Bass Attractant

[Bazoo]

I'll preface this by saying, I'm looking for an edge for a heavily pressured public lake I frequent. BUT, I also am looking for an edge in not so pressured waters (ain't we all?).

 

I don't use anything for attractant. I know for reaction baits it probably wouldn't add anything. Correct me if I'm wrong please.

 

But what about jigs and soft plastics? Is it worth having in my arsenal? If so, what does everyone like?

 

I tried Berkley Powerbait Attractant https://www.berkley-fishing.com/powerbait-attractant-1285474https://www.berkley-fishing.com/powerbait-attractant-1285474 when I was younger and I don't recall it making any difference. I probably didn't use it enough to give it a fair shake though.

 

Thanks for reading.

 

 

[AlabamaSpothunter]

I can't offer anything in regard to "attractant" although Berkeley just held a huge event recently where they showcased science about Bass, some interesting stuff.    They can smell vastly better than dogs, let alone humans.

 

I can say that "masking" agents are extremely beneficial, and I use them heavily.    To me I just want to make sure the fish doesn't get a negative taste/cue/smell by something on my hands like sunscreen, tobacco, gas, who knows.     

 

My mentor was a smoker, and bottom contact  guy 99% of the time, he preached the masking aspect to your question.    

[RRocket]

I quite like Bait Fuel.

 

Would highly recommend if for no other reason than scent masking/improving as noted above. As to whether it works as an "attractant", I'll leave that to others.

 

 

 

 

[rgasr63]

There are many attractants out there Mega strike is one of them. Pro cure is recommended for zman baits and it seems to work ok. Liquid mayhem is another. Or you can purchase your baits already preloaded with some type of attractant. Sometimes it really makes a difference. And then sometimes you can't tell any different. There is also attractant in the bait dyes. JJ'S magic is one of them. And it comes in a clear form also just for the attractant. For me personally the mega strike and the JJ's Magic work ok. You will find one that you will like by trial and error.

[T-Billy]

Mega Strike fan here. I can't say it's ever got me more bites, but I don't think it's ever cost me any, and fish definitely hold the bait longer with a good attractant. Kick'n Bass is also very good but kinda messy.

[KP Duty]

I'll be giving the Gulp Alive! spray a try this year.  May even put a few baits in a ziplock bag to marinate.  I've used Bang aerosol in the past and liked it.

[Susky River Rat]

I use the berkley power bait stuff on anytbjng not scented. I am good  as I should be about putting it on. 
 

I can say I have had days where I didn’t put it on wasn’t catching anything and then rub some on it and start catching. I’ve also had knock out days without using anything. 
 

if this place is as pressured as you say I’m sure everything and the kitchen sink gets thrown at them. Stick to your guns but, you won’t find any magic answer to catching more fish.

[Pat Brown]

The biggest bass I ever caught was on a power worm.  Was it the power bait!?!? Who's to say.

 

I think the pros who 'marinate' their soft plastics probably stand the most chance of seeing results.  I doubt a quick spray is gonna mask much for long.

[Mike L]

I don’t believe the hype that anything is a true “fish attractent” that will bring a fish directly to your lure solely because of it. 
 

What they will do is mask a foreign smell as was posted, and (maybe) taste like a fish’s prey which in turn will cause a fish to hold onto it longer for you to do your thing…

That I do believe. 
 

At an Elite event that I Marshalled for, there was discussion among us about the products.
After that I made my own…

1 part anise oil and 2 parts baby oil. 

Been using it ever since. 
 

 

 

 

 

Mike

[DaubsNU1]

Really got in to attractants in the 1990's. Fishing buddy read some research comparing sense of smell....

• Human's can smell drop of vinegar in two litre bottle of water...
• Hunting dog can smell drop in a 55 gallon drum...
• LM Bass can smell drop of vinegar in an olympic sized swimming pool(!)

I don't remember the study, or the researcher...but that story has stuck with me for 30+ years. 

 

Another quote from back in the day: "All things equal, women will out-fish men...make-up contains fish oils...women get makeup residue on their hands...touch lures / lines...attract fish." 

 

True? I dunno. There were times when the former Mrs. Daubs would out-fish the men. 

 

I haven't used attractants in years. Maybe it is time to try again. Heck, anything to help me boat more fish!

[BayouSlide]

I have always drip some Gulp in crawfish scent on my plastics. Does it help? Doesn't hurt. 😉

[A-Jay]

I use Megastrike original and have been for a long time.

On everything.

Certain every fish posted on this forum ate something that was

most if not completely slathered up in Megastrike.

btw - when it's hot out, store it in the cooler.

You can thank me later.

A-Jay

https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/search/?&q=Megastrike&quick=1&author=A-Jay&search_and_or=and&sortby=relevancy

[Catt]

I use "worm juice" for two purposes first as a lubricant because I fish in grass a lot and the "worm juice" helps my plastic baits slide through easier. I use Fish Formula II or Baitmate (clear) with a ½ oz of 100% pure anise oil added; this is to mast any odor my plastic may have picked up.

