@@StarloGetsReel top notch South Island NZ backcountry fly fishing essentials too!👍

[@BevanBadcott]

Certainly would be interested in trying a couple of packs here in the Clyde Batemans Bay. Once again a great video but hey please keep your floatation device on all the time. As has been mentioned we can’t afford to lose you Starlo.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Cheers! It has just been brought to my attention that you CAN order it direct from Amazon Australia! (Not cheap, although with it being so durable, probably not bad value.) Here's my link to it on there: amzn.to/3JWJTQo

[@martinw544]

Great video as always. Yes I would love to see Fishbites available in Australia

[@StarloGetsReel]

Me too.

[@ianbertenshaw4350]

Great video Steve! What sort of shelf life does it have ? Could be a handy thing to keep in the car or boat for those “jeez I wish I could put a bait in that spot “ moments that always seem to pop up when you haven’t got any bait on hand . I would love to see the body section of a pink squidgy wriggler or a rig with some sort of pink colour added to the pilly just to make sure it isn’t a colour thing that is attracting the fish . Actually I might add that idea to my little book of experiments to try 🤔

[@StarloGetsReel]

Great suggestion! The shelf life is apparently indefinite if kept in the pack, dry, and out of direct sun or extreme heat.

[@georgebets4128]

I would buy 6 packs to test it out. Great work

[@StarloGetsReel]

Cheers!

[@samuelmdouglas]

Im definitely interested in these

[@brianandrea3249]

Very interesting. Looks very effective. Gonna say 35-40 years ago a synthetic bait came out (Catchit??) . Dough bait that smelt like salt and vinegar chips. Used to brain trout even compared to natural baits. Disappeared very quickly though and I think it was pulled because fish couldn’t digest it. Hopefully no similar issues with this one.

[@fishbitesbrettburford5600]

These baits won't smell like much anything to us. Fish don't sense smell underwater the same way we do above.

[@StarloGetsReel]

That's it! Catchit! I've been trying to remember what that stuff was called. We nick named it Cat-Shit! Worked though. But I think Fishbites is a lot more sophisticated and some serious science went into developing the scents involved.

[@franksaunders6534]

Some of the top US bass anglers cut small rounded strips and and spike their johnson spoons (weedless) with this stuff to give them the edge in comps.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Interesting. Not sure you'd be able to do that in a lure-only event?

[@MrLobstermash]

Growing up on Port Phillip Bay, my dad and i used to use tissues on the hook when we ran out of bait. Flathead aren't real fussy. If be interested to see how they go with snapper though

[@StarloGetsReel]

Me too!

[@mbnz0174]

I was wondering if a third hook with an unscented soft plastic would catch fish in this video. A kind of negative control.

[@mbnz0174]

Just the video I've been waiting for, thanks! Although I'm primarily a lure angler, I have to admit there are times when a little scent can make all the difference to catch rates. Always looking for something clean and convenient that i can "tip" my jig hooks with. I've tried salted bait, Gulp and Jimmy's Bait Nuggets. None are ideal. I think Fishbites could be the answer! Good to see them tested in Australasian waters 👍

[@StarloGetsReel]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@outaboutwithmarkjustine3183]

i bought a heap of fishbites when we were in nz...unreal stuff its is apparently made with powderised abalone

[@outaboutwithmarkjustine3183]

it needs to be cut with scissòrs

[@StarloGetsReel]

Cool! Not sure about the abalone story though. 😉

[@nickglyptis9552]

I think it will be a great idea if you could get fish bites on the Australian fishing market they are certainly very effective by the looks of it

[@StarloGetsReel]

Agreed.

[@mickanderson3593]

Bought some after I saw your vid using it on carp, got my first Murray Cod on a piece last weekend

[@StarloGetsReel]

That is awesome!

[@mickanderson3593]

@@StarloGetsReel also had live scrub worms fished a few meters away, no bites on the worms.

[@keithprinn720]

best tigers for me used to be out of bermi usually two at a time much bigger and fill a box quickly as i recall. great eating and fun three anglers two at a time, remember getting spiked constantly. surprised no gurnard actually. what is that outfit looks nice.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Yes, those were the days. Trawlers have sadly taken a toll. Love that outfit: Shimano Talica 10 on a little Anarchy jig rod. I've had it quite a while.

