Boilie a boilie is a hair rig (the bait is not attached directly to the hook) which allows the boilie to sit off the back of the hook. This not only means that the bait will behave more naturally in the water (for example when disturbed by feeding fish) it also will often make the difference between a good hook hold and a bad one. Due to the nature in which a carp feeds the bait is blown out of the mouth soon after it has been picked up and the fact that the bait can move independently from the hook
Fish or cut bait have to go to work when they find that it is imperative that they either cut bait or fish" and from "School and Home", 1895, "The Eskimo is industrious, because nature compels him to 'fish, cut bait, or get out of the boat.'" These usages exemplify the "do something useful" interpretation of the phrase. Another interpretation is that it means you have to make a decision. You either have a fish, or you cut it up into bait to catch more fish. This means to make a decision. Take what you have (a fish) or lose it and decide to