With more and more fisherman hitting the lakes each year, having an edge over the competition is crucial. Recently I’ve been trying to find just that, testing out a variety of different fish attractants. Over the last several years I’ve become a die hard believer in scented lures, and I’ve spent lots of time trying to determine the most effective ones. I’ve tested upwards of 20 scents on a variety of different fisheries, and I’ve learned that certain scents are better for certain species of bass. This list highlights a few of my personal favorites, and when I prefer to use each based on potency and the species of bass I’m targeting.
BERKLEY MAXSCENT
Berkley MaxScent is a popular choice for bass fishing due to its enhanced scent technology. The bait’s formula is designed to emit a strong, lasting scent that mimics natural prey, attracting bass more effectively than other lures. The scent disperses slowly, making it easier for bass to locate and hold onto the bait. Unlike other baits, this scent is embedded throughout the soft plastic lure, greatly enhancing both the longevity and potency of your scent.
I use Berkley MaxScent when fishing in areas where bass are known to be active but may be less aggressive. I also use this scent when the water is stained or murky, as the strong scent can help attract fish in low visibility conditions. It’s particularly effective during periods of low light or when fish are less likely to chase after fast moving reaction baits. I’ve used this bait for all three species of bass, however its especially productive around smallmouth. Berkley has a wide range of baits that feature the Maxscent formula, so there’s bound to be the perfect choice for your local fishery.
NORIES AGING BASS LIQUID
Nories Aging Bass Liquid is another effective scent due to its unique formulation designed to mimic the natural scents of prey fish. It contains amino acids and other attractants that create a powerful scent trail, enticing bass to bite even in challenging conditions. This scent is particularly good at masking human odors and adding a realistic element that bass find hard to resist.
You should use Nories Aging Bass Liquid in scenarios where fish are being finicky or are in less aggressive feeding modes. It’s also beneficial in clear waters where the scent trail can help bass locate your lure more easily. Applying it in cooler water temperatures or during times when bass are less active can also improve your chances of getting bites. I use this scent by adding it to a bag of my desired soft plastics, then letting it soak for upwards of three days. This allows the plastic to absorb the scent, allowing for a longer lasting scent trail. I’ve used this scent on all three species of bass, however I’ve found the most success with smallmouth and spotted bass.
BERKLEY GULP
Berkley Gulp is another great scent for bass due to its highly potent attractant formula, designed to release a potent and natural-smelling scent into the water. This scent mimics the odors of natural prey, making it highly appealing to bass and increasing their likelihood of striking. The Gulp baits are also infused with a special attractant that disperses quickly and remains effective longer than many traditional baits.
You should use Berkley Gulp when you want to target bass in pressured areas or locations that receive lots of current. This bait leaves a profound scent trail, allowing bass to track your lure in heavy current scenarios. It’s particularly effective in murky or stained water, where the strong scent can help bass locate the bait. It also works well in colder water temperatures or when bass are less aggressive, as the strong scent can trigger more bites by enticing bass that might otherwise be less inclined to strike. Ive used Gulp scents on all three species of bass, and they each seem to react positively to this specific scent.
BAIT FUEL
Bait Fuel is another productive scent that cannot go without mention. It uses a specialized formula that combines fish oils and other attractants to create a powerful and long-lasting scent trail. This scent mimics the natural odors of prey, making it more attractive to bass and increasing their likelihood of biting. Bait Fuel’s unique technology also helps the scent adhere to baits better and for longer periods, enhancing its effectiveness.
You should use Bait Fuel in situations where you need to boost the attractiveness of your lure, such as in tough fishing conditions or when bass are not aggressively feeding. It’s particularly useful in clear or pressured waters, where adding a strong scent can make a significant difference. Additionally, it can be beneficial in colder water temperatures or during periods when bass are less active, as the scent can help entice them to strike. Another reason I prefer Bait Fuel is its no-stain formula. You can spill this scent on your boat carpet or clothing without having to deal with annoying stains or a smelly residue. I’ve used this scent all over the country, and found it to be especially effective when targeting lethargic largemouth and smallmouth bass.
BANG FISH ATTRACTANT
Bang Fish Attractant, particularly the version with a garlic scent, is popular among bass anglers for several reasons. The scent can enhance a lure’s effectiveness by masking human odors and adding a strong, appealing aroma that attracts bass. Garlic is known to be a potent scent for bass because it can stimulate their feeding instincts.
This can be particularly useful in various conditions. For example, in cold water where bass are less active and their sense of smell is diminished, adding scent can stimulate their interest. In murky water, where visual cues are limited, a strong scent helps fish locate your bait more effectively. Additionally, in areas with high fishing pressure, where bass might be more cautious, scent can provide an advantage by making your bait more enticing. This scent is administered via spray bottle, and I tend to re apply scent after around 30 minutes of continuous fishing. I’ve used this scent for all three species of bass, however I prefer it for southern largemouth and spotted bass fishing as this scent matches the common prey found in these areas.
Its not secret that fish are becoming harder and harder to catch. While this may be true, adding scent is an easy way to pick up on a few extra bites. While scent isn’t always necessary, there’s never a time where it will hurt you. If your looking for new ways to pick up on a few extra bites this season, I highly recommend giving some of these proven fish attractants a try.
