An artificial hookbait does not break down and cannot be eaten by small fish, crayfish or birds, so it stays on the rig for the whole session. In this group you will find artificial corn as well as artificial boilies, pellets and maggots. They are fished on their own or combined with a real bait.
Artificial corn is a widely used imitation bait in carp fishing. Buoyant corn balances a bottom bait or turns it into a light pop-up, while sinking corn sits naturally on top of a bed of particles. A bright colour stands out well, even in coloured water.
Artificial boilies, pellets and maggots look like the real thing but last in the water all night. They are useful on waters where crayfish or small fish quickly strip real baits from the rig, and they give you confidence that your hookbait is still there at dawn.
Many carp anglers combine an artificial bait with a real one. A piece of buoyant artificial corn on top of a boilie, for example, balances the bait and makes it more visible.
You can boost the smell of an artificial bait with a glug. Dip the bait in the liquid before casting, so it attracts fish by scent as well as by sight.