Do they like it hard or soft?

[sagalout]

I keep reading about fish preferring hard or soft bait but I don't understand how theyknow the difference until they have taken it in and hopefully moved the bite indicator.

What are your thoughts? Which is best?

[barbelboi]

Sagalout, would this be relating to any particular species or fish in general - also the same question in respect of bait?
Jerry

[sagalout]

Any port in a storm, Jerry, as for the bait, it is a general question aimed at all species because I don't understand how they can tell without feeling it (the bait ) and they must feel with their mouths (quiet at the back )

[barbelboi]

For what it's worth, Sagalout, I'm of the opinion that even though most coarse fish have pharyngeal teeth soft baits provide some additional features. The soft texture may be mouthed by fish (how many times will fish mouth bait without any indication) and will allow for a high leakage of attractants/flavours – also some may be moulded into different sizes and shapes. The hook may be also be buried in a soft bait and struck through which may be a plus against bait wary fish that tend to inspect the bait more carefully. I find that when catching most species 'on the drop' when they're competing against each other it doesn't matter so much what you use - i.e. yesterday, when I took a break from the tench, I was catching roach quite freely on the drop with plastic hemp not only from the area I was feeding but also adjacent areas.
Jerry