Using scents while fishing is debatable among anglers. In some cases, they are beneficial, while in other times is unknown the benefit. It is known that fish can smell, some do better than others. As an angler, you have to decide if using a scent is helpful.
What science knows is fish have the sensory organ to smell. A shark can smell blood miles away. Catfish and carp have an exceptional ability to smell food. The sports fish such as bass, walleye, and panfish have the same ability. The issue is science has not figured out the benefit in many instances.
Everyone who fishes has met or knows someone that swears by the use of scents. They likely had a good day fishing using a concoction that smelled The person overlooked the other aspects of increasing the catch rate. Yet, there is evidence a scent does improve the odds. Will the scent turn you into a master angler, it is very unlikely.
Types of Scents for Fishing
There is a large number of scents available to people fishing. Some work well and others are a waste of money. What makes a good scent compared to a bad one? It is the ability of the scent to dissolve into the water. The oil-based scent does not dissolve in water.
When a scent dissolves the fish gets a very good whiff. They hone in on the smell and can locate the bait easier. In addition, fish tend to hold onto a lure a little longer with these types of scents. The soft plastics industry has this figured out. They use salts to add scent and taste to the plastic compounds.
Another area of fishing where scents have positive results is for catfish and carp. These fish have a tendency to scavenge with a few exceptions. They locate food through a sense of smell. These anglers use common kitchen items for adding a scent. The following list has a few of the popular scents for catfish and carp. A few work with other fish also. Anise, molasses, and coffee will help with bass.
- Vanilla extract
- Anise oil
- Molasses
- Jello
- Kool-Aid
- Sardines
- Coffee
- Garlic
- Commercial scents sold at retailers
Anise is an oil compound but does work since it does dissolve in water. The other kitchen items fill the non-oil types of flavor or scent. If buying a scent made commercially, check to see if it is an oil or non-oil type of scent. People will make bait using one or more of these scents with other food items
When to Use a Scent
You probably realize a scent is common for catfish and carp. Where the confusion is found is with bass, walleye, and other sporting fish. In regards to soft plastics, it is easy. Buy soft plastics with a scent already added. These lures have salts and other compounds infused into the lure. The scent will last longer and help a fish hold the bait longer sometimes.
Using other lures is when you add the scent to the lure. As previously mentioned, use a scent without oil. The better scents are water or alcohol-based to dissolve in the water. It only takes a small amount, more is not better. Using too much scent will seem unnatural to a fish.
The debate lies in whether to use a scent or not for bass, walleye, and sport fish in general. The simple answer is to use a scent if you want to use one. Testing shows it does not keep a fish from hitting. It will help in some instances but is not always necessary.
What scents to Use While fishing
Popular choices in scents include Fish Sticks, Berkley Powerbait, and Berkley Gulp for game fish. Catfish and carp have numerous well-performing solutions to add scent to a bait. Finding which is best depends on where you fish and what species. Try a few to see what works best for you.
Conclusions
Using scent while fishing is debatable with some people. Science has shown fish can smell. Catfish and carp anglers use scents all the time. Bass anglers catch a lot of fish without using scent. Yet, it does not hurt and may improve your catch rate.