What Are Fishing Attractants, and Why Do They Matter?
Fishing attractants have long been used to give anglers an edge by drawing fish towards their bait. Whether you're fishing for Carp, Coarse, Sea, Predator, or Fly species, attractants can improve your catch rate—if they’re made correctly.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the 10 laws of creating effective fishing attractants. These principles will help you avoid common pitfalls and improve your chances of landing more fish on every trip.
1. Bin the Oil: Why Oil-Based Attractants Don't Work
One of the most common mistakes beginner anglers make is using oil-based attractants. Oil and water simply don’t mix, meaning that oil-based attractants fail to disperse properly in the water. Fish rely on their sense of smell and taste to locate food, and oil-based attractants don’t spread well enough for fish to detect them—except when they bite the bait directly.
Better Solution: Opt for water-based attractants. These disperse more efficiently in water, increasing the chances that fish will detect them from a distance and investigate your bait.
2. Ditch the Fluorescein: It’s Not Helping
Many commercial attractants contain fluorescein agents that create a cool “smoke” effect in the water. While it might look impressive to you, our tests show that this effect actually reduces catch rates by 6%. These agents are typically industrial chemicals, not something that triggers a natural feeding response in fish.
Although some predators may respond to green UV light, there’s little evidence that fluorescence helps overall. If you're curious, a quick search on Google Scholar will show a lack of scientific research to support the use of these agents.
Better Solution: Focus on natural, scent-based attractants that mimic a fish’s real food sources.
3. Avoid Rancid Ingredients: Fresh Is Best
It may seem obvious, but many anglers fall into the trap of using old, rancid ingredients when making attractants. Most fish can detect rotten smells and will avoid anything that seems off, much like we do with spoiled food. There are exceptions—such as catfish, which sometimes feed on rotting substances—but for most species, freshness is key.
Better Solution: Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Consider the feeding habits of your target species and avoid anything that could repel them.
4. Mimic Natural Food Sources
Fish are more likely to bite if your attractant mimics something they already recognize as food. Pike won’t bite on macaroni cheese, and Carp aren’t going to be tempted by chocolate syrup. Instead, focus on scents and flavors that match the fish's natural diet in the body of water where you're fishing.
Don’t forget about artificial feeding patterns. In areas where fish are used to being fed by humans, like stocked lakes, they may respond to slightly different scents, but always start with what they naturally eat.
Better Solution: Research the diet of the species you're targeting and design your attractant around natural food sources.
5. Apply Attractants to the Outside of Your Bait
It may seem obvious, but attractants work best when applied to the outside of your bait. Anything placed inside the bait doesn’t get a chance to spread in the water and will be wasted. Fish need to detect the attractant from a distance, so ensure it can disperse as widely as possible.
Better Solution: Coat your bait thoroughly with attractant, especially when fishing in areas with strong water currents.
6. Consider Water Flow: Keep Your Attractant in Play
Water flow plays a significant role in how quickly attractants disperse. If you're fishing in a fast-moving stream, your attractant will wash off your bait much more quickly than in still water. Fishing against the flow of the water can also strip your bait of its attractant faster, reducing its effectiveness.
Better Solution: Adjust your fishing techniques based on water flow. For faster currents, apply more attractant or use a slow-release formula to ensure it stays in the water longer.
7. Balance Scent Strength: Not Too Strong, Not Too Weak
It might seem like the stronger the scent, the better—but that’s not always the case. Too much of a scent can overwhelm fish, causing them to avoid your bait altogether. In murky water, however, you might need a stronger scent to make up for the lack of visibility.
Better Solution: Adjust the strength of your attractant based on water clarity. In murky waters, go stronger. In clear waters, opt for a more subtle scent paired with visual triggers.
8. Consistency Matters: Viscosity Is Key
The consistency of your attractant—whether it’s thick, runny, or something in between—determines how it behaves in water. Too thin, and it will wash off your bait too quickly; too thick, and it won’t release effectively.
Better Solution: Experiment with different viscosities to find the right balance for slow, steady release over time.
9. Play with pH Levels: Fish Can Detect Them
Fish can sense changes in pH levels, which means attractants with the right pH balance can give you an edge. Acidic or alkaline attractants may trigger a stronger response in certain species, especially in bodies of water with naturally varied pH levels.
Better Solution: Research the pH of the waters where you're fishing and adjust your attractants accordingly.
10. Stay Safe: Consider Attractant Shelf Life
One important thing to remember when making fishing attractants is that they can spoil, especially if they’re water-based. Over time, these attractants can grow harmful bacteria and become unsafe for both you and the fish.
Better Solution: Only make what you need for the day, or store your attractants properly to prevent microbial growth. Discard anything that smells off or looks discolored.
Fishing attractants can be an excellent tool for increasing your catch rate, but only if used correctly. By following these 10 laws, you can avoid common mistakes and create attractants that are effective, safe, and suited to your target species.
Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, these tips will help you make the most of every fishing trip. Happy fishing!
