Scent

[Nordy]

So I have not done or thought about scent until just now so I thought I would ask.  Should I add scent to some of the ring worms I pour.  I walleye fish on the river.  What flavor do people use or like?

[Walking Dead]

I have not seen where there is an advantage or disadvantage myself.  I think it is a preference.   I have some club members who swear by scent, to include WD 40, other go 'naked'. 

I pour plastics and give many away, some want anise, others want garlic, while some swear by coffee grounds.  I think you have to make that call through trial an error.

[Nordy]

Arg,
I want stuff to work no errors
Jk I understand.  Thanks for the help.

[BareKnuckleJigs]

I was untrained for most of my life.  Until I got beat, repeatedly, by my podna, using scented baits.  And since then, I've seen a lot of things that have convinced me that scent makes a major difference.  Not 100% of the time because there are times when fish hit just about anything, but as of the last few years, I am a firm believer of scented plastics.

[BareKnuckleJigs]

I know I can catch fish without scent, especially in Inland Salt, but I also know that in Fresh and Salt, fish favor it.  I use longer baits than I used to, fishing Specks and Flounder, and I don't get near as many short-strikes these days.  Most of the fish I've caught on my scented baits have the entire bait in their mouth.  Seems they hit it with less reserve.

[ctom]

I'm of the yes and no group. I do think at times scent makes a difference while at other times it doesn't matter. But on the yes side, I am more inclined to feel that the Gulp, PowerBait and Trigger-x products do a better job than a simple cover scent. I'll add some of my plastics to a shad colored power bait package and let them stew for a few days and that really can make a difference. I carry the Gulp spray or a bottle of Gulp juice to coat baits with while crappie fishing and that has saved the day for me on more than one occasion.

While we are discussing scent, Tommy Skarlis let onto a handy tid-bit at a seminar I attended. It was his contention that Gulp products are the crappie baits to use while walleye/sauger seem to lean towards the Power Bait products. I've seen this first hand over the years and agree with him 100%. The Trigger-X product seems to attract them all at times, but I have noticed that when the fish are not hitting a scented product, the trigger-X is the first they will ignore. I think Berkley really has the amino acid/pheromone scenting wrapped up nicely and I will use either or as the situation calls for if a scented bait is needed.

One other common scent that works great at times is cod-liver-oil, or that oil that fills those fish-oil capsules sold in health food stores. The plain old oil sold at any pharmacy is cheapest and easiest to use. I have a visine bottle that's been rinsed out and filled with this oil and used as a scent while crappie fishing. I've had that same small bottle for about twelve years now and its in the pail at all times. When it needs refilling I give it a shot and then it goes right back to the pail. The pharmacy bottle of 4 ounces I think cost $4.99. Cheap, effective.

I carry baits that have been treated in the package with anise and the cherry bomb and use them as often as not, but then too I use those that have gotten a shot of the fish oil or the Gulp spray or have been sitting along side some powerbait baits until I find a winner, then I will stick with whatever it is. You really need to keep an open mind when it comes to scent because there are times it will do more harm than good and being stuck on it might cost you a lot of fish.

[Nordy]

Thanks everyone.  It sounds like if it doesn't work without then try it with scent.  LOL 
I am going to get some and try it.  Thanks again.

[ctom]

Just be certain that if you are going to cook this scent into the plastic it is an oil-based product or you will not enjoy the outcome.

[Nordy]

Wow never thought of that but I was thinking to just keep the plastic scent free during the cooking stages and sent to "taste" afterwards.

[ctom]

There you go. Most people prefer this method. And you won't have to de-scent the wife's domicile after experimenting with how much to add when cooking it in.

[Tom Ratcliff]

Tricky question - maybe - BUT Bass like any other fish predator can and do react to scent.  Berkley claims to have done a huge study years back and determined it made a difference. Still I don't know definitively if it makes a difference but I will use ProScent (Gel) on my plastics thinking they may hold on longer.  I even put Hawq/Craw scent in my plastic when I pour. Don't have a clue if it makes a difference.

This is what I do know ... (at least been told by someone who should know) - my  biologist friend told me 90% of the bass are usually in 10% of a lake when it is time to feed.....so, it is more important to fish WHERE the fish are.