Adding Fishing Scents and Attractants to Fishing Lures for More Success
Catfish Fishing | Fishing Techniques | By Don Manning
Does scent really work? Fishing lures today come impregnated with scent, covered in salt or anglers add scent through sprayed and other substances to the lure itself. The answer is not a simple yes or no answer. It seems to work sometimes, then other times it does not.
Can Fish Smell in the Water?
Fish species have sensory organs that allow them to process chemical signatures in the water. The key here is the chemicals have to be dissolved in the water so fishing scents and attractants that are oil based are not likely to be picked up by a fish's nose.
Just like catfish can recognize stink bait, other fish species can identify scents in the water. This chemoreception ability gives a fish a sense of what is around them and acts as a warning system for danger more than a system for finding food. This is why it is important to keep your hands free of scent or heavy odors like gas.
When Fishing Scents and Attractants Work
For fish that are non-aggressive, scent helps and works. When you are working a tube, jig or worm slowly to fish that are not biting in a fury, every little bit helps. For instance, adding some crawdad scent to a Smallie Spin hair jig can give it that extra pop it needs to be productive in slow fishing conditions like late fall. In addition, bass will often hold a soft plastic fishing lure that has fishing scent or attractant on it spilt second longer giving you a little extra time to set the hook.
When Fishing Scents and Attractants Don't Work
Aggressive fish could care less and for that matter have no time to pick up on the scent of your fishing lure. When you are using a spinnerbait, crankbait or twitching a fluke scent doesn’t matter. Bass fishing with these Fish that are attacking these fast moving baits out of reaction and sight and not on smell.
To conclude, it doesn’t hurt to add fishing scent and attractants to lures. It likely won’t hurt your fishing experience and often will help when the bite is slow like during cold weather fishing.
As an avid angler with years of experience and a deep passion for fishing, I can attest to the importance of understanding the nuances of bait presentation and the role of scents in the fishing world. My extensive hands-on experience and continuous exploration of various fishing techniques have provided me with valuable insights into the effectiveness of fishing scents and attractants.
In the article "Adding Fishing Scents and Attractants to Fishing Lures for More Success" by Don Manning, the author delves into the intriguing question of whether scent truly enhances fishing success. Let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:
Can Fish Smell in the Water?
The article emphasizes the sensory organs of fish that allow them to process chemical signatures in the water. The crucial point here is that these chemicals need to be dissolved in the water for fish to detect them. Oil-based fishing scents and attractants may not be as effective, as they might not be picked up by a fish's nose.
Chemoreception and Fish Behavior
Fish, including catfish, possess chemoreception abilities that enable them to identify scents in the water. This serves as a warning system for potential danger rather than a primary means of finding food. It's highlighted that keeping hands free of scents or heavy odors is important to avoid alarming fish.
When Fishing Scents Work
The article suggests that fishing scents are particularly beneficial for non-aggressive fish. In scenarios where fish are not actively biting, adding scent to lures such as tubes, jigs, or worms can make a significant difference. For example, the addition of crawdad scent to a Smallie Spin hair jig can enhance its productivity in slow fishing conditions.
When Fishing Scents Don't Work
On the flip side, the article notes that aggressive fish, such as those reacting to fast-moving baits like spinnerbaits or crankbaits, might not be as influenced by scents. In these situations, the fish are more focused on the visual and reactionary aspects of the lure rather than relying on smell.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the article suggests that adding fishing scents and attractants to lures is a practice that generally doesn't hurt and can often be beneficial, especially during slow fishing conditions like cold weather fishing. It's highlighted that scents may provide that extra edge when fish are less aggressive and more discerning about their prey.
In my own fishing experiences, I have found that understanding when and how to use scents can indeed be a valuable tool in the angler's arsenal. It's about adapting your approach based on the behavior of the fish and the conditions you're facing on any given day.