[@brettverrender3167]

If you can get some Starlo I'm in. Love to give it a go off the beach.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

There's a great reason why Roger Osborne uses fresh beach worms on the beach.

[@brettverrender3167]

I see the Fish Bites come in bloodworm flavour. Might even convert Roger.

[@richardhatherly7987]

Look up bama beach bum, he uses fish bites of the beach

[@brettverrender3167]

Thanks. He seems to be a fan. They look like good tough baits. Ideal for the beach.

[@iandibley8032]

G'day, Starlo,that was quite amazing .It would be interesting to try fresh squid and see if the results were the same.....just shows old dogs can learn new tricks. 😅

[@StarloGetsReel]

True! Woof! ;)

[@666Havers]

Flatty paradise that spot. cant believe theyre smashing that synthetic stuff over real pilly. please do a snapper sesh. regards

[@StarloGetsReel]

Will do. 👍

[@AB_productions]

I’d be keen on some if you can get it into Australia.

[@StarloGetsReel]

I hope it comes in, If not, it's just been brought to my attention by a viewer that you CAN order it direct from Amazon Australia! (Not cheap, although with it being so durable, probably not bad value.) Here's my link to it on there: amzn.to/3JWJTQo

[@AB_productions]

@@StarloGetsReel Thanks. Funny you say that, I was look on there when watching your video.

[@peter18610]

Excellent session, Good to see what other varieties it could attract like whiting and bream etc

[@StarloGetsReel]

More to come!

[@dannysmith5954]

Went to beach fishing with shrimp fishbites over the weekend, caught 5 salmon and nothing else. Just wonder what other fish it attracts.

[@donnanaughton756]

I would absolutely love to give fishbites ago. Let us know if you decide to get some here in Oz

[@StarloGetsReel]

I hope it comes in,, one way or another. If not, it's just been brought to my attention by a viewer that you CAN order it direct from Amazon Australia! (Not cheap, although with it being so durable, probably not bad value.) Here's my link to it on there: amzn.to/3JWJTQo

[@donnanaughton756]

@@StarloGetsReel your right, it’s not cheap 🤣🤣

[@fishbitesbrettburford5600]

We're working on it

[@roberre164]

I'd be keen to give the fish bites a go.

[@StarloGetsReel]

I hope they bring it out, but if you can't wait for this stuff to arrive in Australia, you CAN order it from Amazon Australia. Here's my affiliate link: amzn.to/3JWJTQo

[@roberre164]

@@StarloGetsReel I went to that link Starlo but it only has the shrimp option, no squid. Is it all pretty much of a muchness?

[@kman4310]

Definately interested in trying out these fish bites up here in Sydney. If you get some sent over I'm keen to give them a crack. Cheers.

[@StarloGetsReel]

I'm working on it!

[@davidgc4396]

Interesting Starlo. Could probably make them on a 3D printer if I knew how 😊

[@StarloGetsReel]

That would be cool! Not sure that material would work in a printer though.

[@davidgc4396]

@@StarloGetsReel ok thanks Starlo. I bet the flathead were nice. I was hoping you would put that live bait on.

[@fishbitesbrettburford5600]

Lol you could make the shape but the scent technology can't be matched. 30 years went into making these synthetic scents.

[@AnzacFishing]

When will it be available in Australia, its durability is a big asset

[@StarloGetsReel]

I'm not sure...

[@hulkgqnissanpatrol6121]

You can catch flathead on elmost ANYTHING *RED*. Dad wore red socks so he always had bait when it ran out, same for brim

[@StarloGetsReel]

Yep. Only problem is there is no "red" in the visible light spectrum at a depth of 50 metres...

[@raynewman4904]

Well your experiment pretty much sorted it out they're a real winner. If they have a good shelf life I think your onto something. Thanks mate.

[@StarloGetsReel]

I agree!

[@davidmenzies9270]

fascinating, wonder if colour also plays a part. Have you every tried wide gap hooks while drifting? we found they provided higher hook up rates

[@StarloGetsReel]

Yes to both. I tend to agree.

[@robdoyle2063]

I'm keen for some bro thanks for the video

[@dhfactory]

Those flathead will take anything. I just use a small plastic or a squid strip. Get them non stop.

