Homemade Fish Scents for Plastics

Although mentioning artificial scents are a touchy subject in the angling world, good scents undoubtedly increase your odds for hooking a big one. Instead of trying to select a commercial scent from the hundreds of available choices, you can make your own scent and tailor it to suit your target species. Most good scents rely on two primary ingredients: fish byproducts and a fat.

Step 1

Measure out four tablespoons of petroleum jelly with the measuring spoon, and put each spoonful in the mixing bowl.

Step 2

Measure out two tablespoons of fish oil with the measuring spoon, and then add the oil to the mixing bowl.

Step 3

Add the packet of unsweetened drink mix to the bowl to give your attractant some color. Green, red and orange are often the most effective colors.

Step 4

Mix all three ingredients with the mixing spoon. Keep stirring until the achieving a uniform mixture.

Step 5

Scoop the mixture into the condiment container with the mixing spoon.

Step 6

Invert the condiment container and squirt a little of the liquid onto your plastic lure. Work the fluid around the lure with your hands to ensure total coverage. Re-apply the scent every few casts to keep your lure smelling fishy.

References

• World Fishing Network: Homey Makes Fish Getter Scents
• The Fishing Posse: Raising A Stink With Homemade Bait Scent/Attractant

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Tips

If you do not have access to fish oil, you can use crayfish oil or the liquid from a tin of oil-packed fish, such as sardines.

You can experiment with different types of fats. Some anglers prefer glycerin to petroleum jelly, but you could also try vegetable oil or lard. Research has shown that fish are attracted to the scent of milk, so consider experimenting with butter.

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