Surface fishing for carp has produced some of the most exciting captures over the years, and one bait has probably accounted for more fish than any other… the humble dog biscuit.
Years ago, almost every carp angler had a bag of Pedigree Mixers in the boot of the car. They floated well, were cheap, and carp absolutely loved them. Even today, despite specialist floating hookbaits becoming more common, mixers remain one of the best surface baits available.
Pedigree Mixers (The Classic)
If you’ve ever fished off the top, chances are you’ve used these.
They:
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Float well for long periods.
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Fire nicely from a catapult.
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Stay intact long enough for feeding carp to find them.
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Create plenty of noise when they hit the surface, often attracting fish from a distance.
It’s no surprise they’ve remained the benchmark for decades.
Bakers Complete
Another favourite that many anglers use, particularly if they’re introducing lots of loose feed.
The different shapes and sizes can make the spread look more natural, although buoyancy can vary slightly between recipes and batches.
Have dog biscuits changed?
Some definitely have.
Many of the supermarket own-brand mixers and products like Wagg Complete have changed shape and recipe over the years. The old chunky mixers that floated for ages have largely disappeared, replaced by thinner biscuits that soften and sink much more quickly.
That’s why many anglers still stick with Pedigree Mixers—they’ve remained one of the most consistent options.
What about dedicated floater hookbaits?
Modern tackle companies now produce floating hookbaits specifically for surface fishing. They’re tougher, stay afloat for much longer and can withstand repeated casts, but for introducing free offerings it’s still hard to beat a bag of traditional mixers.
What’s your favourite?
Do you still use Pedigree Mixers, have you found another dog biscuit that works just as well, or have you switched over to dedicated floating hookbaits?
It would be interesting to hear what everyone is using in 2026, especially now that so many dog food recipes have changed.