[@StarloGetsReel]

True enough at times.

[@leonclose7823]

How do the undersized flatties go with barotrauma on release? I'd be interested to see how that bait goes off the beach. If it beats beachworms I'll be seriously impressed.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Flatties don't seem to get barotrauma - I'm guessing they have no swim bladder, being a bottom dweller? Always seem to swim away strongly. And yes, if Fishbites beat beachworms I'd be VERY impressed! Not sure about that one... I'll give it a try, though.

[@leonclose7823]

@@StarloGetsReel Good to know. Yet another plus for them as a target for the table then.

[@diggerrob6356]

The significant thing here was that it was catching Flatties on the top hook! They mostly bite on the bottom.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Agreed.

[@craigwheaton2506]

Great stuff

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks!

[@WayneBraund]

I'd love to give it a crack on the sunny coast of we could get some

[@deye2233]

G'day starlo I would be very keen to try them . I wonder what price they would run here in aus they are $6us . They would be just the thing to leave in the boat . Cheers

[@StarloGetsReel]

For sure. They'd be a fair bit more than that with the exchange rate, freight, duties and GST... I'd imagine closer to $20 a pack?

[@dangstereo]

Steve, do you wear a flotation device when out in the open water? Your a national treasure mate. please be safe. I lost my uncle (Garry Chapman) to an boating/fishing accident along time ago so i'm mindful of this sort of stuff. Love your content mate.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Spot on! Yes, I do, and I had one on that morning, but took it off to put the GoPro chest mount on and forgot to re-fit it until it was time to head home! My bad...

[@johnclisby8451]

Where can you buy them would be great to see how they work beach fishing starlo

[@StarloGetsReel]

Coming soon, I hope! For now you'd need to order from the US...

[@scottyh007]

Just bought some off Amazon.. game changer? Lets see 🎣

[@richardhatherly7987]

Im in for a couple of packs

[@MrSpork13]

Have you tried it on KGW? Seems to work well on flathead - but you can catch them on a bit of white plastic bag.

[@StarloGetsReel]

I wish I'd had some when we were chasing KGW in Tassie this year. I'm SURE it would work... Next time...

[@MrSpork13]

@@StarloGetsReel I might have to get a pack to try. The big KGW should be moving back into the estuaries about now.

[@barrytribe2097]

Looks great it works

[@StarloGetsReel]

Yes it does!

[@brettschurgott3808]

Interesting bait Steve,would like to try fish bites on our dhues over here in wa. If you get some ill be interested mate. Thank you kindly.

[@StarloGetsReel]

No worries.

[@ngocpham8129]

NICE FISHING 🎣

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks 👍

[@abmun99]

what reel are you using - looks like a good one for flats and Snaps??

[@StarloGetsReel]

Shimano Talica 10. I love it!

[@balandaplaya2393]

I reckon if you trimmed it up with scissors you could shape it like a minnow or small squid and rig it on a jig head.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Spot on.

[@chadsugden411]

What lb leader are you using there? It looks quite thick!

[@StarloGetsReel]

30 pound leader with 40 pound droppers. Don't need a lot of finesse in that fishery and the stiffness of short 40 pound droppers helps prevent them constantlu wrapping around the leader on the drop.

[@LunaRendezvous]

Yeah I would buy fishbites if it were available here, what is the shelflife?

[@StarloGetsReel]

Indefinite, apparently, if kept our direct sun and excessive heat.

[@fishbitesbrettburford5600]

The scent technology is 100% synthetic. The scent will be with the bait forever. You can store them in your refrigerator for years and they'll work just the same.

[@rmbloomy]

How come when you use an egg beater reel you use it left handed but on overhead you use a right-hand reel?

[@StarloGetsReel]

Yep, I use my spin, fly and centrepin reels left-handed and my baitcaster and overhead reels right handed. For me it is a lot about the casting styles (not to mention limited availability of left-hand overheads!). I explain it in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3O0p3ydibxqlas But you should do what works for you.

[@Swwa89]

My favourite bait is chicken. Sounds odd i know but it out fishes everything else for me

[@StarloGetsReel]

Yep, chicken catches plenty of fish for sure.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

I think that if the competition was squid the results would be similar. The Flatties are attracted to the white colour.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Could be, although the peeled prawn was very close to white...

