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Author Topic: Scent on Freshwater lures - do they make a difference?  (Read 1670 times)

Tylsie

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Scent on Freshwater lures - do they make a difference?
« on: June 15, 2024, 11:36:02 AM »
I was in a shop yesterday and saw they were clearing out some scented gels and I got to thinking; I have never scene anyone use them in freshwater. Everyone I know  that fishes the salt (if not using bait) adds scent to there lures. Same as every YouTuber I follow. But I don't know anyone, or have ever seen anyone, who adds scents to lures in freshwater. 

Why is that? Does scent not matter as much in freshwater? Does anyone have any expeience? Since they were on cleaeance I bought two; night crawler and garlic.  I will try them this summer and see if I can detect a difference between scented and unscented among the trout but was curious about others opinions.
 
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Roderick

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Re: Scent on Freshwater lures - do they make a difference?
« Reply #1 on: June 15, 2024, 03:38:45 PM »
I like to put a small piece of worm on the hook when lure fishing for trout.  I think the scent trail makes a difference.   
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You shoulda been here yesterday.

jim

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Re: Scent on Freshwater lures - do they make a difference?
« Reply #2 on: June 16, 2024, 05:42:11 AM »
Interesting discussion to be had here. Hard to do scientific tests as an angler, as fishing times and conditions change constantly.
 I see some veteran anglers recommend using for migratory salmon and steelhead. The famous gooey bob was scented decades ago, with anise scent. Kokanee are said to like scent.
 I have been trying some oil with anise scent added, by adding it to the wool on my rigs. I think it might help. It does get dirty, as oil and grease attract dirt. This is all river fishing, except the Kokanee.
 I have seen anglers use fresh roe for Coho, totally uncured, and it gets a lot of bites! If you watch shows like Fishing Canada, they say it wakes fish up, gets them in a biting mood, and carry on from there.
 I have ProCure pure anise in a glass bottle which I add to some old herring oil, Steelhead formula (anise scent), garlic, shrimp and Sand shrimp.
So I have to try using one or the other, just for curiosity sake, you know how it is...
 
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psd1179

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Re: Scent on Freshwater lures - do they make a difference?
« Reply #3 on: June 16, 2024, 10:51:42 PM »
When I first start fishing for salmon, I was told to use yarn ball. With little success, I decided to add scent. From anise oil to all kinds of gel. None of them made difference.

I also used anise oil on spoons. the catching rate is just as low as the regular spoon.

I would say there might be a marginal help in some circumstances, but the scent won't turn the artificial bait into a piece of roe.
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