 

The only place y'all find 100% pure anise oil is at your local pharmacy, the rest will be 40-70% max

[A-Jay]

 

You Can't Handle the Truth ( Modified)

 

Son we live in a world that has Bass, and those Bass must be fished for. Who's gonna do it? You, LT Panfish ? I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You weep for the death of the zebra mussel, and you curse the Bassmaster. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know -- that being covered in Megastrike, though tragic, catches bass; and my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you Trout Bums, catches bass.
 

You don't want the truth because deep down in places you don't talk about at the Fly Shop, you want me in that Pro-V Bass -- you need me in that Pro-V Bass ! 

 

We use words like Points, Cuts and Flats - We use these words as a backbone of a life spent Catching Bass. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who hides behind the boat ramp and ridicules me for flipping the slop.  I would rather that you just said "Thank You" and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you spool up some braid, load up a long rod and put a frog in the pads. Either way, I don't give a d**n what you think you're entitled to !

 

Did you order the Red Eye Shad ?
Did you order the Red Eye Shad ?
You bet you're Arse I did !
I was doing my job and I'd do it again !
I'm going back to my Lund !

All in fun of course

A-Jay

 

[Mike L]

7 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

 

You Can't Handle the Truth ( Modified)

 

Son we live in a world that has Bass, and those Bass must be fished for. Who's gonna do it? You, LT Panfish ? I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You weep for the death of the zebra mussel, and you curse the Bassmaster. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know -- that being covered in Megastrike, though tragic, catches bass; and my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you Trout Bums, catches bass.
 

You don't want the truth because deep down in places you don't talk about at the Fly Shop, you want me in that Pro-V Bass -- you need me in that Pro-V Bass ! 

 

We use words like Points, Cuts and Flats - We use these words as a backbone of a life spent Catching Bass. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who hides behind the boat ramp and ridicules me for flipping the slop.  I would rather that you just said "Thank You" and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you spool up some braid, load up a long rod and put a frog in the pads. Either way, I don't give a d**n what you think you're entitled to !

 

Did you order the Red Eye Shad ?
Did you order the Red Eye Shad ?
You bet you're Arse I did !
I was doing my job and I'd do it again !
I'm going back to my Lund !

All in fun of course

A-Jay

 

HA!!

That wins the “Best Post Award” if we had one!!

 

 

 

 

Mike

[scaleface]

For the past couple of years I run a "garlic" scented chartreuse marker down the entire length of a soft plastic. I cant prove it catches more fish but it seems to. When I ran out last year the fishing became tougher.

[Reel]

I like to make up my own mind and the best way to do it is to experiment under MY conditions.  About 20 years ago, I wanted to make up my mind about scents.  I rigged up two similar rods with same line, same size and color plastic lure (One inch tube).  One rod was used with a scented bait, the other with an unscented bait.  Target was crapppies because they were numerous.  The more fish you have the better the experiment.  Each rod was used for ten minutes, then a change to the other rod.  No mouvement of the boat, just sitting still in front of crappie school.  Did it three times: Spring, Summer, Fall, with two types of scent ( water base and oil base ).  MY results: no difference between oil and water base attractants.  Between 10% and 20% more strikes with attractant, more towards 20% when the water was cold.  No difference in BIGGER fish with attractant.  No experiment is perfect and these results might not apply for your waters or other fish (bass) or new attractants but now I've got a good idea.

[GaryH]

Megastrike and anise oil. Sometime a few drops of anise oil in the bag with the soft plastics.

[greentrout]

Spike It Scented Markers

 

Good Fishing

[Mike L]

1 hour ago, Catt said:

The only place y'all find 100% pure anise oil is at your local pharmacy, the rest will be 40-70% max

Good Point 

Using anything other than 100% anise you are definitely not getting the benefit that you want/expect. Plus you won’t need as much. 
 

Another example of getting what you pay for. 
 

Mike

 

 

 

 

[Mobasser]

I give soft Plastics a shot of Baitmate bass attractant. I like the slick shiny look it gives the baits. I'm not 100 percent sure if it helps much or not. But, like pork baits, it might make a fish hang on a little longer. I plan on trying some Mega strike this season. I've heard good things about it.

[Bankc]

I use garlic scented Bang.  Does it work?  All I can say is that it doesn't not unwork for not catching bass.  

[Team9nine]

Why? But it’s your time, your money, and your mind. Go ahead and appease the monkey if it makes you feel better. I’ll pass…

[A-Jay]

35 minutes ago, Team9nine said:

Why? But it’s your time, your money, and your mind. Go ahead and appease the monkey if it makes you feel better. I’ll pass…

Nobody really likes him.

A-Jay

[roadwarrior]

Megastrike