PVA and salt question...

Good question Ralph.
A sodium chloride solution disrupts the hydrogen bonding of water molecules and retards dissolving of poly vinyl alcohol. In simple terms; the salt and salty particles coat the inside of the PVA bag and allows the angler more time to reach bottom before the bag melts.
Salt content will vary (one teaspoon is more than enough to reach a 30ft bottom in summer) and is dependent on temperature, PVA thickness, permeability of the bag, water saturation of bait and depth. You can also increase the breakdown time significantly by coating both the outside and inside of the bag with salt solution if you wish, though not necessary in my opinion.

*dry salt becomes a solution from the moisture present in the bait

One teaspoonful is ample to prevent the bag melting, but this is considered too much (a repellent) when the same amount would suffice for adding to 1Kg of bait used as an attractor for example.

Saltwater (sea water) will also affect PVA and retard breakdown times, its pretty much useless in the dead sea!

Some people reckon that adding salt is bad for the environment.

Ralph, some bait distributors market tins of particles that are " PVA friendly.
Salt ...I reckon.
Also recently sea salt has been marketed as a carp attractor. Sold in polo mint shapes to attach to end tackle I believe.

Some people will buy anything with a carp label on it.

I just use dry groundbait pal , drain your corn or whatever your putting in a bag mix it in dry groundbait and bag it , works a treat I also dump my end tackle in dry groundbait just to dry it off so it doesn't melt the pva before I get a chance to cast it out .

lee_j said:

I also dump my end tackle in dry groundbait just to dry it off

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Blimey

thecrow said:

Blimey

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You naughty boy, but I like you

john step said:

Ralph, some bait distributors market tins of particles that are " PVA friendly.
Salt ...I reckon.
Also recently sea salt has been marketed as a carp attractor. Sold in polo mint shapes to attach to end tackle I believe.

Some people will buy anything with a carp label on it.

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I heard the salt rings have since been discontinued John, something to do with causing havoc with the machines? I find that particular reason a little curious as all is needed is a rubber mould to form a shape.

But your right, some do buy into anything. There was this time when a very 'famous' celeb angler (ex salesman) I know repeatedly sold out of bottled 'magic wonder liqueur' over the weekend at a trade show... all it was was a 500ml bottle of coloured saline with a name on!

john step said:

You naughty boy, but I like you

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It's a very large bag

lee_j said:

It's a very large bag

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Yes lee, but doesn't it make you sore?:wh

I can handle that John, it's explaining the fish meal stains to the missus I'm struggling with mate , I was thinking of starting a thread regarding this problem