Abstract: A cohesive mass is prepared from substantially dry fish food mixture, containing at least fish meal, pulverized freeze dried fish eggs, and water. The resulting fish bait composition is further modified by adding a water activated natural plant binder such as a vegetable gum, a starch, a dextrin or other like material. The pulverized fish eggs are water activated to contribute natural animal binding materials. The resulting mass has sufficient cohesiveness to be retained on the hook during casting or throwing movement of the hook and during water entry of the baited hook. The fish bait composition thereafter undergoes controlled dispersion in the water to attract the fish.