[@redtobertshateshandles]

@@StarloGetsReel but with not as good presentation as a long wavy Fishbite.

[@jasonhollier2962]

Hey Starlo seems like a great product but went to order and its over $8 bucks for delivery for 1 pack .Probably not your doing but wow.

[@StarloGetsReel]

You can thank Australia Post for that, I think! However, I believe the shipping stays the same for at least a few packs? Tom tells me most customers are buying three or four packs at a time, so I guess it works out much better that way.

[@jasonhollier2962]

Thanks Steve .I just wanted to try one to make sure they work for myself before ordering more and yes i know the video shows that .I may have to suck it up i guess as very much like the idea of clean bait.I want to try it on my bait jigs actually so dont have to keep rebaiting when getting livies.Thanks for replying.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Yep, I just checked with Tom at starlofishing.com and it's a flat $8.95 now for packaging and postage... whether it's one packet or 20. The standard parcel postage rate at the moment is actually $11, but Tom gets a small discount for bulk mailings and largely absorbs the packaging costs himself. Australia Post certainly don't do Australian small businesses many favours, unfortunately. :(

[@officialWWM]

Where can I get this stuff? I can’t find it anywhere.

[@StarloGetsReel]

@@officialWWM www.starlotackle.com

[@officialWWM]

@@StarloGetsReel well, I would order from you but your website says everything is out of stock 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@grantthomas1818]

IMO...it's the colour that's helping the artificial...

[@StarloGetsReel]

Could be... although there's not much visible colour ay 50 metres... just shades of grey and blue. But I reckon the contrast helps.

[@fishbitesbrettburford5600]

Colour can be helpful depending on the water clarity but with our products the specific scents really do make a difference.

[@martyalcorn8990]

I just ordered a pack from Amazon $26.72 ex septic land

[@StarloGetsReel]

Ouch! Still, they last a long time.

[@kenrobertson7414]

I noticed your reel was right handed....any reason?

[@StarloGetsReel]

I use my spin, fly and centrepin reels left-handed and my baitcaster and overhead reels right handed. For me it is a lot about the casting styles (not to mention limited availability of left-hand overheads!). I explain it in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3O0p3ydibxqlas But you should do what works for you.

[@Tacticalandk_9]

I do remember Gary and his moustache fishing lord howe island LBG fishing with sean Fitzgerald. kingies and bronze whaler's. Still love your work Starlo👍.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks mate! Gary is still going strong and catching plenty of fish.

[@frankcarew239]

Can get it sent over from New Zealand

[@StarloGetsReel]

True.

[@tommygatlin949]

I use them on the beach surf fishing everything in the ocean will eat them.Also the length of pieces he was using would be cut up at least 4 times to give me a lot more bait.You don't need a long piece like that 😉

[@StarloGetsReel]

I agree. I'd use less next time, for sure. I'm still learning. ;)

[@nobodyhome8148]

This should be interesting ;-)

[@StarloGetsReel]

It surprised me... a lot!

[@bobmulder4064]

Well at the prices from $28 a packet to $80 a packet it would want to be real good

[@StarloGetsReel]

$80 a packet?! Not sure where you're shopping, but I'd change locations!

[@w0lfm4n43]

Would it be a fairer comparison using real squid and squid scented fish bites? I'm sure you are well aware that fish might like this one day, next day they dont touch it lol

[@StarloGetsReel]

For sure. Like I said at the end, far from concliusive, but an interesting test all the same.

[@MrRobertjusher]

Still using these ?

[@StarloGetsReel]

You bet! Still getting good results too, although they are better in some situations than others. However, on the offshore flathead grounds they seem to out-fish everything else by a factor of between three and six to one! Amazing...

[@MrRobertjusher]

@ thanks. I’m going to give them a try this week coming on the local flats I normally use soft plastics on flatties.

[@nobodyhome8148]

Do you think it would be effective in estuaries for the usual suspects ? Looks like a Great bait for smaller circle hooks.

[@StarloGetsReel]

That'll be my next test, I reckon. And yes, the Americans often use it on a small circle hook.